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​book reviews

My Dyslexic Life: A Journey Out of the Shadows by Scott Douthit

9/19/2020

85 Comments

 
Lifelong educator and new author, Scott Douthit introduces us to his debut book, “My Dyslexic Life”:
“But Mr. D, you’ve graduated from college, written plays— you’re a great teacher with all these awards. You wouldn’t know what it’s like to have people make you feel stupid for being dyslexic!” “Actually, believe it or not...”
Today, researchers estimate that between five and twenty percent of the population is affected by dyslexia. This growing awareness and understanding of different learning styles has changed the lives of tens of millions of people. When Scott Douthit was growing up in the 1960s, though, no one could explain why it was so difficult for him to succeed in the one-size-fits-all schools he attended.
My Deslex Dyslexic Life: A Journey Out of the Shadows, a deeply moving account of Scott’s struggles and triumphs, invites the reader to consider new ways of overcoming barriers to accomplishment and understanding, both for themselves and others. At once entertaining and touching, it offers an intimate glance into the life, mind, and heart of a courageous individual. Scott’s story serves as a reminder that the norms, standards, and expectations of society are a work in progress, and that it is within our power to make them more humane and compassionate.
A staggering 5 to 15 percent of Americans—14.5 to 43.5 million children and adults—have dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it difficult to read, write, and spell, no matter how hard the person tries or how intelligent he or she is.

•It is estimated that 1 in 10 people have dyslexia
•Over 40 million American Adults are dyslexic - and only 2 million know it
•Dyslexia is not tied to IQ - Einstein was dyslexic and had an estimated IQ of 160
•Dyslexia in not just about getting letters or numbers mixed up or out of order
•80% of people associate dyslexia with some form of retardation - this is not true
•Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability or disorder that includes poor word reading, word decoding, oral reading fluency and spelling
•Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels
•Dyslexia has nothing to do with not working hard enough
•20% of school-aged children in the US are dyslexic
•With appropriate teaching methods, dyslexia can learn successfully
•Over 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic
•Dyslexia runs in families; parents with dyslexia are very likely to have children with dyslexia
•Dyslexics may struggle with organizational skills, planning and prioritizing, keeping time, concentrating with background noise.
•Dyslexics may excel at connecting ideas, thinking out of the box, 3D thinking, seeing the big picture
•People with dyslexia excel or even gifted in areas of art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales and sports
•Many famous people are dyslexic including: Orlando Bloom, Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen Spielberg, Kiera Knightley. Albert Einstein and Patrick Dempsey

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This book was an eye-opener for me! While I have never struggled with reading, quite the opposite, actually. The stories of struggling in social situations and flunking a skills test in a physical education class resonated to the core of my soul. Having a serious stammering problem caused my school years to be full of social difficulties beyond the normal teen angst.
I loved the writing, it was so meaningful and using the vehicle of vignettes from the author’s life provided perfect illustrations of the struggles faced by so many. Scott brings hope and humor into difficult situations. I greatly appreciate his passion for educating everybody about different styles of learning and how to appreciate those differences.
I award 5 stars to “My Dyslexic Life” by Scott Douthit!

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You can buy this book:
https://rdrpublishers.com/my-dyslexic-life-a-journey-out-of-the-shadows-by-scott-douthit
https://smile.amazon.com/My-Dyslexic-Life-Journey-Shadows-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-my-dyslexic-life
You can connect with the author:
https://www.mydyslexiclife.com
https://www.facebook.com/scott.douthit.1
 
Copyright © 2020 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

85 Comments
Scott douthit link
9/20/2020 03:01:32 pm

I’m very proud of this book that I have written. It took me seven years to complete this personal Memoir.

Reply
Mark
9/20/2020 05:01:04 pm

You should be proud of this book, it is amazing.
First question.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/20/2020 07:49:16 pm

As a kid one thing I wanted to do more than anything was to make a difference. I know this sounds strange but my mother was an activist and a writer and was able to reach a lot of people through her words. I saw this and wanted desperately to follow in her footsteps. But no matter how hard I tried I was unable to do it. Not as an athlete ,not as a actor and as far as I was concerned not as a person. Even when I became a teacher I was just trying to be competent. Not until I arrived at Charles Armstrong school did I find a population of kids that I could truly reach. Being a dyslexic and working with dyslexics is a dream I never thought I could achieve. But Armstrong Is a small school and the reason I wrote this book is for all other kids who think they are alone, and their parents who don’t understand them.

Mark
9/20/2020 08:14:51 pm

As kids and adults, we all want the same thing. Just like you, we want to be loved and accepted for who we are or who we think we are.
We all struggle with what I call the inner liar. That small voice that tells us we are not worthy no matter what we do or say. It is always tearing us down. It is a daily struggle and it's real.
New questions.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
Are you in the writing business for love of writing or for money?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/20/2020 08:35:05 pm

I wrote this book to get the message out there. Being dyslexic it’s not a death sentence and that you can make it. Writing this book was a one time thing that took me seven years and a lot of help and support buy a lot of wonderful people. It is absolutely not meant to be a money maker And even though both my parents were writers and I wrote three musicals I did not love writing this book for two reasons. One I’m a very bad speller hand it took me a long time to write and rewrite each story. Any other reason was that these memories from my childhood and we’re very painful but I also believe that it was important to show what I went through and where I wound up.

Reply
Mark
9/20/2020 08:51:55 pm

I had a hunch that writing this book was difficult for you. Spell check will take you only so far. It makes lots of mistakes. Even a program like Grammarly has its limitations.
I have no doubt that reliving the memories from your childhood were painful. I am glad you persevered.
You certainly met your objective in writing this book.
New questions.
Who designed the cover of your book? Feel free to drop a link if appropriate.
What do the elements on the cover represent?

