Dave Cole didn't publish his first novel until he was 60 years old, which just goes to show you're never too old (or young) to write your first novel.

Working full time, Dave has to fit his writing in around his job and he emphasises that a lot of pre-work goes on before he sits down to write.

He spends a lot of time thinking about his stories, jotting down ideas and planning the plotline. It's all a puzzle to be figured out and he loves it.

We talk about what makes a good middle grade story and for Dave it’s about getting to the action quickly, using accessible language and keeping up to date with what kids are interested in.

Dave Cole publishes two books a year. He writes intensively for five months, writing not only the first draft but doing the revisions as well. He then has a week or so of rest before starting the next book.

Pacing himself this way means he can keep up with the demands of writing and working, but not be burnt out by the process.

Towards the end of our conversation, we talk about marketing and how that is now an integral part of being an author. It doesn't matter if you're traditionally published or independently published. It doesn't matter if you sell five or five million books a year, you still need to engage with your audience.

What I love about my conversation with Dave is the real joy that comes across in the way he talks about his writing, his readers and book publishing in general. Dave Cole is a wonderful reminder that it’s why we do this. Because it’s fun!

Connect with Dave:

Dave’s Website - https://themathkids.com/
Dave Cole’s The Math Kids Series - Amazon Books

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