D. A. Featherling

D. A. Featherling writes in multiple genres. Her years in business as an administrator for corporations, state agencies, and a university physics research center, and as owner of a home staging business, make her a perfect candidate to write about the lives and loves of everyday people.

A recent interview provides more information about the popular Texas author.

When did you first discover you were a writer?

I’ve been a reader all my life (make that an avid reader, like on average one book a day). I never tried my hand at creative writing until about 1999 when I read an article in Reader’s Digest asking what you would do as a career if you didn’t have to worry about training, time, finances, education, etc. Without even considering, the thought popped into my mind…” I’d write books.” It really surprised me because, even though I loved to read, I’d never thought about writing books. I stuffed the thought into the back of my mind, but it kept coming back until I finally figured “how am I going to know I can/can’t unless I try?” So, I tried. That began my writing journey.

In January 2013, as the possessor of half a dozen unpublished manuscripts, I figured if I was ever going to see my name on a book, I needed to get busy. Since then, I’ve indie published over forty-five books in multiple genres, both fiction and non-fiction.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

I do. It was a story about a little boy angel named Homer. Red-haired, freckle-faced and...bored! I planned a series about Homer and his adventures...I was going to call it the Heavenly Daze series. I still like the idea so I may re-visit it sometime. I just need to decide if it's for kids...or adults!

What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?

My favorite genre is mysteries including cozy mysteries. I also enjoy suspense and action/adventure/thrillers as well. I do occasionally read in other genres, but the ones I mentioned are my favorites.

What’s the first thing you do when beginning a new book?

I know it may sound weird, but I have to have a title. I simply can’t focus on the story until I know what the title is going to be. I usually have a pretty general idea of the plot of the book and maybe a character or two (especially if I’m writing a series), but without the title, I can’t get started. A couple of books back, in my Time Game series, I could not come up with a book title I liked or that really worked for an idea. I want my titles to be original, and always like one that’s a play on words. So I finally put out a notice on my Facebook page. Sure enough, one of my ‘friends’ made a suggestion that was perfect. I sent her a signed copy of the book as thanks.

What do your fans mean to you?

Fans are a great blessing...the icing on the cake. Not only do I get to write books...but I get to share them with people to enjoy. I am always so humbled when someone tells me how a particular book has touched them or enhanced their life in some way. It's a feeling difficult to compare to anything else.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

My motivation for writing initially...and it hasn't changed...is to produce a book that will enable my readers to go to a different place where they can escape whatever’s going on in their lives for a while. If, after finishing the book, they close the back cover and have a smile on their face, then I've done a good thing. I still believe that, even after so many books.

A complete listing of D. A.’s books are available on Amazon.