Scott Douthit link
9/20/2020 09:13:25 pm

I design the cover. One of the reasons I went with the publisher I did was that they gave me the freedom to do that. The picture represents a very frustrated child trying to do what everyone else can do but failing miserably. The reflection represents me today. My editor Rodrigo A Munoz took the concept and made it a reality.

Reply
Mark
9/20/2020 09:23:28 pm

Very nice. The cover is well made. The frustration of the boy is plain. I like the chalkboard also, it is effective to isolate and highlight the titles.
Speaking of titles.
New questions.
Was it hard to come up with the title? What was the process?
Were the character names difficult to develop? How did you choose them?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/20/2020 10:46:28 pm

The title of my book was originally out of the shadows which I got from the feeling that I got whenever I try to hide from everybody and going into the shadows. The shadows referred to the periphery or corners of an area or society. When I Hired my publisher they told me that it was too common of a title and that dyslexia and life should be in the title so when you Google those words my book will come up. I’m about as low-tech as they come so once I figure it out or Google meant I had to come up with a new title. As a group we came up with that title “ My dyslexic life“ The two students that were named in my book I came up with offhand. The rest of the names were actually the real ones. These Stories were from my memories so the names and places were actually real.

Mark
9/20/2020 11:08:06 pm

That was a good idea for the title. I hadn't thought about Google search results for that. There are so many little things that come together for a book.
I suspected that the two students who were asking you questions at the beginning of each chapter were probably fictitious or a composite of many students and their questions. In either case, it worked well.
I felt the situations and students were real, there was an air of authenticity that I really liked.
New questions.
This is your first book on Amazon. Have you written others, that are published elsewhere or unpublished?
Your book is available as an e-book and a paperback. Are you planning any other formats?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/21/2020 04:02:04 pm

This is my first and only book that I have written. I do have a audiobook that I am very proud of under the same title “ My dyslexic life a journey out of the shadows“. A former student has done the narration for the audio. JM Applebee Is a former student as well as a professional actor. He just finished a six-year run as a lead character in Beach blanket Babylon. I was very lucky and honored to have him record the audio book .

Reply
Mark
9/21/2020 05:16:53 pm

You have some good connections!
Does Applebee do this for other authors or just you? If he does it for other authors, let's give him a boost. Please share his website here, maybe we can get him more business.
New questions.
When and where will the audio book be available?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/21/2020 05:49:40 pm

This is James’s first audiobook recording. I auditioned over 100 voice actors , James connected with the material and brought a sense of humor and gravitas to his performance. I really enjoyed having him on this project because he feels like I’m keeping this whole thing in the family. My son recorded and mixed the audiobook, James is a former student of mine, my agent is a former student of mine and my wife was by my side helping me with this book for seven years.
The audiobook is available and information is on my website
https://www.my dyslexic life.com/jm-s-story

Mark
9/21/2020 06:19:13 pm

That is a lot of keeping it in the family. I love it. I hope that he continues with this kind of work, but I recognize that it is labor intensive for a narrator. Hours of recording and rerecording are required to produce one clean hour of an audio book.
I had the opportunity to interview a narrator as part of an author interview some time ago, here is the link: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/heir-to-a-prophecy-by-mercedes-rochelle-narrated-by-kevin-e-green for copy and paste or search for the narrator's name in the search box below.
New questions.
Have you thought about writing fiction short stories or a novel?
What genre do you think you would start with?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/21/2020 06:29:40 pm

To be honest with you this was the only book I thought about writing. As I said before I have written three musicals but working with dialogue then transitioning to song and lyrics seem a lot easier and more natural for me than writing a long story. I love reading novels especially fantasy. Lord of the rings, Harry Potter etc. but I couldn’t imagine doing that myself.

Reply
Mark
9/21/2020 07:16:02 pm

I think I know what you mean, in some fashion. I love to read, science fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres. I certainly don't have a story struggling to get out of my head, nor do I have a desire to write a book. I have learned a great deal about writing, I might even be able to write a short story or two. But that would take away from my reading and proofreading which is such a pleasure for me.
Having just said that, I am writing a booklet about how authors can thrive on Twitter. It is something I work on between proofreading jobs and book promotions.
Do you read the printed page or listen to an audio book?
More questions.
I noticed that you didn’t put your book in Kindle Unlimited. Why is that?
Have you ever gone through the query process, seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers or did you go straight to indie publishing?

Scott Douthit link
9/21/2020 08:07:56 pm

Interesting question. I don’t know why we’re not on Kindle unlimited, my publisher is in charge of all that. And speaking of publishers I did send my book around to all the major publishers but I found Robert Reed publishing through contact with a former student who knew him. He talk with me before I was fully ready to publish and he stayed interested and willing to talk for the next three years. I wanted creative control of the cover and Audiobook.

Reply
Mark
9/21/2020 09:22:15 pm

Being a publisher, especially a traditional publisher has to be one of the worst jobs at this time. Since Amazon knocked over and busted up the proverbial apple cart over a decade ago. The traditional publishing industry has been shrinking drastically. So many players of all sizes have disappeared. Not only that the profit margins for the remaining publishers have shrunk to almost nothing. This has resulted in very small advances, if any being offered to a new author, and once the book is published the publisher is reluctant to spend any money on marketing the book. So the newly published author is faced with the shocking revelation of having to lay the creative hat down and pick up the business hat to handle their own promotion and marketing. It's not easy.
It's nice to hear such a positive story about a small publisher. Most of what I hear is not as pleasant.
Creative control is something you give up with a traditional publisher. Sometimes they will hold back for months to publish a book, because they think the time is not right. That means no sales until it's launched.
New questions.
Do you think independent publishers can produce a book as good as mainstream publishers?
What are the three most important considerations for an independent author to be certain of when signing a contract with an independent or hybrid publisher?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/22/2020 01:34:42 pm

I can only speak for myself, it was important for me to develop trust with my publisher. To have a working relationship knowing that your partner, in this case my publisher was on the same wavelength. I need to know that my publisher believed that what I was writing was important. I found my publisher through a friend who know their background. When I interviewed with the big publishing companies I got the Opinion that it was more important to sell a certain number of units( books) then it was to get the message out there. If this book can show one person that they’re not alone then it’s all worthwhile to me and my publisher is coming from the same place, that is why I signed with them.

