Donald Marino Interview Published on: 19, Jul 2019
Where have you spent most of your childhood? Which was your favorite place to visit in central Pa?
I spent my early years in Port Royal and my teens in Richfield. For fun I love going to Knobles Grove. It’s an Amusement park.
As a senior in high school, what inspired you to write your first book?I was in study hall and we had to find something to do quietly, so I began to write.
Having spent four years in the Army, what life lessons did it teach you?I learned how lucky I was to live in such a great country.
How would you describe your experience of being involved with community theater for over twelve years?I love doing community theater. It’s a lot of work and time but being on stage and hearing the audience react, there is nothing like it.
What are some of the best lessons you have learned in an improve class in New York City? How did it help you shape into an author?You learn to think outside the box and trust your first thought, because there isn’t time for a second.
How did you get started with Return of the Shadows Book One? What inspired the plot of th story?The political climate with all of the hate and lies inspired the plot. The rest came as I scratched out notes.
Who inspired the character of Alastrine? How do you come up with character names?I did research on many of the names. Alastrine is Celtic and mean defender of man kind. I love star wars so he is close to a jedi.
Which is your favorite book written by Terry Brooks?Terry Brooks series Shannara. The series is great and I don’t think I could pick one book above the other.
Why did you choose the Fantasy genre? What is the biggest challenge of making your fantasies feel real to your readers?I love fantasy because there is no limits. It’s your world and you can do what you want. Stepping back and reading it like the first time reader. I know what is happening and sometime I get excited and don’t get it all down right.
If you could pick one character from your books to bring to life, which would it be? Why?I think it would be O. He is the good troll in the book. I would pick him because he is innocent and loving, and hopefully we would all learn from him.
What is the most ideal ambiance for you to write in?Believe it or not, I sit at the kitchen table with my husband on the others side talking to who ever has stopped by, I will add to their conversation as I am writing. I can’t just sit quiet at a desk and look at a screen.
Walk us through your research and writing process when writing Fantasy.Well fantasy is pretty free, but I did do research on names. Like the Goddess are Nortic Goddess although I made them sisters in the book, Which take us back to the free part. I think it help to mix some from inside the box as well as outside the box.
What advice would you give to new and aspiring authors?I would tell them to never give up, and to write what make you happy.
What book ideas are you currently working on?I am looking to keep the series going. Book three will be out in Aug. sometime. I am looking to the next three book series “Return of the Shadows the Thinning of the Vale.”
Lastly, when did you join AllAuthor and what is it about this site that you love or hate?I joined earlier this year I believe. This site is a great way to promote your book on a budget. I love the banners.
