Donald J. "DJ" Humphrey II Interview Published on: 03, Aug 2021
If you had to describe your childhood in three lines, what would you say?
I had a great farm upbringing with lots of animals and hard work, but I was a bit isolated from other kids.
I enjoyed participating in sports like basketball and baseball. I was fortunate to attend Western Reserve Academy, one of the finest preparatory high schools in the nation.
What are some significant events from your childhood that you think shaped your outlook on life?Learning to work hard on the farm, the many dog relationships, and excellent education at Western Reserve Academy.
Was becoming an author something you always planned on doing, or did you have other goals as a child?I never thought of being an author as a child. I always thought I would do something in the business world.
When you first started writing, who were some of your author role models you tried to emulate?Ernest Hemingway.
What is one book you've read that has most influenced your life?The Bible.
What does writing mean to you?It means a lot to me because I had the honor to write about my father's remarkable WWII experience. I wrote 8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle because my father had always wanted his story to be a published book. And I wanted to share his story with my family and the rest of the world.
What is one thing valuable you would give up to become a better writer?Since I probably will not be writing another book, I do not need to become a better writer. But if I decided to write another book and wanted to become a better writer, I would have to give up precious, valuable time.
How long does editing your books usually take?I think it took three weeks to edit 8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle.
Do you usually seek help, or do you prefer to do it on your own?I searched for a good editor that I could work with during the process of editing my book. An author needs to be careful. If not watched, an editor might change something because they think it sounds better and changes your intended meaning. This flexibility of working with an editor during the editing process is one of the reasons why I decided to self-publish.
Did you expect your memoir, 8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle, to become a bestseller? What was your reaction?I wrote the book because my father had always wanted his story to be a book and published. I wrote it for my family and my father's friends. I also wanted to share my father's incredible story with the world. I didn't know if anyone would like the book or not. The number of sales and what all the five-star reviews on Amazon say about the book surprise me and amaze me. I am glad that people enjoy reading 8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle that tells my father's remarkable story. I am excited about the Best Seller recognition because that means many people are reading about what men like my father endured to fight for our country's freedom.
What is the harshest but also most helpful criticism you've ever received? What was the best?I haven't received much criticism. There have been some, but very few, misunderstandings about the exact 1945 WWII era names used in the book, like Jap and gorilla fighters. But those were the terms that they used during the WWII era, and most people understand its authenticity.
My favorite Amazon review is this one from Charles Davis:
I am 78 and have for 60 years read on WWII, both European and Pacific campaigns; WWII has been my avocation, and I am sure I have read more than a thousand books on the subject, maybe several thousand, everything I could get my hands on. This book is one of the most interesting, most riveting of all. The author is a very good writer, and this true story I could not put down and was sorry to end the book. Do not hesitate to buy and read.
It does not get any better than that! Thank you, Charles Davis.
My most significant risk as a writer was the decision to write my father's story and then writing the book. Each day during the writing process, I took the risk of not getting it right. I worked hard to get it right.
And yes, I am surprised and happy to say that it did pay off – A Best Seller!
How many unpublished or unfinished books do you have?I don't have any unfinished books.
Would you rather go on holiday on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean or on a safari in South Africa?I have already been on a cruise in the Mediterranean. So now I would like to experience a safari in South Africa and see all the incredible wildlife.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?If I ever published another book, it would probably be a compilation of all the papers I wrote in Bible college.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?AllAuthor is an excellent website. AllAuthor's book cover contest, Twitter posts, book mockup banners, and all the other AllAthor promotional tools have been part of helping 8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle become a Best Seller.
