Heartbeat: An Interview with Dan Morrow
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If you are living life, then you have a story, or maybe more to tell. You have a journey to share and lesson for someone who needs to learn. One of the best ways to do so is to write it and publish it in book form. Author Dan Morrow knows oh so well about taking a life story and sharing it with those who may be in a similar situation. “A Heartbeat in Danger,” is his latest book inspired by true events.
1. Was being an author a childhood dream?
From the time I could read, yes. There was something about the written word that appealed to me like nothing else. I loved the way words could be strung together, manipulating thoughts and emotions into imaginative concepts.
2. When did you begin your publishing journey?
Right after I was let go from my job in early 2018. I had toyed with the idea of writing a book, but that was the impetus for me to become serious in publishing.
3. What did you learn about the publishing process?
Using a ‘hybrid’ publisher — they did all the “heavy lifting” in making my manuscript look like a book — it was eye opening. I enjoyed collaborating with them in making the story come to life, but realizing there was no promotion/marketing behind it was a huge disappointment.
4. What inspired you to write your latest book?
My latest book is titled ‘A Heartbeat in Danger.’ It was inspired by a real-life conversation I had with our daughter’s best friend, who we’ve known since she was in 3rd grade. She’s become a second daughter to us by now. Some time ago, she became pregnant with her first child. One evening, I was driving her to a friends’ home, and she wept in my car the entire time. She felt isolated, like her entire world was destroyed because of her pregnancy. Her dreams were shattered by the reality of what she was facing. I multiplied that conversation by the thousands and thought of all the other girls who feel the same way. Then I thought about the shouting we hear daily, the “YES”/”NO” of the extremes of this divide. And I realized, she didn’t need shouting, or me thumping her over the head with the bible knowledge I have. She needed me to listen.
5. What is your latest book and a brief summary?
‘Heartbeat’ is about a teenage girl facing an unexpected pregnancy who is carried into the future to see what her unborn child’s life may or may not become. The teen sees her child in different situations, both good and bad, and is challenged in her belief that her life is ruined. I don’t take sides in this argument, I don’t proselytize a message, I simply tell the story and allow the reader to decide for themselves what the teen will do as a result of seeing her child’s potential future.
6. What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Don’t give up. Ever! Research your options before deciding on who you want to handle your manuscript. Read reviews on publishing companies, join author groups on Facebook and other social media outlets. The more knowledge you have, the better.
7. Name something you would have liked to know about the publishing process before you started.
To avoid certain companies that don’t put money into promoting/marketing my book. It’s one thing to write and publish your book. It’s quite another to have a plan to market it and who to promote it to.
8. What kind of reader(s) do you think would appreciate this book the most? Anyone who is aware Roe v Wade has been returned to the states to make the decision. Anyone who is pro or con on this issue. We’ve heard nothing but screaming and shouting for 50 years and it hasn’t done any good. Maybe it’s time we start asking different questions about this issue and remember it’s not about an agenda. It’s about my daughter’s best friend who felt abandoned by the world and needed someone to come alongside her and support her, regardless of the outcome.
9. Where can we find you and your books?
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/heartbeatamb
Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/heartbeatbab
Books-a-Million: https://tinyurl.com/heartbeatbam
10. Are you on any social media platforms?
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/dmorrowfb
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/dmlinked
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/dmorrowinsta
11. What author would you like to meet for lunch and conversation?
I think it might be nice to have met CS Lewis. Not only was he a learned man, but he provoked thought in everything he wrote. I love literature and books that can entertain, but make you think at the same time.
Dan Morrow is one of many authors who have used life events for inspiration for a book to share with others. Hopefully if you are or know someone who is experiencing similar events you will read his book and it will give you the answers you need. Or maybe his publishing story will encourage you to publish your journey and share your life experience.
