David Bond has loved mystery and horror for as long as he can remember. A retired Floridian now living in Thailand, David spends his days pursuing his passion for writing. Crediting his co-workers into pushing him to writing his debut novel The Cemetery 6, David puts pen to paper with his creative imagination continuously straddling fear of the unknown and the excitement of the thrill.

Drawing his desire to write from life experiences—like working as a hotel Night Manager—David tips his hat to genius writers like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Edgar Allen Poe and Jack Ketchum.

When he’s not writing his next great book, David can be found with his beloved wife Annah exploring the land of smiles and immersing themselves in Thai culture and traditions.

Describe yourself in five words

inquisitive, adventurous, loyal, caring, driven

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

I enjoy reading and writing poetry. I feel it opens my mind.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

This is a tough question. I’m sure many authors will not admit it but worry readers will not like their work. The way I get through that is that I try to be as genuine and honest as I can with the characters and stories I create. If you do that then I feel your personality comes through in the book so I think readers can relate to my thoughts and feelings through my work.

What scares you the most? 

The loss of close friends and family, public speaking, heights and this interview.

 What makes you happiest? 

The company of friends and family

 Why do you write? 

I like the feeling of accomplishment in creating something that hopefully brings a little joy to people who read it.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes, but I’ve only started writing books after I retired.

What motivates you to write? 

Interesting People, places and unique situations

What writing are you most proud of? 

I’m only on my second book so I’m most proud of my first book ‘The Cemetery 6: Tales of Terror’

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

Being married to my wonderful wife, Annah

What books or authors did you love growing up? 

I have always loved the horror genre. I feel it opens my mind. To answer your question, anything Stephen King writes, Edgar Allen Poe, HP Lovecraft, Dean Koontz and Jack Ketchum are my favorite writers.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

A kind family man who had a passion for adventure, a curiosity of the unknown and a desire for creating stories to entertain and delight others.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

Grew up in Pottsville PA, lived in Florida for most of my life then retired and moved to Thailand a few years ago.

How did you develop your writing?

I read a lot which I think is helpful to learn style and flow of storytelling.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

This one isn’t even close. Marketing by far for me.

What marketing works for you? 

Social media, friends and family networking, affordable promotions through freelance services

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

No, when I finish a book, I’m proud of it and want to share it with others

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

All of my friends and family have been very supportive

What else do you do, other than write? 

Read, exercise, travel, work on our family’s farm in Thailand.

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

Mostly worked in Hotel Management and Security Management during my career.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

East Asian Cultures

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

I’m there. Thailand. What a great place to retire. The people , food, culture are just amazing . I’m inspired to write everyday here.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

All

How much sleep do you need to be your best? 

8 hours.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

Several people but mostly my wife since she has to put up with me saying “hold on dear, just let me finish this chapter” before I do some house chores or things she asks.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 

Success to me is having people tell me they enjoyed reading a certain story or book I’ve written.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign? 

I’m still testing my marketing campaign by using many different types of promotions to see which one works best

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

I’m actually one of the few people in our Thai town that speak English so I am alone with my thoughts 90% of the time as I haven’t learned conversational Thai yet. I ride my bike everyday and rode past a pretty creepy cemetery one day and thought ‘what if?’ what if a group of teens came out here on a Friday night to tell scary stories. That was my inspiration for Cemetery 6: Tales of Terror.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

Grace Slick, Jim Morrison, Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Benjamin Franklin and Jack the Ripper (whoever he is)

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

Reading poetry or bike ride

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I hope they have an engaging experience that takes them away from daily life for a while and feel a range of emotions while reading