Author Interview: Dan Krokos (Writer Real Talk #7)

Writer Real Talk is a segment where, every Friday, I interview published/agented writers in hopes of giving encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to aspiring writers. I'll basically ask authors a couple of questions that are *hopefully* helpful for you guys as fellow writers!

Today I have Dan Krokos on the blog, who is basically awesome. He's come to share advice with you regarding writing, agents, and his own publishing journey. Also, you need to be following this guy via Twitter if you aren't already, and be sure and check out his blog for more info.

After recovering from pumping gas for 9 years, Dan Krokos dropped out of college to write full time. He enjoys watching TV, playing MMORPGs, and drinking coffee. He is 26.



1. How long have you been writing?

I started in the summer of 2007, but didn't take it seriously until fall, when I knew this is what I really wanted to do. I finished my first manuscript on March 6th 2008 (it was an exciting day).


2. Do you have a typical "writer routine" you stick to (or try to stick to?)

I do, but I rarely stick to it. I'd like to get up early and write all day and then have the evenings off, but I usually start late and end late.

3. What made you decide to go the agent route with your writing, and was it a hard journey getting there?

It was the only route for me. I wanted to have a book in stores. I wanted to be edited. I wanted to focus on writing and have somebody else do all the other stuff. I write commercial stuff, so I knew if I couldn't get an agent's attention, I was probably doing something wrong.


4. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about or currently querying?

Query widely. And write your query while you write your manuscript. The query that got me an agent was something I worked on for weeks and weeks, tweaking it here and there, until I was happy with every word. Also, keep it short.


5. Are there any authors or books who influence your writing?

Josh Bazell and Charlie Huston have been enormous influences on me. On the YA side, Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth. George RR Martin has really influenced how I look at a sentence. I want to say I'm a better writer because of him.


6. FALSE MEMORY is your YA novel that comes out this fall from Disney-Hyperion. What was the best part of your publishing experience with your first book?

Working with a team of people to create something a hundred times better than what I would've done by myself. From the cover, to the editing, to the line editing, the interior design of the book, it's all been amazing.


7. Do you believe writers need to write everyday to get better at their talent?

In the beginning, yes. Maybe. It should be fun. Don't kill yourself. But you should also want to write every day. If you don't have that urge, something might be wrong. You should feel a little off, a little guilty. I only say that because you need a huge amount of drive to finish a book. That's why so many people don't. If you can write fast enough, and stay ahead of your doubt, you'll do better.

I was working 15 hour shifts at a gas station, then coming home to write for an hour, just so I didn't skip a day. I knew not writing every day meant I'd be working at a gas station even longer.

8. What advice would you want to give aspiring writers?

Do not make a twitter. Do not have a blog. Write. Every spare second should be spent honing your craft. It's all you have. The other stuff is a time sink. Sure, you might make some connection with a writing pal, or an agent might remember you and read your work a little closer, but in the end it's all time spent not writing.

The amount of time I've wasted on twitter still pains me.

9. What's one rule every author should live by?

Don't get attached. Your first manuscript probably blows. Put it in a drawer and move on to the next one. Keep moving forward. Don't get bogged down in a story you think is "the one." I promise you, you've got something better in you. You'll know when your skill is high enough that it's time to revise and stick with a story, and then query.