DJ Wilson

D.J. Wilson is a free lance writer, romance / adventure published author and community service volunteer. At present, his writings blend life stories and real locales with just enough fiction to keep his readers guessing as to what is real and what is not. In the last few years, along with his recurring blogs, he has written and published Ride To Redemption and the sequel, Ride To Restoration. But, life has a way of redirecting your path when you least expect it. His rural community in Tennessee has been devastated by rampant illicit drug use, Hep C transmissions and fatal overdoses. Working in and throughout the region, D.J. is slowly making a difference in the community. His latest task is bringing a needle exchange program to his county and those which adjoin it. "Life is not waiting for the Storms to Pass, It's Learning to Dance in the Rain." Questions and Answers from The Author What genres do you write, and why did you choose them? I like stories that convey a central truth or maxim. Stories that compel you to action, subliminally. Blending real life stories with fiction allows me, along with my readers, to live beyond my experiences. Add to that my lifelong romantic turn. Since I was a knee high, I’ve been drawn to women. Each touch, each fragrance, each caress, somehow I remember them all as if it were yesterday. Toss in the fact that I’ve loved and lost far too many times, all the while believing somewhere, somehow I would find lasting happiness. I’ve been called both an outstanding success in numerous fields, as well as, a catastrophic failure in others. That being said, I am able to draw from many of my own experiences as I put pen to paper. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, both here and abroad. It’s those memorable locales that are woven into my stories. Thus, my writings are sprinkled with more truths than fiction. Stories conveying with passion that I’ve been there, done that and have the life changing scars to prove it. Who has influenced you most when it comes to writing? Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, John Sandford, John Grisham, Robert B. Parker, Nora Roberts, and of late, EL James and Sylvia Day come to mind. These authors, along with a host of others have inspired me immeasurably. From where do you draw your inspiration to write a story? My inspiration comes from a vast array of personal experiences, too numerous to describe here, and from others whose lives have crossed my path. I believe we have an opportunity to pay it forward everyday, even when we’ve exhausted all our substantial assets. What you can’t give materially, you can give emotionally, supporting others who may be walking down a rocky, familiar path. Selflessness, I believe, is critical to living life in the fullest sense of the word. What do you find the most difficult aspect of being an author? The isolationism that comes with writing when you’re an extremely social person. I live to talk, to engage the world beyond my door. Secondly, sometimes it’s the honest critiques that are difficult to swallow when you realize ‘your best’ still needs lots of work. Tell us about your latest book? Ride To Retribution is the third in the Ride Series where the main character, D, gets the girl. The question remains in the end, which one, Candi or Victoria? Toss in the sudden, mysterious death of a major character, a woman with a willing Woo-Hoo determined to finish the Ride and many twists and turns that will leave you laughing and speechless. Toss in life maxims, broken dreams, murder and mayhem and you’ll get the gist of Ride To Retribution. With all of this going on, there’s bound to be hell to pay sooner rather than later. Like momma always said, “When you play with fire, you’re gonna get burned.” What writings do you have in the works? I’m blogging when something inspires me. Plus, I’m working on a story about the unsung heroes in our midst. Tell us about your favorite character you invented. D, the main character in the Series, reminds me so much of...........well me, flaws and all. Life is all about second chances, third, forth and fifth ones. I've quit counting all the times I've had to start over. But given what the Creator instilled in us initially, we all have the wherewithal to survive and thrive amidst the chaos that eventually comes our way. How can readers follow and or contact you? You can connect with me in numerous ways. Like I said earlier, I’m a people person. I reply to all my emails and appreciate my readers who voice an opinion on where the series should go. Plus I appreciate those who share the strengths and weaknesses of our writings. We strive to deliver a story with a message. However, that’s not always possible when life gets in the way. Email: dhlakelover@yahoo.com Website: http://www.dalehollowlakelover.com Twitter: @dhlakelover Why are you donating one dollar from every e-book sale? BECAUSE SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK IS AWESOME! Where else could you purchase an entire meal for twenty-five cents? Imagine the possibilities if other authors joined us in this quest to alleviate hunger, one dollar at a time. Every e-book sale from our Ride Series generates a $1.00 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank, producing up to 4 meals for those across America needing a little extra help. My goal of a hundred thousand meals purchased through our Ride Series may be lofty, but not unreachable. Thanks to you, our readers, we’ve surpassed fifty-thousand meals to date.