Our Interview with J. Graham Ducker, Featured Author

Editor: Tell us a little about your background 
Graham: I grew up in the northern parts of Manitoba and Ontario, so environmental issues
              are ingrained.

Editor: When and why did you begin writing?
Graham:  I have been writing since grade school. Many of my stories were in Year Books.

Editor: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Graham:  That is a difficult one: probably after I noticed people liked my stories and poems.

Editor: What inspired you to pen your first book?
Graham: After writing down all the stories/history of the Morson School, my wife suggested I
              put it all in a book.

Editor: You've written your first book. Tell us about the impetus for writing it.
Graham: The Morson School was special with unique programs. It seemed important to
                document it and the many anecdotes.

Editor: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Graham: How the publishing industry really works. Now my wife and I own and operate
             a small publishing business.

Editor: What challenges do you face as a writer?
Graham: Sticking at it and creating more stories. Also what is the next step?

Editor: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
              Obtaining funds and then finding a publisher.

Editor: What books have most influenced your life?
Graham: The Children’s Hour, Tom Sawyer, Lorna Doone, Brave New World,
             Under Milkwood, A Christmas Carol.

Editor: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Graham: Charles Dickens.

Editor: What new author has grasped your interest?
Graham: J. K. Rawlings

Editor: How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in
             general?
Graham: They have been most supportive and encouraging every step of the way.

Editor: Do you have anything that you want to add? 
Graham: I feel fortunate at being a published author and poet, as well as enjoying traveling
              adventures that come along.

Editor: How do you promote your book (s)?
Graham:  Along her Internet skills my wife gets and deserves all the credit. She is the real
                strength behind the promotion and marketing.

Editor: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Graham: Remember everyone has his or her own style. Discover and develop yours.

Editor: Are there any more books in the future?
Graham: Well, I hope to have a book of short stories and a children’s book out by
              next year.             

Editor: What would you say to or advise new writers?
Graham: Keep writing…find a mentor…learn editing.

Editor: Do you have any latest news you could share with our readers?
Graham: We are planning a North Shore Meet-The-Author Tour this summer. I am looking
              forward to working with my illustrator for my children’s book. There are tentative
              plans to make a short film out of one of my short stories.

             Oh yes, we have been invited to an educational conference in Holguin, Cuba
             where I will discuss the use of the external environment to develop language skills.

Editor:  Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule  and we wish you well with
              your future books and projects.

Graham:  The pleasure was mine.  Thank you for the privilege.


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