Reply
Mark
9/22/2020 03:06:00 pm

That is very important! What you sought and found is very important. You have a mission and selling books helps to spread your message of hope.
So many publishers are simply trying to stay in business, they have a hard time getting their eyes off the bottom line. They can't afford to take a chance on a book that might not be a commercial success.
New questions.
Have you entered or thought about entering any writing contests, such as for short stories?
Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/22/2020 04:02:00 pm

No,I have not entered or thought about entering a writing contest.I do not see myself as a writer but more as a storyteller who just so happen to have put those story’s in book from.

Reply
Mark
9/22/2020 04:12:39 pm

You are certainly a story teller. Musicals are another form of story. The forms that a story can take are many and varied. Including musicals, we also have movies, books, graphic novels, streaming shows, plays, audio books, large-print books and translations.
When you retire you may decide you want to explore some of these other forms.
New questions.
If a new writer asked you for one piece of advice to be a good writer what would you say?
What is your publisher doing, if anything, to market your book?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/22/2020 04:31:55 pm

It is funny that you mentioned musicals and movies. Not only have I written three musicals but I am currently working on an adaptation of my book to be a musical. The best part is that I am collaborating with my son who is a musician and a former student James Applebee who is an actor. A former parent is a filmmaker and is working on a screenplay of my book.
To answer your question I would say to a new writer, have something to say. My favorite books or musicals I’ve always had something to say and made me feel something. Touching one’s emotions is what I think storytelling is all about. My publisher has done a Good job on distributing my work. Publicity has been a different story and I am doing the best I can without any real background or knowledge on how to do it. My original goal was to travel around to bookstores and also schools to talk to as many kidsAnd parents as I could, but obviously that has changed.

Reply
Mark
9/22/2020 05:54:05 pm

It sounds like you have some great resources and talented people at your fingertips. How very wonderful. The idea of a musical is intriguing to me. I bet your publisher is excited also.
That is good advice. The content of the message must be significant to have lasting emotional impact. The emotions are what make the story sound out and remain in the memory.
Marketing and promotion are the toughest nut to crack for most writers. Writing a book is such a solitary endeavor, at least until the first draft is done. Then other people needed to join the core group to complete the other steps along the way.
Marketing requires a paradigm shift, the creative hat must come off and the business hat must be worn. I recommend to most authors that they dedicate at least an hour or two, every week or two to promoting their books. There are so many ways to market a book also, but they all take time or money and sometimes both. There are several good guest blogs on my website about this topic. If you search for those terms on my website you will find links to a lot of excellent articles on the web.
Your plan for signings and readings at book stores is a good plan, one that you can use again probably next year.
New questions.
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/22/2020 06:37:36 pm

I picked the publisher I did because I trusted them. Big or small without trust I find it very difficult to put my faith in somebody else’s hands. The most unethical practice in publishing in my mind would be stealing or using without permission your intellectual property. Taking your story and changing it to reach commercial ends. Just like Billy Preston said in a song in the 60s “look what they did in my song“

Reply
Mark
9/23/2020 10:19:15 am

Trust is very important. It takes time to build and can be destroyed in a moment. Our entire social fabric is built on trust. As a freelance proofreader, I have to prove myself anew with every client, that I can be trusted to do what I say I will.
I agree with you about the theft of intellectual property rights. The exercise of IP rights through licensing is the key to long term prosperity for an author. Theft of IP rights is not limited to scam publishers, there are fake agents and bogus contests out there also. One of my favorite bloggers, Anne R. Allen has blogged about those contest, here is a copy-and-paste link: https://annerallen.com/2019/05/beware-bogus-writing-contests.
New questions.
Was it hard to find a person to produce audio version of your book?
Can you explain the process you went through?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/23/2020 01:10:37 pm

From the beginning I knew that getting the right voice actor was going to be very important in this whole process. As a dyslexic myself listening to an audiobook is much easier and I get much more out of it then reading a book. But Only if it’s done right, a droning voice can ruin the whole experience, or if the actor has no connection to the material. I had total control over the project and spent long time Interviewing and listening to audition recordings. James Applebee was always on the top of my list but he had no experience as a voice actor. What he did bring to the table though was a connection to the material and a actors perspective.After Interviewing over 100 professionals I decided that James was going to be the right fit. He studied the material and made it his own which in my opinion makes the book work even more effective than just reading it. Again it comes down to trust, And the trust paid off in the product.
One of the things that I have learned during this process of being interviewed by you is that I am very lucky, I made sure that the people involved in this project believed in it and I think that’s why things have worked out. I am very fortunate to be associated with all of these wonderful people that believe in a strong as I do about this material

Mark
9/23/2020 01:25:50 pm

That was a very thorough search. I am certain he did a wonderful job for you and the book. You have made many good decisions.
Audio books are a very important format for people who have reading difficulties. Audio books are exploding all over the world, English and translated. There are a lot of countries that use English as the official language of government and commerce, consequently it is taught at all levels of education. There are also many countries that teach English as a second language in schools. For millions of people all over the world, audio books are the perfect format for consuming a story because so many have only a smart phone to access the internet. I hope you can leverage that exposure by going wide.
New questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?
Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/23/2020 05:17:53 pm

When I wrote musicals and develop characters it was a very emotionally exciting experience. As an actor I learned that you have to believe what your character was going through. I believe that’s the same thing you do as a writer. You have to make an emotional connection to the character to write it’s truth .
When I was writing this book I was recalling memories of my life, I didn’t need to develop characters because they were already there. What I did notice though was even after going through the emotional roller coaster of living these events I relive them every time I wrote or re-wrote a chapter. There must’ve been a dozen times where I just wanted to quit and stop remembering and feeling the pain. If it wasn’t for my wife there is no way I would’ve finished this book it was just too painful. She has been with me for this entire journey, And if this makes a difference In anybody’s life credit will go to her as well. As you said before I am very fortunate to have surrounded myself with people who want to share in my journey.

