C. D. Verhoff – why do you use initials instead of your given name?
It fits easier on a book cover. Outside of writing, I usually go by Deanna, my middle name.
Why do you write?
I’m addicted. When a scene comes together, it gives me a high. When I’m forced to stay away from my computer too long, I get jittery until I get my daily fix of wordage. The compulsion sometimes interferes with my other responsibilities—housework, social life, and even my health. Writing is my blue meth, I guess.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing fiction. The same can’t be said for high school and college research papers—blech.
What motivates you to write?
I get off on creating new worlds, new people, and tormenting them. Mwah, ha, ha.
What writing are you most proud of?
Glory Alley and the Star Riders. I wrote the skeleton of the book, from beginning to the end in less than three days. Didn’t eat, didn’t sleep, it was as if the story poured into me from some other realm. I haven’t had the same experience with any of my other books.
What books did you love growing up?
As an elementary school student, I liked the Betsy-Tracy books, The Ramona Books, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Here Lies the Body, A Wrinkle in Time and most books by Judy Blume. In middle school and high school, I was into Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, J.D. Salinger and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Who is your favorite author?
From a purely entertainment standpoint, I’d have to say Dean Koontz. I like the way he portrays ordinary people in heroic ways. With Dean as the guide, when realistic people get thrust into bizarre situations, it’s always a fun trip. He frequently contrasts the worst of the human condition against the best and the latter usually wins out. I like that kind of optimism.
What genre of books do you adore?
Give me interesting characters, a strong plot, a fast pace, an interesting conflict and I can adore any genre.
What book should everybody read at least once?
The bible. It contains elements of nearly every genre. There’s romance, lust, action, murder, war, drama, cautionary tales and tales of redemption, self-help, inspirational (of course), flawed protagonists, the paranormal and supernatural, Christ figures, and of course, Christ Himself.
Are there any books you really don’t enjoy?
I had to read The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck for high school English class. I started that book a dozen times and couldn’t get past chapter three. I don’t know why.
Another book I didn’t enjoy was Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison—also a school assignment. I picked it from a list of approved books because I thought it would be about a guy who was literally invisible, but it turned out to be about racial issues. Maybe I’d enjoy it now, but at the time I felt like I had been horribly misled. Over the years, I have found a lot of books I haven’t enjoyed, but I picked on these two because they’re classics of literature.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
I don’t like obituaries that read like job resumes. The people who care about me already know all of that. The kinds of things I want people to remember about me don’t get printed in newspapers. Did I make them laugh? Did I teach them, help them, inspire them, make them feel special? So name, rank and serial number only, please.
The last survivors of the human race are riding out nuclear winter in an underground bunker when disaster strikes. Forced to the surface centuries ahead of schedule, what they find blows their minds. Who can explain it? Two social misfits work together to unravel the mystery.
After living in a posh underground shelter his entire life, Lars Steelsun is plunged headfirst into a mind-blowing adventure on the surface of the Earth. As Lars and his displaced bunker mates are led across the grasslands by Mayor Wakeland, a man of questionable sanity who claims to talk with God, they discover a primitive world where human beings are no longer welcome.
Even more mystifying is the emergence of new senses and abilities from within. Learning to use them has become a priority, but his biggest challenge comes from the vivacious Josie Albright. Her lust for glory is going to get them both into trouble. Sparks fly when her gung ho ways clash with his cautious personality. Can they overcome their differences to find love and a homeland for their people?
May not be suitable for younger readers.
Contains mild profanity, sexual situations (infrequent), and violence.
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Genre - Epic Fantasy
Rating – R
More details about the author
I really enjoyed doing the interview. The sequel, Seeker of the Four Winds: A Galatia Novel, will be out later this month. Thank you for hosting me on your website.
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