Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dennis K. Crosby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dennis K. , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did I learn to do what I do? That’s a great question! When it comes to writing, it’s something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. I can recall essays and creative stories from grade school to college, that made me think, rather arrogantly I might add, that I was a phenomenal writer. My grades in English were always excellent, so when I finally decided to start writing a novel I thought, “this should be a piece of cake”. I quickly learned that like someone who actually bakes the aforementioned cake, a writer must study and practice the art if they want to create something palatable.

So early on, I read books. I read books in multiple genres, but primarily I read books in the genres I knew I wanted to write in. Eventually, I attended workshops. Writing workshops are amazing opportunities to learn from professionals in the field. I joined writing groups where I could listen to, and eventually share, writing tips and experiences to strengthen my knowledge of the art. In the midst of all that, I also elected to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. My MFA program not only helped me learn about the craft, but it also helped me begin to develop and refine my writing “voice”.

Growing up, I thought my future was law enforcement, and so that is what I pursued. I wish my desire and love of writing was as strong then, as it is now. I would have taken part in those workshops earlier in life. I would have had more time to do the thing that I now know is as important to me as anything I’ve ever accomplished. As the saying goes though, all things happen for a reason. Learning earlier wouldn’t necessarily make me a better writer, as what’s truly informed my writing and my world and character building, are the experiences I’ve had over time. So, learning sooner would not have helped. Learning faster would not have helped. I needed to live a life first, that would allow me to have something to say. Then I needed to learn the craft so I could share those experiences in a respectful and creative way.

The greatest skill a writer can have, is the ability to listen and the willingness to continue to learn. Listen and pay attention to the world around you. Continue to be open to learning different ways to tell and share a story. It all leads to better connection. A better connection with the world, or worlds, you create, the characters you develop, and ultimately, the readers you share your adventures with.

Dennis K. , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an author, primarily of urban fantasy and horror, but certainly open to other genres. Originally from the Chicagoland area, I foresaw a very different life path. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois – Chicago and was certain my future was in law enforcement and investigations. After a decade in retail sales and a number of years as a private investigator I recognized that learning about people was a passion, so I pursued and completed a degree in Forensic Psychology, and eventually settled into the social service field. Underneath it all though, was another passion–writing.

Though I began writing later in life, I think it actually worked in my favor. Whether it was sales, investigations, or working in mental health, I was learning about people. I was able to glean their motivations, their fears, their passions. Academically, I was able to understand their behaviors, but in each professional field I was able to watch those behaviors. It is because of that that I am able to create characters with depth. They are not stereotypes, but instead, individuals with their own motivations, fears, and passions–characteristics that readers can relate to, thus strengthening the stories I create.

So, when you read my books, you’re not reading about a powerful Death Goddess. You’re reading about Kassidy Simmons, a woman with an addiction to alcohol and a fear of relationships. A woman who second guesses every decision she makes and wants nothing more in life than to feel normal, a least once in her life. My tales, whether they’re novels or short stories, are not about the monsters, ghosts, and demons, but about the people, their humanity, and the motivations and fears that drive their decisions. They are written to entertain, but also to provide a space for readers to escape reality, connect with someone like them, and learn about themselves as much as, and in step with, the characters they’re reading about.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

For a writer, for any creative, we live in an age in which a social media presence is crucial. It’s not enough to just have a presence though. Your platform must be one that is accessible, and most important, engaging.

Many unpublished writers, or creatives with no, or few professional credits, think that they need a large portfolio to have any relevance online. I know that’s how I felt initially. But I was reminded of something from my days in retail sales. The key to initially connecting with people, is not your ability to sell a product, but your ability to sell yourself. People gravitate towards people they feel comfortable with. We gravitate toward people who listen, people who make us laugh, people who demonstrate empathy, and people who are genuine. And so, with that in mind, I took on the task of introducing people to me, through social media.

Initially, I spoke about my goals as a writer, and my interest in becoming a published author. I connected with those that had similar interests, and I connected with those that were established in the field. I asked and posed questions, I shared triumphs and setbacks, but I also shared other parts of my life. Bombarding people solely with your work and life as a writer will push them away. No one wants to feel that they are constantly being courted to buy something. What I found most important, and most effective, was sharing other aspects of my life. Other interests. I shared my love of pop culture, gave some glimpses of my personal life, and showed that I was affable, empathetic, and three dimensional. When people think of Dennis K. Crosby, they may think of my books and stories, because they are just as much a part of me as anything else. But they also think of my funny memes, my love of bourbon, and the fact that I not only celebrate my successes and milestones, but also the successes and milestones of my peers.

The key to success, genuine, organic success, in social media, is remembering that it’s not just a place to advertise, but also, and more importantly, a place to engage.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I first began writing, the most rewarding aspect of it…was finishing. I was once told, that of all the people that say they are writers, only 1% actually finish something. Of that 1%, only 1% will actually get their work published. So, with that in mind, completing a novel was huge. The next step of publishing was even more monumental for me. But from that came other rewards, all of them unexpected. My first novel was well reviewed and the winner of multiple awards–certainly rewarding and completely unexpected. My early success put me on the radar with many writing groups and I was asked to speak and share my journey. That meant the world to me. I was asked to participate in panels, with people in the industry that I greatly respected. I was invited to participate in writing projects. I was asked to provide praise quotes for authors, both new and established, for their upcoming novels.

With all that, the most rewarding aspect has been twofold.

First, having people connect with my stories and my characters, and find joy and wonder in the worlds I’ve created…and have them wanting more. That feeling is amazing. It tells me that people trust me enough to take them on a journey away from reality for 300+ pages, and to safely bring them back. It’s humbling, and I am forever grateful. The other rewarding aspect of my writing life is having the opportunity to be a resource for other writers, and to have a platform to share and celebrate their successes. I love being a part of the community and I love networking and promoting those within it. Together, we can strengthen the industry and give readers amazing worlds and stories for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://denniskcrosby.com/
• Instagram: @denniskcrosby
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Denniskcrosby
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniskcrosby/
• Twitter: @denniskcrosby