As stated by Doug, creating characters for his book is a fun-loving. Doug J. Cooper, who is not only a master in, creating short stories but also, expert crafting super hit character, Criss in Crystal Series. Cooper has total five books in the series. Furthermore, he has also written, “Bump Time”
About author
Doug J. Cooper is the author of the Crystal Series and Bump Time science fiction novels. Moreover, is professor emeritus of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut. And is founder and director of Control Station, Inc. His passions include telling inventive tales, mentoring driven individuals. And everything sci-tech. He lives in Connecticut with his darling wife and with pictures of his son, who is off somewhere in the world creating adventures of his own.
In the below interview, Doug talked about his journey of writing books, his process of work effectively with dedication and joy. Keeping his readers in suspense, what his characters will do next, is one of his styles of writing. Cooper thinks that plot developing is like solving puzzles.
He also discussed his key factor to success in writing. Keep reading and explore more ideas in writing and crafting novels in the interview.
What was your journey to become a writer?
At age 56, I was looking for a new creative outlet in my life. I sat down and began writing a story, just having fun creating characters. At the time, I didn’t know if it would be a short story, a book, or just something to do to pass the time that particular afternoon. Fifteen months later, I released Crystal Deception, the first of a popular four-book science fiction adventure series.
What is your writing process?
I’m not a planner. I create a story as I write it. My joy comes from the creative process of writing into the unknown. It’s fun for me to discover what my characters will do next, how they’ll behave in challenging situations, their morals. Plot development is like solving a puzzle. I enjoy being at a particular point in an adventure, with characters deployed here and there, all with histories and in certain situations, and now I must move forward in a plausible and entertaining fashion. My key to success is persistence. I write every day for a few hours. And slowly, but surely, I accumulate words that become books.
Do your books have a message?
My highest priority is to entertain. The professor in me reveals itself, though because my next priority is to teach, weaving tidbits about science and technology into the stories. For example, in a scene in Crystal Conquest, a character is in space looking back at Earth, marveling that the atmosphere responsible for protecting and nourishing all life appears as a thin layer—a wisp of gas—encircling the planet. If this is a new idea for the reader, perhaps it will inform their future thoughts and actions about how to treat our atmosphere. In the different books, you can find a science-filled sentence or two about AI inference engines, orbital mechanics, automatic control systems, cloaking devices, and lots more.
What is the name of your upcoming novel, and could you please tell us more about it?
I’m starting a new series, and I am quite excited about it. The main character is Cuss Abbott, Interworld Marshal. Imagine a blend of Jack Reacher or Harry Bosch or Lucas Davenport investigating crime in a massive space city of two million residents, with chases taking them across worlds, their quarry defeating technology of the future to commit horrific crimes.
Cuss Abbott’s debut story, called Lagrange Rising, is an exciting sci-fi crime drama due for release in August 10, 2022. It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and no hanging ending. Each story wraps up in one book.
Did you use a professional editor? If so, why?
All of my books have been edited by the talented Tammy Salyer of Inspired Ink Editing. The process begins with a book first being read by my beta readers. I make changes based on their input, and then the book receives a formal manuscript evaluation from Tammy. I make changes and then Tammy gives it a line by line copy edit. I make changes and then a proofreader finalizes it. It’s the rare person who can produce a quality novel without the involvement of writing professionals. That’s why I do it.
What’s your favorite part about writing?
I love having my characters surprise me, which they do pretty much every time I write, and which is why I can’t plot ahead. The conversations are the wild card. Once the characters start talking, then all bets are off. In a verbal exchange, a character will reveal information I had planned on holding back, note something that becomes a flaw in my own plot, or make a quip that takes the scene in an unexpected direction. I don’t fight it. I embrace it. Discovering what’s going on in a character’s mind is one of the thrills that keeps me writing.
What advice do you have for new writers?
Write every day and enjoy the time. Writing is art, and so there will be people who like what you do and those who don’t. So, like any art form, do it for yourself. Write what brings you joy and satisfaction, and you will produce the best work you are able and have fun doing it.
If you have enjoyed reading, “Writing a story, just having fun creating characters”,
