John M. Daniel Revisited

John M. Daniel was born in Minnesota, raised in Texas, and educated in Massachusetts and California. He was a Wallace Stegner Fellow in Creative Writing at Stanford University and a Writer in Residence at Wilbur Hot Springs. He has taught fiction writing at UCLA Extension and Santa Barbara Adult Education and was on the faculty of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference for nearly twenty years. He now teaches creative writing for Humboldt State University Extended Education.

John’s stories have appeared in dozens of literary magazines. His thirteen published books include four mysteries: Play Melancholy Baby, The Poet’s Funeral, Vanity Fire, and Behind the Redwood Door.

John, you have an impressive background in teaching creative writing. When did you first realize your interest in literature?

When I was five years old my mother read me The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. She explained the irony in that remarkable book, and I knew then that forevermore I would be a reader. About ten years later I started reading the novels of Richard Bissell, and I knew then that, whatever it took, I would be a writer.

You’ve worked as a bookseller, freelance writer, editor, entertainer, model and innkeeper as well as a teacher. Which of those jobs did you enjoy and which would you rather forget?

I think I got my highest moments as an innkeeper and a bookseller, because in both cases I was dealing with people and supplying them with what they most wanted at the time. Teaching, too, come to think of it. My least favorite job was as an academic editor for the Stanford University Press. I essentially flunked out, because I wasn’t good enough. That job was hard, borrrrring, and I wasn’t up to the task.

Have you incorporated any of your work experiences into your novels?

 Of course. I’ve written fiction about hotel managers and bar musicians, and my newest one (not yet published) is about a bookstore clerk. My main work experience, as a small press publisher, is what fuels the Guy Mallon mystery series, or at least the first two books thereof, The Poet’s Funeral and Vanity Fire.

Who most influenced your own work?

 I’ve already mentioned Richard Bissell, my favorite writer because of his honest, humorous, wry, cynical yet compassionate voice. He writes about simple folk and makes them into small-time heroes. I should also give a nod to science fiction writer Ray Russell, with whom I corresponded weekly. He was my mentor during my thirties, and he helped me become the writer I became. I also must acknowledge Wallace Stegner and Nancy Packer of the Stanford Creative Writing Program.

Tell us briefly about your small press and how it came about.

I moved to Santa Barbara in 1983 with the goal of being an entertainer, singing old standards and accompanying myself on the guitar. I got a few gigs, but I needed a day job. I’d worked as an editor and a bookseller, so I hired on at Capra Press, a distinguished independent publisher. My position was assistant to the sales manager, Susan Winton. Within a few months, Susan and I were a couple, and we left Capra, pooled our meager resources, and started our own publishing business which (after we married in 1987) became Daniel & Daniel. We’ve never looked back, even in moments when the business drives us nuts.

Have you published any of your own books and how do you feel about indie publishing?

 I have a lot of respect for indie publishing, which comes in many flavors. Yes, I’ve published three books under one of our own imprints, Fithian Press: One for the Books: Confessions of a Small-Press Publisher; Structure, Style and Truth: Elements of the Short Story; and The Ballad of Toby and Lark: A Cat Fantasy. I’ve also epublished three novels with Kindle and Nook: Swimming in the Deep End, Geronimo’s Skull, and Elephant Lake.

Advice to aspiring writers?

Write for the joy of writing. Other reasons to write (for money, for fame) may not pay off, but if you love the pleasure of telling stories, you’ve already won the game.

What are the biggest mistakes your writing students have made?

The word “very” in every other sentence. Beginning writers tend to think the word “very” strengthens a sentence, when in fact it more often than not does the exact opposite.


What inspired your latest book, Behind the Redwood Door?

When Susan and I moved to the North Coast of California, famous for its rocky shores, its towering Redwood trees, its mountains inland, and (yes, for better or for worse) its illegal cash crop, I was enchanted. Then I started hearing gossip about the area’s shady past: exploitive lumber barons, the poor treatment of Native peoples, family feuds, etc. I got hooked. I knew I had to write about this place. And I knew I had to make the murder take place behind our favorite bar, which I renamed the Redwood Door.

Thanks, John.

You can visit Joihn at his website,
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