Reply
Mark
9/23/2020 07:20:29 pm

You build an excellent case for how important the emotional connection with characters is. The connection starts with the author connecting with the characters. The more intense the author's connection to the characters, the more the readers will feel that and connect with the characters and story as well.
Even though dyslexia is not a problem that I deal with much, your pain was palpable and very real for me. Connection made!
I am not surprised that you wanted to quit more than once. I am very grateful to you and your wife that you did not.
New questions.
Are you an under-writer or an over-writer?
When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?

Scott Douthit link
9/23/2020 07:46:22 pm

Over, over, over. Just like I talk I write way more than needed. I saved all the journals that I’ve written in for this book over the last 8 to 10 years I have over 50 and when I finished the first draft I had more than 400 pages single space typed.I wants heard less is more but I’m still struggling with that. I promised myself that I would keep my book to under 200 pages and I did but I left a lot on the cutting room floor. The ironic part two this is when I write please I am not long-winded or an over writer ,I get right to the point. I guess it’s the difference between dialogue and description.

Reply
Mark
9/23/2020 08:30:28 pm

Many new authors do the same thing. Some want to describe every detail of a person waking up and going to work, they might fill 8 pages or more. The very common stuff that everyone knows and does themselves will bore them to tears and get the book closed so fast.
Other writers doing a lot of research want to share every fascinating (to them) nugget of info they find. With most of it having little to no bearing on the story at that moment will also find a book closed. This really affects earnings if the book is in Kindle Unlimited. Instead of loading up on description, dialogue can be used to convey the important bits. Emphasis on bits, an author still can't launch into a multi paragraph lecture without risking losing readers. Give just enough to get to the next step or scene.
The rule of thumb I have heard over and over is that every word should earn it's place on the page. If it does not advance the story in some way, it should go. That is more important in some genres than others.
You did a good job of condensing the book to the critical parts. That adds to the impact. Well done!
New questions.
Do you save the parts that didn't make it into the final version?
Do you prefer dialogue tags or action beats in your books?

Reply
Scott link
9/23/2020 09:55:27 pm

I saved everything I wrote over the past eight years. I guess because I wrote musical for so long I Really enjoy writing dialogue. It comes so much more natural to me than descriptive language.

Mark
9/24/2020 12:07:08 am

I am not very musically inclined. I have a hard time matching tones. I have recommended to authors that they take a screenwriting class, to gain a new perspective on planning and scene setting in a book. It never occurred to me that writing musicals could aid in learning how to write good dialogue. Good dialogue is different from the way most of us talk. When we have a conversation with a friend, it sounds very poor if recorded and played back, we have halts, gaps and we use verbal clues and take shortcuts. When a new author tries to write the way they talk it's a disaster, mostly.
New questions.
What do you do to flesh out the characters for your stories?
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write, a book or a musical?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/24/2020 04:06:15 pm

When I write fictional characters I try to develop a backstory for them. When I was an actor we were always told to develop a backstory or a history of where you’re from even if it’s not in the script. That is what I do when I write a character. Not only where is this person from or what has happened to the person in your life to put them in the situation that they’re in now. It’s a lot of fun to do this as an actor and as a writer.
When the subject hits me it can be anywhere so I carry pad and pencil with me at all times. My routine is that I just start writing depending what is on my mind. For example the first player wrote “dreams of Neverland” is about a woman who worked in a mindless job always fantasizing about fairytale. The outline of the play came first and then I built the characters from there. I just left the story unfold itself, I never knew where I was going with it until I got there. It was a lot of fun and it worked out very well as a stage production. I did the same thing leading this book, I cared about and pencil and whenever or some thing inspired me I just wrote. Unfortunately for me I had to then re-copy it and then have somebody tape it while I narrated it. When the reasons why it took so long to write.

Reply
Mark
9/24/2020 05:14:19 pm

Back story is very important. As you said, it provides the motivation and framework for the present. Many authors do different things to help them understand the characters. Some authors create a character sheet for each of the important characters with many of the things you mentioned. They might add birthplace, family, likes and dislikes, religion, education, all things that provide texture. Some will draw a picture of the characters or find pictures on the internet of how the character looks to them. Others develop a playlist for each character. One of my guest bloggers, Rick Hall, has created what he calls the Character Generating tool, he introduced it on my website, here is the link: Rick Hall @Stellerex64 has created a tool for generating psychologically consistent characters for use in writing fiction! It is free and fabulous! https://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/character-creation or search for his blogs in the search box below.
You sound like a pantser instead of a plotter, when it comes to writing. There are many who are in both camps and lots who straddle the fence. The important thing is getting the words written down. I know of an author who is a hybrid, he plots or outlines each chapter after he writes it. It's easier to find things for reference or rewriting, he says.
I was wondering how you wrote the book with dyslexia. I know an author who is functionally blind, she uses Dragon Naturally Speaking software to dictate her books. That might be useful for you.
New questions.
Which is more important to a story pace or flow? How do you control it?
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/24/2020 05:24:35 pm

I have your dragon speak it just doesn’t work as fast as my brain does and after a couple rewrites that’s when I dictated to a typist.

