Mike Dellosso Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: Well, I’m a husband, father of five daughters, a healthcare worker, and an author. I love my family and love being a dad to daughters. We have so much fun with our girls. I’m originally from Baltimore and now live in Pennsylvania, love the country, Gettysburg, hiking, and just hanging out with my family.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: September, 1998. Yes, I remember the exact day. It was like being born again. My brother-in-law was in a severe motorcycle accident and my wife and I went to Albany, NY to be with my sister. It was bad and very sad, heartbreaking. When we returned home I was so full of every kind of emotion I didn’t know what to do with myself so I did the only thing I could think to do and that was grab a pen and pad of paper and begin writing. The short answer is that I fell in love with writing but that wouldn’t be telling the whole story. My whole life I’ve stuttered and I discovered at that moment that through writing I could say exactly what was on my mind and in my heart without struggling through blocks and stutters. I found my voice. Now, two things need to be mentioned here. One, my brother-in-law pulled through and is okay today. And two, ever since that discovery my stuttering has improved exponentially. Who knew?

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: Back in 2006 I attended the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference with a manuscript in hand. I was certain I’d sell it, that I’d even have editors fighting over it. Well, time after time editors and agents rejected it. Finally, my final meeting of the conference was with an author, Kathryn Mackel, who actually liked it. She suggested she hook me up with an agent friend of hers and a less than a year later I had a contract with Realms Fiction. In 2008 my first novel, The Hunted, was published. A few highlights have been publishing seven novels with Realms and then signing with Tyndale. Everyone I’ve worked with in the publishing industry has been just great. Kind, patient, encouraging. I have no complaints. I’ve loved working with everyone.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Kill Devil?

A: Sure. Kill Devil is the sequel to Centralia, the first book in my Jed Patrick series. It’s a psychological thriller that deals with government cover-ups, secret experimentation, ghost agencies, and a man trying to save his family. It’s Jason Bourne and The Manchurian Candidate all wrapped up in one. There are kidnappings, murders, chase scenes, fight scenes, lots of action and drama. The action moves from Idaho to Denver to Alcatraz to Kill Devil Hills, NC. It’s a great summer read that I hope will keep readers turning pages to see not only what happens next but to find out how it will all end.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Kill Devil?

A: I love the Jason Bourne books, the story, the concept. Government conspiracies intrigue me and the idea of building a super-soldier fascinates me. On top of that, I’m a die-hard family man. So the idea of blending the two, taking a real family man and putting him in the middle of a conspiracy that he knows nothing about, really grabbed my interest and I knew I just had to write a book about it, which then turned into a series.

But this particular book interested me because of the concept of synthetic telepathy, controlling someone’s mind and actions via a chip implanted in the brain. There are rumors the military is already experimenting with this. It’s fascinating and scary and makes for great fiction. And it leads to a lot of questions and hypothetical scenarios. Could someone be forced or coerced to do something outside their moral limitations?

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: This is going to sound like a cliché or cheesy quip but I want readers to understand the power of love. From a human to human standpoint, the power of love to break down barriers and cross huge chasms; the power of love to do the impossible. From a divine to human standpoint, the power of God’s love to reach anyone at anytime, anywhere. His love is unstoppable, indefatigable, and limitless. It’s real, it’s honest, it’s life-changing.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: I always love the beginning and ending. My favorite in this book and the most fun to write was the climax, the moment the protagonist, Jed Patrick, has a very serious decision to make and battles with not knowing what is real and what isn’t. His mind has been invaded and he needs to battle through all the lies and concoctions and find the truth. It’s a very intense, moving scene.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: I’m a very intrinsically motivated person so the inspiration comes mostly from within myself. I love the creative process. I love producing stuff, starting and finishing a project. Extrinsically, the readers motivate me. I want to give them great stories to read and be inspired by. My family motivates me. I want to make them proud. And the future motivates me. My books will still be around long after I’m gone, a little piece of me that will survive until who-knows-when.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: It’s a lot more work! Publishing novels is so much more than just writing books and sending them off to the editor. That’s only the beginning. There’s all the marketing and promoting stuff, the interacting with readers, social media, blogging, interviews, guest posts, article writing, conferences, speaking engagements. It’s a lot and truly a labor of love. Don’t take this as anything more than just what it is . . . but in what other field does someone work so hard and get paid so little for it?

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A:  Don’t give up. Way too many writers get frustrated and give up. Press on. I like to say that 100% of published authors didn’t give up. Also, realize and accept what God has in store for your writing. It may not be what you imagined or what you desire. He has a plan for your writing and will use it the way He sees best. Be okay with that. Embrace it. Run with it. Do your best no matter what you’re writing or who you’re writing for.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I’m bouncing around a few ideas for the next book in the Jed Patrick series and think I have a good one I just need to flesh out a little more. I’ve been writing a lot of articles and such. I’m between books right now so my mind is racing with possibilities. I just need to land on one and get to work!

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: Spend time with my family. Read. Occasionally I’ll get the hankering to draw. I like watching movies too.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: My web address is www.mikedellossobooks.com. You can find all my books, my schedule, my blog, just about everything about me there. You can also sign up for my newsletter there and get a free short story. You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mikedellosso and Twitter at www.twitter.com/mikedellosso.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: Thanks for this opportunity. Give my books a try and see if you like them. I think you will. And I’d love to hear your thoughts. I love interacting with readers so visit me online sometime.