Action Pulp!

By Adam Messer

“There is no single or proper way to write. So-called experts disagree on just about everything… and extremely successful writers may use vastly different techniques… so don’t be discouraged by critics and do the best job you can.” – Duane Laflin.

Duane Laflin is a world traveling magician who writes adventure novels bringing the illusion to life.

Please introduce yourself.

A magician turned author! 

Before writing novels, I made my living as a magician/illusionist. My career put me on stage on five continents, in eighteen countries, and in forty-seven of the fifty states, garnering some international awards along the way.

When I retired, I needed a creative outlet. At my wife’s suggestion, I attempted to write a novel and discovered that not only did I enjoy the effort, but I also seemed to have a knack for it. My first novel was well-received, and a sort of “creative-explosion” followed in which I wrote sixteen more novels over the course of three years.

My interest is adventure fiction. I like action-oriented stories with heroic characters. My writing style is heavily influenced by what I learned as an entertainer — such as the importance of making a strong first impression, keeping things fast-paced, and simply ensuring not to bore readers.

So far, my books are selling well. I’ve developed a strong fan base and am often asked, “When will your next book be published?” It is fun to hear people say, “I’ve read everything you’ve written and can’t wait for the next story.” Such messages delight me, because my primary goal in writing is to entertain. I want my books to be fun to read, and that seems to be the case.

I have a lot to learn about the craft of writing and have made plenty of mistakes in the process of turning out so many books in a short time. Nonetheless, my audience is happy with my work, which encourages me to keep working at getting better.

Currently, I live in Hot Springs, South Dakota, with my wife, Mary. We have four children, eighteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Thankfully, I’m still healthy. I work out regularly and enjoy physical activity. In the early days of our marriage, before I got too busy with children and other things, I competed as a powerlifter and have always spent time in the gym.

Although I am retired, I still mess around with magic tricks. I am a fan of pulp fiction and enjoy conversations with other pulp fiction fans. I especially enjoy talking to those who write pulp fiction.

What genres do you write and why?

I stick with adventure fiction, and I try to write at least one book a year that adapts a story from the Bible into a novel. Typically, I publish 5 books a year.

I write adventure fiction because it is where my heart is. In other words, I write the kind of stories I like to read.  

When I write the biblically based novels, it is because I think they are stories worth retelling, and it is interesting to put them in a style I hope appeals to modern readers.

What is your earliest memory of reading?

I started reading in the first grade and have always enjoyed good stories. However, in the seventh grade, I discovered Edgar Rice Burroughs and loved reading his books. Shortly thereafter, I discovered Doc Savage.  About that time, I also became enamored with the writings of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.

When did you know you wanted to write?

I didn’t become interested in writing novels until I retired from my career as a professional illusionist. I needed a creative outlet. My wife mentioned, “Why don’t you try to write a novel?”  I did so, and discovered I seem to have a knack for it.  From then on, writing is like an addiction… I love to do it.

What is a favorite scene and why?

In the Deadly Skulls, the hero — Thomas Adam Gray — loses his temper, which is something he otherwise has never done. To protect a young girl who is about to be molested, he unleashes his fury on a motorcycle gang. The resulting fight and his coming to her rescue were a thrill to write.

What makes a good character?  A bad one?

Action and skills are not enough. Why the character does what he does, how he feels, what makes him tick… those are the things that make him or her interesting. The character must have a heart… and the reader must believe they see into it. Another thing is believability and consistency.  The reader must be able to “buy in” to who the character is and believe such a person could truly exist.  Then, because the character comes across as the “real deal,” he or she must stay in character. They must not act or react in a manner that doesn’t fit who they’ve been portrayed to be.

A bad character is one who isn’t believable. Maybe because he/she is too stereotypical, or has behavior and attitudes that don’t make sense.

What moves the story for you?

Conflict. It is the key to good adventure fiction, and I think to any good story. There must be ongoing conflict, both on the large scale and small — things the main character must deal with and overcome.

What is your favorite book and why?

I don’t really have a favorite book, but, in many ways, A Princess Of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs had a huge influence on me — both by way of action/adventure, and by way of theme and emotion.

What do you want to say to your audience?

What do I want to say to my audience… “I sincerely hope you love the story!”  I write to entertain. I want readers to truly enjoy what I write… so I hope that is what occurs.

What advice do you have for new writers?

There is no single or proper way to write. So-called experts disagree on just about everything… and extremely successful writers may use vastly different techniques… so don’t be discouraged by critics and do the best job you can. Also… be original. Even if your characters are like many others already created, come up with something unique… something about them that hasn’t been done.  So with stories, try to be original. It isn’t easy because there is a sense in which almost everything that has been done, has been done. Even so, work to be different.   It is a weird dilemma in that the same people who tell us to be unique often will also say, “That won’t work because no one does it that way.”  If we do what everyone else does, we will never be unique.  So follow your heart and, if you find yourself writing something that isn’t like what everyone else does, that may actually be a good thing.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Final comment: Let your readers be the judge of your work. If people read your books and tell you they can’t wait for you to write the next one in the series… that is what matters.  Other writers and critics have many, often conflicting opinions… your audience is what matters!

Website: http://duanelaflin.com/