Wow that’s a really good question pace or flow. I’m probably more interested in the flow of a story ,but both are very important.Your last question has been haunting me for three months. As with writing plays I always see things I want to change. As a playwright I can always change things even when they’re being mounted. I have directed every play I have written and I change things even going up to opening night. Maybe this is a character flaw I have because I always think things can be better. So yes there are a number of things I wanted to change but it is too late, maybe that’s a good thing.

Reply
Mark
9/24/2020 06:24:47 pm

I understand when you say Dragon is too slow. I don't have it, myself. But I feel the same way about audio books. I read pretty fast, unless I speed the playback rate up to 1.5 times the normal rate, I lose focus and my ears shut down. I have to work at maintaining my focus on the book. At that point I have lost some of the pleasure of the story.
I am glad you are not one of those people who never publish, there is always another round of editing to do. Those people are afraid to publish, they can't bear the possibility that someone won't love their book. The truth is there never has nor will there ever be a book universally loved and acclaimed by all. Every book, play, movie has an audience, and therefore a non-audience. People who won't like the story or the format.
You did the right thing. I hope you have kept notes about the changes you would make if the opportunity arose. You just never know.
If you hadn't said, good enough, let's do it; we wouldn't be here now.
New questions.
How do you think your book relates to the world we live in today?
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?

Reply
Scott Douthit link
9/24/2020 07:04:06 pm

Being judged by something you have no control over is something that’s happening today but as always happened. I have no control over being dyslexic and I am judged on a daily basis. I am stupid dumb or lazy all because I learn different then others.Compassion is what I hope that readers on my book will take away. We all are different and being compassionate is the way of bridging that gap.

Mark
9/24/2020 08:41:47 pm

Very true, people are afraid of anyone different, unfortunately. I don't see that changing anytime soon, yet it is a worthy goal to strive for.
Compassion is so important and missing from our society these days, in many ways.
New questions.
What else are you writing these days? Not limited to just books.
Are you writing anything for yourself or only for readers?

Reply
Scott Douthit
9/25/2020 12:21:54 am

That’s A wonderful question .Since my book has come out I have not written anything. I haven’t written for fun in a long time. I haven’t even thought about it but it’s a great idea just riding for fun. Thank you

Reply
Mark
9/25/2020 10:35:38 am

I thought you said you were writing another musical. I am curious about the premise and story.
New questions.
Do you write lyrics and music? What musical instruments do you play? Who is your favorite composer? What is your favorite musical?

Scott link
9/25/2020 11:27:30 am

First I’m sorry I miss spoke, I’m in the process of adapting my book to a musical, I will be working with a lyricist and a actor. Because of Covid we have not started. It’ll be my first collaboration as a team with that said I have not done any work on it because I want to come in with a blank slate.
To your question I do right lyrics for my other musicals and I have collaborated with musicians and conductors in the past. I played the percussions and I’ve been playing them since the third grade. They played in the bands which Accompanied the singers in the musicals I’ve written also played in the live band for a long time. But ironic thing is I haven’t played live music since I started writing a book.I love music that tells a story or really Touches your emotions. My favorite composer is John Lennon, and Lemon and McCartney. My favorite musical is a very hard one there were very many that were important to me growing up. The music man, Mary Poppins. But my favorite musical of all times is Little shop of horror‘s, the music, the passion And the outrageousness make this my favorite musical.

Reply
Mark
9/25/2020 12:06:12 pm

You play percussion. I love it. I have the utmost respect for people who play percussion because sometimes a drummer is using all four limbs on the set. For a person who is rhythmically impaired, this is almost supernatural. I have trouble keeping a clapping rhythm in a group, unless I concentrate on following one person.
New questions.
Do you have a classical author or poet, you admire?
What popular modern authors have influenced you?

Reply
Scott link
9/25/2020 03:54:17 pm

I grew up with Jack London and Sally Carriger as writing mentors. As far as modern writers I have really enjoyed the career of Lyn Manuelle not just Hamilton But all of his work. Token is another writer that I really admire even reading her books really hard.

Reply
Mark
9/25/2020 04:37:47 pm

I remember reading London's Call of the Wild and being shocked by some of the brutality in the story. It felt so real to me at 10 years old. I am not familiar with the other writers. When I saw Token's name, JRR Tolkien came to mind. His LOTR series made me a fan of fantasy. I also loved his much shorter sci-fi trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet.
New questions.
If you could meet your favorite author, what would you ask them?
What software do you use to write your book, and why do you use those?

Reply
Scott link
9/25/2020 05:44:59 pm

Wihen you ask about favorite authors I forgot HG Wells. I would ask him how these amazing ideas came to him. As a kid when my dad would read me the stories I would always wonder if he travel in time because some of these ideas were so far ahead of his time. I would love to see what makes that man’s mind tic.
Does paper and pencil count as Software?

Reply
Mark
9/25/2020 06:07:24 pm

I must agree. Wells is the best argument for time travelers from the future getting stuck in the past. I do enjoy reading stories about time travel, it's my favorite subset of science fiction.
Paper and pencil is good, the software is between your ears. ;-)
Almost every author answers that question with MS Word. Word has a huge installed user base. I use it also for proofreading.
New questions.
Do you have defined space for writing at home, or are you a coffee-shop writer?
Do you listen to music or have the TV on when writing at home, or do you need quiet?

Reply
Scott
9/25/2020 07:21:07 pm

That’s another really good question. I’m right in the car, I can put on headset and listen to music but I like riding in the car. Whenever a idea comes to me I pull over and park and write. It’s different when I’m dictating but I have to write full chapters if not the whole thing first. And I usually rewrite right after I finish writing a section.During the process of writing his book it was really fascinating because I would disconnect from the world and just be able to block everything out and just write page after page.It was almost like time is standing still, that’s the one part of writing in the book that I miss.

