Author Interview: DUSTIN ARCHIBALD

And I'm back again, chatting with another awesome author about their writing journey, future plans, and highs and lows! 

​Here we go... 

Though I mainly write fiction I have been known to dabble in computer programming (20+ years), martial arts (22+ years), business (20 years), and a whole bunch of other things. I try to keep open to learning new things and making new connections.

I write books for children, teens, and adults, although my current focus is on pre/teen books especially with the Asha Anderson Series.
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I live in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada with my wife Tracy, my son Logan, and my dog Tootsie.

Follow Dustin here! 

Website: dcarchibald.com (Signup for his newsletter!)
Twitter: @dcarchibald
Facebook: facebook.com/dcarchibald
Instagram: @dcarchibald
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Popular friends, a beautiful home, loving parents; she had it all. That is until her birthday and her trip to the wondrous city of Ascension’s Cross. During an attack by the criminal organization called The Dragon, her mother is killed and Asha is left in a coma for weeks.

Now, Asha has no friends, stays in a rundown apartment with her father who doesn’t seem to know she exists, and lives in the same city that took her mother’s life. Worst of all is her “condition”: her body spasms, she screams, she blacks out. Add all that to having to start over at a new school and Asha doesn’t know how things could get any worse.

When The Dragon attacks yet again Asha is caught in chaos and learns her condition has given her amazing abilities: strength, speed, endurance. At every turn she seems to battle them, each fight becoming more thrilling, more dangerous. But even Asha’s newfound powers may not be enough to stop The Dragon and their sinister plans for the city. . . ​

​Grab your copy here! 
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The Interview...

​Who are you and what do you write?

I write books for children, teens, and adults, although my current focus is on pre/teen books especially with the Asha Anderson Series.

 
Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you?

I've been writing for a long time, probably since I was 7 or 8. For school, I remember writing a gory western where a man got his leg stuck in a bear trap. My parents were called in to the school to discuss it, but when I mentioned that was the kind of books they read everyone calmed down a bit.

 
How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown?

I got started writing professionally for graphics novels and comic books and since then I've moved over to writing novels and short stories. It's been a real learning experience dealing with how publishing works, the do's and dont's and best practices, working with others, and learning to rely on my own skills.

I'm a Developmental Editor and have been on the Board of Directors for my province's writer's association (as President among other roles). Both have given me great insight into not only the publishing process, but writing in general.

The writing community is so supportive and I'm glad to have met so many wonderful writers.

 
What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable?

The hardest part has to be learning about marketing. I'm not a marketer or sales person by nature, I prefer to work on the material and storytelling. Unfortunately, that is not enough. With the help of many people, I'm slowly learning the ropes.

The most enjoyable part of writing/publishing, besides the writing, is hearing back from readers and fans. It's great to know what my work is being enjoyed across the world and people are finding value in it.

 
Would you go back and change anything?

I would go back and start my writing/publishing journey sooner. It's so much better having my work out than constantly waiting for the perfect opportunity to come along.

 
Where would you like to be in 5 years time? And 10? Or, what are your plans for the future?


In 5 years time I expect my Asha Anderson series to be completed. By 10 years, I'll have a mass following of rabid fans clamoring to read my next book!

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out?

Don't be afraid to get help at every step of the journey. Find a mentor who you respect and is successful in their writing that you would like to emulate. This way you can benefit from their experience and perhaps pass on what you have learned when you are ready to mentor.

 
And most importantly...

Ketchup or Mayo? - Ketchup
Night or Day? - Day
Inside or Outside? - Depends on the weather?
Dogs or Cats? - Dogs
Twitter or Facebook? - Twitter for the network. Facebook for the friends
e-book or Paperback? - e-book
Sun or Rain? - Sun!
Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? - Keyboard
Comedy or Drama? - Comedy
Chips or Chocolate? - Chocolate!