Author Spotlight with Dave Blackwell

(Author Spotlights are for authors that I know and therefore I can ask questions more tailored to them and their writing)

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I met Dave on Twitter when I came across Part One of The Frustrations of Being Deaf. The book was funny and eyeopening. Dave raises the issue of lack of deaf awareness, whilst also making you laugh on every page. I throughly enjoyed the read and read Part Two as soon as it came out. If you fancy a laugh whilst also educating yourself, then I would highly recommend these books!

The Frustrations of Being Deaf Part One

I downloaded this book after being recommended it on Twitter and I am so glad I did! Once I started it I found it difficult to put down. There were more than a few occasions where my jaw dropped at people’s ignorance. A particular favourite was when the author recounted a date that he had experienced – I won’t spoil the story for you, however be prepared to be so shocked at someone’s ignorance whilst also laughing at the sheer stupidity.

Despite the lighthearted anecdotes throughout the story the underlining message throughout is profound. The struggles that the reader has encountered are inexcusable and avoidable. Until reading this I hadn’t realised how much discrimination deaf people face. Coming from the same county as the author I found it shocking that he had experienced such terrible treatment, it really hit close to home.

It’s the kind of book that everyone should read to gain perspective on other people’s lives.

The Frustrations of Being Deaf Part Two

I read Part One of The Frustrations of Being Deaf and have been excited to read Part Two. Dave’s writing is filled with humour as he tells his life stories. Each anecdote is filled with humour but also has a more serious side. Be ready to find yourself laughing whilst also gasping at how little deaf awareness there is. I truly think Dave’s books should be read by everyone! I also found it fascinating as he touched on some problems he had encountered with the current mask situation.

A brilliant and eye-opening read. I’m going to be more careful about what I say in public from now on, who knows who might be lipreading? haha

Dave, would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself and your books?

I was born in Dartford, Kent in 1977. I started reading horror and sci-fi at a young age, falling in love with books by Stephen King, James Herbert and Guy N Smith. I gained an interest in writing when I was eight years old after reading Stephen Kings ‘Misery’. I currently work for the NHS as a Medical Engineering specialist, and specialise in Life support and Ventilation. I wrote my first book in 2017, putting my struggles with my hearing disability, depression and abuse into a book. Since then I have written eight novels and 4 novellas, all a mixture of crime, paranormal, horror and sci-fi. I am currently finishing off my thirteenth book.

Your books are quite different, which do you prefer writing?

I used to prefer writing horror and sci-fi, however I have recently preferred to write psychological and with the success of ‘The Frustrations of being deaf’ I have added comedy to the list.

I loved The Frustrations of Being Deaf (Part One and Two), what was your favourite one to write and why?

I never originally planned to turn them into books, with the pandemic and lockdown situation, deaf awareness was thrown out of the window and I had a very hard time in public and at work. It started as a diary of events, and after reading it to a friend, who was reduced to hysterics over the ‘Crazy Date’ story, I decided to write the first novella and after two weeks published it. The first part is my favourite because some of the stories have stuck in my mind for years, and when I get annoyed at a situation, I think back and laugh at it. The first also gripped the interest of various people around me who have learnt more about my hearing disability.

What aspect of writing a book do you find the most difficult?

Finding the time to write and focus on a project, especially with work which is taking up most of my time. Back in April when the pandemic was at its worse, I rarely got time to write as I was at work every day for a month providing cover for repairs and servicing, as well as moving house slap bang in the middle of everything. I didn’t mind because I love my job and I was providing an important service to the specialist team, however I missed writing. I was going to release a book in May, but never got to finish it and I was not happy with it, so that is currently on hold.

Where’s your favourite place to write?

Yosemite! I have written two books so far when on Vacation in Yosemite National Park, California. My first book, ‘Lost in Life’ I wrote on and off while I was there for Christmas. My second book ‘Extinction’ I wrote when I was there a week over the Christmas just gone. Otherwise I prefer to write in my study at home or in my car before I start work.

How has social media influenced/ affected your writing?

In a positive way, I have met many people on social media who are very supportive and curious, especially with my hearing disability. This really helped me to write ‘The Frustrations of being deaf’ and encouraged me to work on the second part, both in which did very well.

Where to find Dave?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackwell_dgf

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17436672.Dave_Blackwell

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dgfblackwell