Reply
Mark
9/25/2020 07:42:34 pm

That sounds a lot like what other authors describe as being in the groove or the zone, that magical moment when the muse is sending exactly what is needed for a period of time. It is a wonderful and exhilarating experience.
New questions.
Of the five senses which is the easiest to write and which is the hardest?
Do you think your experience in performing arts has helped you as a writer?

Reply
Scott
9/25/2020 08:16:18 pm

I’m not sure I understand question fully. As a writer and a performer I would rely on I imagination and ability to put myself in this situation. Using backstory orEmotional memory. Wants the storyline was developed I would then fill out the framework, but I would constantly go back over the material putting myself in a situation that I had written to see if it would ring true or honest. No matter what I was writing about I needed to believe it. As an actor I learned many years ago that if I don’t believe what I’m doing neither will the audience. The same holds true as a writer if I don’t believe it neither will The reader.

Reply
Mark
9/26/2020 09:59:59 am

We won't worry about the five senses.
You make a good point about believing in what you are writing or the role you are acting. I think we have all met someone who we sensed was not authentic in their words or deed. If we sense the same thing about an actor or an author we will not be invested in the storyline that is presented to us. We will judge it as shallow at best and not worth our time.
New questions.
Has writing plays and musicals helped you in writing this book?
What kind of marketing are you doing or planning on doing for your book?

Reply
Scott
9/26/2020 04:57:06 pm

Being an actor and writing musicals taught me about story telling, And I think that’s what I am a storyteller. Writing musicals , You have to have a very strong story and characters for it to work. Hamilton is a great example of very refined stories and characters so that the music can be brought in around them and we still believe. I think that’s why has been easy for me to think about turning my book into a musical is because I’ve always looked at writing a storytelling no matter what form. It’s just so happens that the stories I tell in this book are real. Marketing the book Is the hard part for me right now because it’s up to me and my agent who has a full-time job as well. We knew this going into signing with a independent and small publisher but it was also very important that the publisher believed in our message. We are slowly reaching out to schools and library‘s Online as opposed to doing book tours Which is what we were planning to do before the pandemic. The responses I’m getting though especially from young adults have been amazing I just have to figure out best way to do this.

Reply
Mark
9/26/2020 05:15:13 pm

Stories can be told in so many different forms. A good story can be told in all of them. You are a story teller at heart.
Marketing promotion is the hardest nut to crack for almost every author.
Writing the first draft is a very solitary work. You are the only one who can get it out of your head. After that the circle slowly enlarges with a typist or transcriptionist, (in your case), beta readers, an editor, a proofreader, and so on up to publisher which may include some of the aforementioned jobs. All during the writing phase, the author is wearing the creative hat. When it comes to marketing the creative hat must be replaced with the business hat.
Like a lot of authors you were hoping for face to face events to promote your book. Covid screwed that up quite well.
There are a lot of ways to market a book. Lots of blogs, podcasts and videos have been made to help authors with that set of tasks. I recommend the podcasts of Joanna Penn. She has been making podcasts for years and writes both fiction and non-fiction. Great stuff! She even did a podcast about getting your book into libraries.
New questions.
Do you have a newsletter you send out to fans? Why or why not?
Did anything in the book come as a surprise while you were writing?

Reply
Scott
9/26/2020 05:31:42 pm

Do not have A newsletter but that sounds like a great idea, could you send me more information about that. Thank you

I was surprised by the number of things.I tell the kids I teach about the struggles I’ve had as a student for the last 30 years but putting it down on paper and remembering it with the intensity that it had when I experienced it was shocking and unnerving to me. I was surprised at how painful it was to relive these memories even though it wasn’t for the first time. After reading the book for the first time myself I marveled at the fact that I actually made it through and I am functioning in the world. That was the most surprising of all, I guess I just got used to self-doubt, I put downs and all that comes with being dyslexic that I forgot the feeling that I had being in school for all those years. And the last surprise was that after reading the book I realized that the one profession that I would never have thought I would go into was teaching and the second was writing.I guess it goes to show never say never

Reply
Mark
9/26/2020 09:05:25 pm

I do not have any information laying at hand. I do know that many blogs have been written and podcasts recorded about the topic. Start with Joanna Penn's podcasts and branch out from there.
I can easily imagine how hard that was for you to go through. Very challenging and extremely intense. Your experiences allowed you to empathize with struggling students, that kind of I-will-walk-with-you-through-this help is rare these days.
New questions.
How long did it take you to write the first draft?
How many drafts did you go through to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?

Reply
Scott
9/26/2020 09:58:36 pm

First draft took me about nine months, but every time I wrote a new draft I change stuff. It literally took me about seven years of writing to come up with what I got. About seven drafts

Reply
Mark
9/26/2020 11:11:30 pm

Considering how cathartic it was for you, that is not too bad.
The final result is quite smooth. A writer once said, easy reading is damn hard writing, or something like that. I couldn't find the quote. But it is very true, the right words in the right place make for wonderful reading and that means the author sweated a lot of blood and tears over it. Your book was like that for me.
New questions.
Did you get ideas for future books or stories while writing this book?
When does inspiration strike for you?

Reply
Scott
9/26/2020 11:45:59 pm

I promised myself I would stay under 200 pages for this book. I have another 300 pages of stories but I’m not sure if I’m interested in going any farther with this Chandra . In general for this book or for musicals inspiration can strike me at any time that’s why I carry Pen and paper wherever I go and keep it next to my bed as well because you never know in the mood or strike.

