We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

This is Author Life with D.A. Busby, author of ‘Running From Roswell’ and ‘CANYONS’.

Could you tell us three interesting facts about yourself?

For three years in a row, I’ve won the blue ribbon at the North Idaho State Fair for my knitting creations.

Every year, I attend as many comic conventions as I can and meet actors from my favorite tv shows and movies. Last year, I met my hero, Kate Mulgrew, from Star Trek Voyager. That was the pinnacle.

I have a very large Harry Potter collection (i.e. book sets, villages, legos, action figures, and autographed photos). I don’t know what the largest collection is, but mine might be it.

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

My husband was a police officer in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and his on-the-job stories spawned a lot of my novel ideas. Also, I love to hear firsthand accounts of paranormal experiences, whether it’s talking to someone who has had an experience, or watching documentaries on tv.

 

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

“The Year the Horses Came” by Mary Mackey. When I read that book, it was the first time I was transported to another time and place. I knew after reading that novel, I wanted to be a novelist.

 

Can you tell me about the book?

This book was inspired by a documentary I saw on missing people in the desert southwest. It started with a grain of an idea from that series and blossomed into this story. This is my favorite story so far to write. It was fun to do research on the area, talk to people about UAP encounters, and write about the weird stuff that happens in the desert.

 

What were your first experiences with writing?

I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember. I kept a diary for years (that is so fun to look back at now). I wrote bad poetry when I was going through my confusing teenage years. In my early 20s I wrote my first novel. I call it my “trunk” novel because it should never see the light of day.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

Passion for what you are writing about. Your reader can tell when you aren’t excited about your story and you’ve struggled to get the words on the page. Beyond that, fall in love with your characters. I imagine what they look like, what their favorites are, and what they do on a typical day off. If you know your characters well, you know how they will react in certain situations and choices they would naturally make.

How long should an author spend on their craft each day?

I don’t have a set time that I write. I have days and blocks of times when I sit down to work on my craft. If the “writing bug” is with me that day, I can and will write for hours. Sometimes, it’s just not there and I don’t try to force it. However, I do try to be creative and do something fun every day.
 

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

I had too many people weighing in. I found myself editing it so much that I wasn’t happy with it anymore. The first part of the book – the Prologue – has been changed and moved too many times to count. So, I went back to an original version, silenced those outside voices, and trusted my instincts.
 

What common pitfalls should aspiring writers avoid?

Believing that writing a novel is easy. It must be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and it’s only because I’m passionate about it that we have “Running from Roswell” today. Also, many writers lack the confidence in their writing. While it’s not easy to write a novel, if you have good ideas and a great story, the novel will come. Be patient.

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Trust your story and your ability. Find one or two strong readers in your life who love your genre and ask them to read your story and give you feedback. But in the end, it’s your story and you are the creator. Trust yourself.

‘Running From Roswell’ and ‘CANYONS’ are available now.