Daniel Peyton is an up and coming author with Cosby Media Productions. Currently CMP is publishing his trilogy, Legacy of Dragonwand with book one released on February 16th (2016). Look for more work from Daniel Peyton in the future or check out his previous publications.
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Please introduce yourself and tell us something about your books.
Hello, my name is Daniel Peyton. I’m a author, artist, performer, cook, and teacher. I love to write fantasy as well as science fiction and other genres. I was born in Oklahoma and eventually moved to East Tennessee. My books that have been published thus far are all Fantasy, which is one of my favorite genres to read, watch, and write. I keep my work clean, which is why it often lands in the YA category.
What genres do you write in?
Fantasy primarily. I also dabble in Science Fiction. I have tried out post-apocalyptic and even Christian fiction.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have two answers for that question. I first fell in love with writing in the fourth grade. I started writing then with the encouragement of my teacher and I simply loved spinning stories. However, I really focused on being a published novelist around 2007 when I penned my first, full length novel.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Typically, three months goes into the actual writing. Then around three months goes into my first major stage of editing. After that, the time all depends on the others who I get to edit and work with the book. Two years usually rounds out the whole process.
How do your books get published?
Most of my work has been self published. I did make a good connection with a friend who is part of Cosby Media Productions. He helped me make a contact in that publisher and they picked up several of my books.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Life itself and my own overly fertile imagination. Since I was very young, I occupied my down time by imaging stories and adventures. When my teacher gave me the idea of actually writing my thoughts down, I realized that I could weave my own imagination into stories.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
The editing process. I never really understood the depth and breadth of editing until I jumped feet first into publishing. Outside of the true publishing world, I assumed that authors had one editor, and together they created a polished book. Boy was I wrong. But, what I have learned is how that these many layers of editing turns a manuscript into a novel. It takes time, but that time is well spent.
What does your writing process look like?
Sitting in front of a computer and typing like the wind. Some times I plan scenes and characters and even some of the plot. However, normally I take my notes and then start writing. The story grabs me and drags me along for the journey. Normally, all the notes I wrote beforehand are merely suggestions to the actual writing time.
Do you have any strange writing habits?
I guess my strangest writing habit is being tired. I have found that I do best when I am worn out after a long day. Relaxing in front of a computer while I write has produced my best work. I schedule my writing time for 10 or even 11 pm. I can write other times, but it just seems to come out better late.
How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?
Names are of great importance to me. Some names are of real people who I know and craft a character around, so there is a tiny ounce of reality behind this fictional character. Some names are designed to harbor foreshadow to the characters origins, thinking, plans, or ultimate defeat. Some names are pulled out of the air because they sound awesome. Typically the names that are used that simply sound cool are for places, ships, planets, that sort of stuff.
Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?
Battle. I want to paint a clear picture of the whole scene, but so much is going on simultaneously that it can get bogged down in details. I do the most chopping and editing around my battle scenes than anything else. I want the reader to feel that they are in the throes of combat, but not weigh the story down with ponderous detail.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
I have a whole blacklog of stories that I haven’t published. Some I doubt will ever be published because they are written within the universe of an established canon. I have Star Trek novels that I wrote just for the fun and exercise. I also have works that are currently in the editing and polishing stages that I plan on getting published. A few already have contracts on them with my publisher, some are being prepped for submission.
Currently working on anything?
At this very moment, no. I don’t have any work that is in progress. However, that will change very soon. I am using the month of October to get some editing work done, plan work on other needed projects, and get ready for a large bookshow in Nashville. November will arrive and that’s when NaNoWriMo starts.
Who are your favorite authors? Do you read many books by indie authors?
My first favorite was John M. Ford, who wrote a wonderfully funny Star Trek novel called How Much for Just the Planet. I also love Charles Dickens, I am a big fan of A Christmas Carol. I do have a lot of Indie author friends and I have read quite a bit of their work.
What secret talents do you have?
I am a professional dancer in Okinawan classic and modern styles. I am a 28 year veteran embroiderer trained in many various styles. I play the violin, Shami-Sen, Alto Recorder, and Irish Flute. And I am a distinguished member of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity. So, yes, a few. However, I don’t keep many of my talents that secret.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
“Your work is boring” Ouch. I can handle it if someone doesn’t like my work, everyone has differing tastes. But, when I’ve had someone read an unfinished manuscript and mark a section as boring, that burns. I will set the world aside and work on that section of a manuscript until it is fixed.
What has been the best compliment?
“I had to tell my friend about your book” This line, in any form it is said, really makes me smile. Not only does it tell me that they enjoyed my work, but that they liked it so much they want others to like it.
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Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?
Legacy of Dragonwand book 1 is my most recent publication. Book 2 is due out soon. The book is a YA high fantasy adventure. If you liked books like Eragon or Harry Potter. If you enjoyed watching The Hobbit series, or Lord of the Rings, or even Game of Thrones. You have a wetting appetite for fantasy, and here is another course to keep you going. This book is especially good if you have teens who love fantasy, but you don’t want them reading anything as risqué as Game of Thrones.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
The characters do drive the story. I am still the master of their destinies, but I also know them inside and out. When writing a scene, I often come across the problem of “well, he wouldn’t do that” or “She hates those, that wouldn’t happen.” so, the characters themselves decide how the scene plays out because I know their reactions.
Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?
In all of my literature, I cannot settle on one. In Legacy of Dragonwand, I’d have to go with Donna. She is quirky, funny, smart, and well rounded. Some of the funniest scenes in this book revolve around her. She is a side character who does not have a lot of scenes, comparatively, in the whole trilogy. But, I believe readers will connect with her and love her as much as I.
What do your friends and family think of your writing?
They are understanding, but confused. I don’t have a lot of real life author friends, most of them are online only. So, the people around me don’t fully grasp the work I do and the world I live in. I try to explain the details that go into editing, and they don’t get it. I hope to explain why I spend so much time alone, just writing, and it doesn’t quite make sense. But, they respect my work.
What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?
O
n writing: Keep doing it. Don’t stop. Everyday, just write. On marketing: Get out there and make yourself known. I don’t care if you are the wilting flower who never wanted to be called in in class. Those days are behind you if you want to make this work. Talk to people, shake hands, go to conventions, get on the stage in front of thousands and speak to them with confidence.
n writing: Keep doing it. Don’t stop. Everyday, just write. On marketing: Get out there and make yourself known. I don’t care if you are the wilting flower who never wanted to be called in in class. Those days are behind you if you want to make this work. Talk to people, shake hands, go to conventions, get on the stage in front of thousands and speak to them with confidence.Have any events, releases, or other special you’d like to share?
For the month of October I do have some exciting news. I am going to be at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, TN. Also, this month we are debuting the cover for Dragonwand book 2. Following that, we will be releasing book 2 around Halloween.
A huge thanks for sharing with us!
For more info check out the website!
fannyleesavage.com 
Very thoughttful blog
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