Reply
Mark
9/27/2020 09:57:56 am

I think you made a good choice on the length. You avoided any repetition and the material was fresh all the way through.
What does Chandra mean in your context?
New questions.
A lot of new authors struggle with finding beta readers. Because, after the first draft is done, fresh eyes and feedback become very important.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out some of the wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 12:15:20 pm

My wife Lynn read everything I wrote while I was dictating to her. We will talk about every chapter. My first Editor was also very instrumental in organizing and streamlining the material. That was always at least two sets of eyes On each chapter. For the last couple of years my wife and I worked hand-in-hand Smoothing out the wrinkles. My second editor was very instrumental as well but when I came down to it I want to make sure that the book still sounded Like a king for me.
Chandra what is supposed to be Genre. I guess AutoCorrect did that. Sorry about that

Mark
9/27/2020 01:12:51 pm

Auto correct is our worst enemy. No doubt about that.
I knew there had to be several sets of eyes. The reading was so smooth.
New questions.
How early was it that you realized how powerful words can be?
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 03:26:02 pm

My mother was a feature writer for the San Francisco Chronicle and my dad was a beat writer for Oakland Tribune ,As kids we knew early on that words and stories Could be informational, inspirational or out right lies. As a kid who is bullied words cut like a knife. I personally was very sensitive to words either spoken or written that affected me emotionally, Especially as a child. I think that’s why I wrote this book in the first place is to use words as a positive and inspirational thing.
As a kid we were surrounded by writers because both my parents were writer we new authors, reporters Add play rights. My parents named all four kids after writers.. But in my family we are all teachers or performers and I have no contact with other writers, It does sound like a good idea though.

Reply
Mark
9/27/2020 05:05:05 pm

Words are very powerful! They can bring healing or hurt. We humans are so mercurial that we can do both at almost the same time.
You were surrounded by talented people as a child. You probably thought they were boring old people, when you were a child. I am pretty sure that I would have, even though I loved to read, I loved playing with other kids even more.
I think there is a large writing group in the bay area, I am sure you can find them online. Twitter is a good way to connect with other writers also. The #WritingCommunity is full of kind and helpful people.
New questions.
What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?
Do you have a hero, real or fictional?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 05:53:56 pm

I guess I wish I knew how long it would take, but if I knew that I probably wouldn’t of done it in the first place. Other than that it was a very long and hard process But I wouldn’t have changed anything because of all the mistakes I made I think you made the end product better.
Your other question is very hard for me. One hero for sure was my mother, she stood up for what she believed in no matter what the consequences and made a difference while raising for children. Shirley Chisholm, and I probably didn’t spell her name right. Was an activist in the 60s who are really looked up to and she was pretty much alone in her fight for equality as a black woman.My wife and daughter are both amazing human beings who had had to overcome many hurdles in their lives I look up to them as well.

Reply
Mark
9/27/2020 06:34:27 pm

I think you are right. The mistakes we make doing something for the first time are plentiful and can be corrected if we take our time; which you did. If you choose to write another book, I am sure it will take you much less time because you have learned so much writing this first book.
Nice choice for heroes, your mother wife and daughter. You spelled Shirley's name correctly. She dies in 2005 at the age of 80.
New questions.
Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?
Can you describe the demographic of your ideal reader? Who is the person most likely to buy your book?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 06:56:19 pm

I think having a strong ego is a good thing when it comes to rejection. As a writer and also as an actor rejection was a major part of my life and I do not have a strong ego or confidence. As I say in my book self-doubt is some thing I still deal with To this day. Believing in oneself Is critical in life but I also think that believing in oneself when it’s not warranted is completely different.
My target audience for this book are people who are dyslexic or people who teach or live with dyslexics. I wrote this book so people who are struggling with being dyslexic and think they’re alone oh no they’re not.

Reply
Mark
9/27/2020 07:15:16 pm

Acting and writing books are two activities that do require a strong ego. People who pursue those activities will hear the word no many times in the course of a career, far more than the word yes.
I think everyone, whether they admit it or not, struggles with rejection and the fear of rejection. We all have this inner voice that tells us we are not worthy. It's a daily struggle we face as long as we are above room temperature. We have to ignore it as best as we can and move forward regardless.
New questions.
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
What is your writing Kryptonite and how has it affected you?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 07:54:45 pm

I do not have a lucky charm but my kryptonite is my spelling. Sometimes when a idea comes to my head it flows out so fast I could barely keep up with a pencil to paper and even though I will re-read what I wrote as soon as I can there are times that I can’t read my own writing or Decipher the spelling.

Reply
Mark
9/27/2020 08:39:31 pm

My handwriting is very poor also. There have been times when I could not read my handwriting. I learned to print when I was doing drafting for a firm of engineers in San Francisco, in the 70s.
My printing is still pretty readable, lucky for those around me.
I feel your pain, the struggle is real.
New questions.
Do you struggle with writer's block, if so, how do you overcome it?
Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 08:55:16 pm

I have dealt with writers block and it usually is when there is a deadline on my head. Writing musicals I always had an upcoming deadline, my solution to writers block was to step away for a while and then come back to it, and that usually worked. Writing under a pseudonym I guess would be a good idea if you were very famous or very controversial. I am neither

Reply
Mark
9/27/2020 09:29:09 pm

That is a tried and true solution for many authors. Another idea is to read through the section out loud, that can help, or have the computer read it to you. Some authors have multiple projects that they move between, when one is not flowing another usually will.
I think that every author has a good reason for using a pen name. I know some authors that have a loyal following in one genre and they know that some will get upset if they are writing in a different genre, so they use a pen name. Later, when they have success in multiple genres they open up to all the pen names and hope for fans to crossover.
Then there is the successful children's author who decides to tackle adult subject matter. Another good reason for a pseudonym.
New questions.
If you were to start writing fiction would you use a pen name? Why or why not?
What genre do you think might be the most interesting for you?

Reply
Scott
9/27/2020 11:29:34 pm

Eben Scott. That’s easy because that was my stage name when I was an actor because Scott so easy to spell then Douthit and Eben is my middle name
I’m a big fantasy fan and historical fiction so maybe I would combine the genres.

