This is an interview with me that now appears on a prominent Austrian literary website - translated version of course.
Author Denzil A. Meyrick
After studying politics, and a short spell in the police force in Glasgow, D.A.Meyrick entered the business world. He has done everything from being a distillery manager, to owning his own marketing, PR and leisure company. He has also been a director of a number of companies, as well as working on and off as a freelance journalist.
He is 47 years old, and lives on Loch Lomond side in Scotland with his wife, Fiona, and cats.
He is 47 years old, and lives on Loch Lomond side in Scotland with his wife, Fiona, and cats.
Why did you become a writer, Denzil?
I have wanted to be a writer since I was a child. I started writing a novel when I was 8 and only got to page 12 - I wonder how it would have done? I think everyone has a particular talent, whether it be writing, painting, music, or more practical skills like being able to make things or perform complicated mathematics. If, for whatever reason, you don't follow your own particular talent, I think it calls you. That is certainly the case for me; after years of promising myself that I would get something done, I eventually have!
What is the hardest thing about being a writer?
I think the hardest thing about writing is finding the self discipline to just sit down and do it - a thousand things get in your way, especially at this time of year. When I first started writing WHISKY FROM SMALL GLASSES, I would leave days in between bouts of writing; I ended up forgetting what I had written and have to recap every time I put pen to paper! Once I was into a more regular routine, the whole process became easier, and much, much quicker.
What kind of advice would you give (young) people who want to
become a writer?
I always feel ill-suited to handing out advice, as I've taken very little of the mounds of it given to me over the years, however, I'll give it a try. I think it is important for a writer to be honest with themselves - analyse their assets and weaknesses. A good grounding in grammar, punctuation and basic form is essential - so study the books! Also, don't be like me, have a plan for when, and how much you want to write and stick to it; draft and redraft - hone your work, and never be afraid to ask somebody you trust for their opinion.
What is the hardest thing about being a writer?
I think the hardest thing about writing is finding the self discipline to just sit down and do it - a thousand things get in your way, especially at this time of year. When I first started writing WHISKY FROM SMALL GLASSES, I would leave days in between bouts of writing; I ended up forgetting what I had written and have to recap every time I put pen to paper! Once I was into a more regular routine, the whole process became easier, and much, much quicker.
What kind of advice would you give (young) people who want to
become a writer?
I always feel ill-suited to handing out advice, as I've taken very little of the mounds of it given to me over the years, however, I'll give it a try. I think it is important for a writer to be honest with themselves - analyse their assets and weaknesses. A good grounding in grammar, punctuation and basic form is essential - so study the books! Also, don't be like me, have a plan for when, and how much you want to write and stick to it; draft and redraft - hone your work, and never be afraid to ask somebody you trust for their opinion.
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