D. C. Wilkinson Interview Published on: 10, Nov 2025
What first inspired you to combine historical fiction with portal fantasy in “Devin’s Dreams?”
While researching my own family tree I bumped into a rare book about the origins of the comic opera in Europe which mentions the name of one of my ancestors. I found his story fascinating and decided to write about it, incorporating fiction into the narrative. About the portal fantasy element in "Devin's Dreams", I was inspired by my own experiences involving lucid dreams as a child and later in life.
How did your love for cappuccinos become part of your writing routine or creative process?I'm a bit of a caffeine addict, and writing while enjoying a nice cappuccino has always been part of my routine.
As a lifelong voyager of “inner and outer realms,” how do you see travel—whether physical or spiritual—shaping your storytelling?For me, travelling in any dimension --physical or ethereal-- is part of the process of discovery. My stories reflect this as they describe inner and outer worlds inhabited by characters whose lives unfold as they encounter new challenges at every turn in different environments.
What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from “Devin’s Dreams?”First and formost is the theme that love is timeless and comes clad in many garments. Another one is the notion that there may be infinte parallel dimensions all around us, from which we are separated by invisible porous membranes.
Can you describe your journey from teaching in New York City to becoming a published novelist?I've been writing since I was a child, mostly poetry and short stories. However, I never envisioned a writing career for myself. It was only after I retired, and specially during the pandemic, that I decided to embark in this journey that opened new paths, including publishing.
What sparked the idea for ”Devin’s Dreams”, and how did the story evolve from your first draft to the final book?"Devin's Dreams" is a 360-page historical fiction novel that includes 3 timelines, 30 chapters, and multiple settings and characters. It took me three years to complete it as it required extensive research in several areas. As an example, switching back and forth from modern to mid-18th century English was a pretty serious challange.
There were several drafts, and the editing process seemed endless. But the core of the plot remained intact.
Did you draw inspiration from real historical events or figures when creating your novel’s world?Yes. Some of the characters are based on historical figures, and some on people I came to know at some point in my life. The names were changed to protect their right to privacy. Same applies to the events described in the narrative. However, the dialogues are strictly fictional.
How did you balance the historical fiction elements with the fantastical aspects of the portal fantasy?Devin, the main character in the present timeline, "travels" in time --by mysterious means-- to the 18th century where he embodies Giovanni, a comic opera impresario. This happens again and again throughout the novel.
Were any of the characters inspired by people from your own life?Yes.
What was the most challenging part of writing “Devin’s Dreams”—and the most rewarding?Weaving the plot through a seamless flow of events, each with a unique hook, was the most challenging task. The most rewarding aspect was the creative process itself and seeing it all come together in the end.
Do you have a set writing ritual, and if so, what does it look like?I sit at my desk with my beagle next to me, a venti cappuccino, and whispering muses all around me.
How has your background in Language Arts and the Humanities shaped your writing voice?I was exposed and fell in love with historical fiction and magical realism long before I went to college. But I found my voice long after I completed my formal education.
Living in Connecticut now, do you find your environment influences your creativity differently than New York City did?Absolutely. I love vibrant urban centers like New York City, but I also love the peaceful "green and blue" settings of suburban and rural America.
What’s next for you—are you working on a sequel to Devin’s Dreams or exploring a new project entirely?I am currently working on the second volume of "Scents of Lavender: Queer Love Through the Ages --In Verse". These are illustrated poems about same sex romantic relationships in history, throughout the world.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?Excellent. I love my weekly mockup banners!
