Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Dustin Lawson
Book Title: The Firing of Doctor Democracy
Released: Was received as ARC- Released 10/10/20
Genre: Historical Fiction YA
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Firing of Doctor Democracy”?
Lawson: The partisanship that caused the government to shut down in January of 2018 was a major inspiration, but probably the greatest inspiration comes from being fired in 2019 by the White House because I voiced dissenting opinions. Democracy is on the decline around the world, and I fear this trend continuing. So, from that movement, was inspired the character of Doctor Democracy who has been fired by the United States and most of the world’s democracies. As a result, their health has declined.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Lawson: I write stories because a in writing novels I create worlds in which I create the rules for and can control, contrasted with this world in which I have little control. I do not sit down and try to think up new book ideas or else I would probably get overwhelmed by how many ideas I come up with, but know I could never get done in one lifetime. A book idea has to hit me, force itself onto me organically, and bother me so much that I have to put it on my list of books to write.
My Bio: Dustin Lawson is the author of nine books. After spending a year as the personal assistant to an author, Dustin served nine years in the military as a public affairs officer. Since then, he has worked as a government speechwriter, a position he was appointed to by the White House. Throughout high school and college, Dustin worked as a lion and tiger trainer at a big cat reserve. He has degrees in religion and international politics. Orwell’s 1984 opens on April 4, 1984. Dustin likes that he was born the day before on April 3, 1984.
If "The Firing of Doctor Democracy" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Lawson: When I think of what real person is Doctor Democracy, I think of John Meacham, the presidential historian who is a professor at Vanderbilt and a regular commentator on the Morning Joe. But, as far as actors, I think John Slattery from Mad Men would be a great Doctor Democracy.
Abby, the high senior who the story is told through, would be played well by Stranger Things Millie Bobby Brown, Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), Chloe Grace Moretz.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Lawson: I might take a break and read a novel for an hour, go to the gym, or work on a different writing project.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Lawson: If you write only when you feel “inspired” you are not serious about being a writer. Discipline and creativity can and should go together if you want to make a legitimate go at this writing thing. Do not be too discouraged by rejection. I was rejected by over 300 literary agents and publishers before I got my first book published. I have a list of 50 famous authors that shows how many books they have sold and how many times they were rejected before they got their first book published. When I feel discouraged, I read that list. If your dream is to write books, I recommend having something like that list that could encourage you through the tough times.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Lawson: I do not have a favorite genre. I will read a great story in almost any genre. But I go through phases. I might be in a horror phase, and I will read five horror novels in two weeks, and the same for political thrillers, fantasy, or any other genre, even romance. My favorite books are Animal Farm, 1984, The 100: A Ranking of the 100 Most Influential People in History, The Art of Thinking Clearly, The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind, the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, The Godfather, The Exorcist, Fahrenheit 451, Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville, and Save the Cat Writes a Novel. My favorite authors are George Orwell and Mitch Albom.
What are you working on next?
Lawson: I am working on a collection of short political stories called “The Honest Politician: And Other Short Stories of Political Fiction.”
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