Reply
Mark
9/28/2020 10:24:09 am

Sci-fi, fantasy and historical fiction are my three favorite genres, in that order. I have reviewed many in those categories.
I hope you do some writing in those genres, a mashup would be fun. Short stories might be a good way to start.
There are many contests you could enter your stories in. Watch out for scam contests though, some want your money and some want your intellectual property rights forever. Anne R. Allen lists safe contests in her newsletters and Writers Beware have information about scam publishers and contests.
New questions.
Do you think it important to read books or listen to audio books in the genre you write in?
Do you ever read books or listen to audio books in other genres? Why or why not.

Reply
Scott
9/28/2020 12:29:08 pm

I have listen to autobiographies in the past. Muhammad Ali‘s, Angela Davis, Einstein etc. I didn’t model my book after an autobiography but I do enjoy listening to them.
I enjoy listening to fantasy on audiobooks. I just finished the Harry Potter series this summer, considering I play a lot of fantasy games and PE based on books I know is surprising I’ve never read Harry Potter before.We have our favorite games when we’re back in school is playing Quidditch which is based on a game they played in Harry Potter. When I read or listen to fantasy it does Broughton my imagination to other possibilities I am not considered or just for the enjoyment of letting my mind go.

Reply
Mark
9/28/2020 02:35:59 pm

Biographies are interesting to read. I enjoy them also.
I must be the only person to not have read any of the Harry Potter books. I have seen bits and pieces of the movies, but that is it.
Fantasy and sci-fi are good for introducing new concepts and ideas, it's always interesting to read how an author deals with a subject or idea. Every author brings something new to the mix. The entertainment factor is not to be ignored. That's why most people read and write.
New questions.
Do you think reading, watching movies or listening to music help you be a better writer?
At this time, do you read books for entertainment or just research?

Reply
Scott
9/28/2020 03:39:47 pm

I listen to music with headsets so I can turn off the world and everything around me. It doesn’t really matter what time is it it’s just white noise. But it seems to work really well and when I’m in the solo stage of writing , that is what I do.
I read for enjoyment and self care. Research it is completely different and I don’t really consider reading, it’s more like a treasure hunt looking for information that will allow me to follow the storyline with the correct information. I really do enjoy research into topics though sometimes I do it Just for fun.

Reply
Mark
9/28/2020 04:05:17 pm

Music is definitely in the background for me, also. I do enjoy it, but I don't notice it until I hear something I don't like.
As a boy growing up on a non-working farm, in a small town, I had a lot of time on my hands. I read a lot and we had a huge dictionary, it was unabridged and had lots of small pictures in it. I could easily get lost in the dictionary for an hour or more, sometimes.
Following a topic of interest is a lot of fun.
New questions.
Have you ever read a book that changed the way you look at writing?
Do you think that a writer needs to read books, why or why not?

Reply
Scott
9/28/2020 04:17:48 pm

Who is in high school I read a book called Johnny get your gun, I had just been drafted for the Vietnam war and changed my perspective on fighting but also how somebody can change your outlook on life with just words. That’s the most influential book I think I have a read.Before that book I didn’t see reading as a form two have you look at the world through a different set of eyes.That book woke me up. I didn’t realize before that that writing could be so powerful. I wish I remembered the authors name but he did change my life.
To write my book I didn’t read anybody else’s book in the same genre. I want it to look at it through my eyes only. Writing musicals It is different for me because I have been influenced by them my whole life and it’s hard to write show and not think of other shows like it.I get very inspired by creative and I energy musicals and I do like reading the script if I ever get a chance.

Reply
Mark
9/28/2020 04:56:40 pm

The Viet Nam war was a turning point for our society and so many individuals.
The year it was my turn in the draft lottery only the first 150 picks were actually drafted. I think I was pick number 258. I was scared nonetheless. I still have my draft card.
That sounds like a powerful book. It certainly impacted you.
For the book you wrote, that was a good decision. You were unencumbered by the work of others. For most authors of fiction, I recommend reading a lot in the chosen genre and also outside of the genre. A new writer can't stray too far from the expectations of the readers with the first book or two.
New questions.
Would you agree or disagree with the statement: suffering is a requirement to be a good writer, and why?
Do you ever brainstorm with non-writers and if so, is it effective?

Reply
Scott
9/28/2020 06:42:54 pm

For me when I dig deep into my past or psyche that can be very painful but when I wrote musicals it was hard work but very joyous and fulfilling.
Again when I worked on musicals I would write the script and brainstorm with musicians on the lyrics and music I really enjoyed collaborating when we produced musicals. A lot of fun and I know I got a good product from it especially because I work with so many talented musicians and lyricist.

Reply
Mark
9/28/2020 07:22:10 pm

I can understand that difference clearly. It makes a lot of sense to me.
Writing musicals and conferring with musicians is certainly working with other professionals. As a rhythmically challenged adult, I am the last person to talk to about music.
Last questions.
What did you buy with your first royalty check?
How did you celebrate when you published this book?

Reply
Scott
9/28/2020 07:31:14 pm

I have not got a royalty check yet and when my book was published and came out it was right in the middle of the Covid so we celebrated on zoom with my family and friends.

Reply
Mark
9/28/2020 09:05:20 pm

The Covid has been a destroyer of dreams in more ways than one. Hopefully, the first royalty check isn't too far away. That will be a good excuse for another party, in real life, with any amount of luck.
I have another promotion that starts tomorrow. It's time to close this interview out. I have really enjoyed our conversation, and I think that our visitors have also.
I wish you much success with your current musical project and hope to see another book in the not-too-far future. Keep writing.

Reply
Scott
9/28/2020 10:36:32 pm

Thank you very much I really enjoyed this process

Reply



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"I'm very pleased with all your efforts. Twitter promotion and proofreading were beyond what I expected with a book review. Your suggestions throughout the process of refining both books helped me immensely. I look forward to working with you again."   A.E.H Veenman “Dial QR for Murder” and “Prepped for the Kill”