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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author David Mar shares the inspiration behind his new book, The Everblue, and his creative writing process.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed David Mar about his life and career, the story of his latest book, The Everblue, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I did a DNA search recently and it turns out I have Scottish, German, Italian and French ancestry. That doesn’t say much about me. I define myself as a modest climate baller and a two-spirit fighter. I practice herbalism, hold a post-graduate diploma in psychology and I am learning Japanese. I am the proud dad of a lovely budding violinist. I love experimenting in my writing and “The Everblue” is my latest extravagance.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I was in my student flat one day and was reading fiction books for my literature degree and thought: I can do this.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Poetry was my alma matter. As soon as I could find the words to say who I was, I tried my hand at characterization. I think I started with the idea of writing a short story but it became a long story.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
About 20 years. Then, it just happened quickly from one to the next.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Everblue?
I travel a lot to Japan and I was taken by the hand to a ritual ceremony at the top of a mountain where I had a vision: a floating lake down a valley surrounded by trees and smoke. In fact, there were just trees down below. The lake was an illusion.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Everblue?
Where and when to stop.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
I studied a branch of psychology called psychosynthesis where traits are called sub-personalities. I took inspiration from my social interactions and deep fantasies. What’s extraordinary within each and every one of us is what I seek to highlight.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Some of my tutors at Uni were challenging. The world is not black and white. That’s the challenge.
What is the inciting incident The Everblue?
Love and illness. How they just compete for attention in our lives.
What is the main conflict of The Everblue?
Whether or not to act on your desires.
Did you plot The Everblue in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
It just flowed like a river full of salmons. I was just fly fishing throughout.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Everblue need?
A lot. Because it was so spontaneous. I made a lot of typos and even used foreign words.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Start with your feelings and work from there.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
“Wereshewolves” is my next novel. It is a psychological thriller based on a true crime story. Another dystopian novel about a Pictish witch beginning in 1st century Scotland is now an item.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
You’re damn right I’m proud. I had the pleasure to interact with other authors along the way, some famous some less, but I am not doing it for the fame. I just like to share the joy of being and writing. Writing is best feeling in the world.
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Kindle: https://amzn.to/4cLLMwc
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3J3UkRp
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