D.T Shield started writing to bring laughter to a bleak world. Blessed with an overactive imagination from a young age, writing has became a release from the real world and a gateway to whimsy, joy and fun. When not writing he enjoys playing his koto, computer games, and everything Japanese. He's previously won the E.J. Corbett award from HNSA, and shortlisted in the publishable prize from Queensland Writers Centre as well as appearing in anthologies and magazines for his short stories. He splits his time between Brisbane and Japan.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I don't think anyone is inspired to be a writer, you just realise you are. You see something and have an idea that is burning to be written down. Then you put fingers to keyboard and it starts to take on a life of it's own. With the assistance of a lot of tea.
What prompted you to write 'My Dad's An Evil Sorcerer'?
I was quite lonely when I started writing My Dad's an Evil Sorcerer. I happened to be in a high building overlooking a rice field and a hawk soared past. I think that idea of freedom and escape was really where Jake and the characters sprang from.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
I've finished the first drafts of the rest of the series so I'm still editing but I'm also working on several other worlds and Jake may get a second series as well. So, the pipeline is full and my poor keyboard is complaining at me.
What is your professional background?
Whimsy, chaos and a nuclear disaster have moulded me into the semi-functional carbon based biped I am today.
Any advice you’d like to give aspiring writers?
Writing is a skill, much like painting or blacksmithing or playing chess with an octopus, it takes practice. Don't worry if the first thing you write is garbage, the next one will be better. The trick is to just keep trying, get opinions and assistance from professionals like your local writers centre. Friends often don't know what really makes a good book so it's important to get good advice.
Who/what inspires you?
I love classic fantasies that are just a bit turned on their head. Authors like, R.A Salvatore, Raymond, E Fiest, Simon R Green, Margaret Weiss and Janny Wurts are some of my favourites. I'm also inspired a lot by the people and world around me. In particular, when I travel I get lots of new ideas.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
I play Japanese instruments including the koto and shamisen. I also enjoy computer games, walking, and sewing stuffed toys for my friends' children. I naturally love reading. I read R.A Salvatore's the Crimson Shadow series annually as well as Janny Wurts's Cycle of Fire trilogy.
How can readers contact you?
I have a fun Instagram page with my pet octopus who is trying to write a book, follow our journey here.
