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Archived Articles 08/2004 Nikki Leigh Leigh Reaches Her Dream in Misty Cove 06/2004 Betty Kreier-Lubinski A Glimpse into Other People's Lives 04/2004 Pat Dennis Mirth, Mystery and Moxie |
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INTERVIEWS
an interview with Don Hurst
by Donna Sundblad
Don Hurst's imaginative bent led him to art school later in life where he studied painting. He enjoyed the creative endeavor but pondered the possibility of crafting images with a pen instead of the brush. He took on the challenge and made the ingenious turn to put pen to paper. "At age 69 something clicked. I believe that was finding Writers' Village University." Hurst attributes much of his writing skill to the advice and editing offered by fellow student writers.
As a lifetime student of Writer's Village University, Don encourages those with dreams to pursue them. To other's with the itch to write he recommends that they, "read and write every day." He recognizes the value of each individual's contribution. "Remember, only you can express yourself as you do, no one else has your voice. Trust yourself. Love yourself. Study your craft. Turn off the TV once in a while. If someone tells you to stop writing, forgive them."
Realizing a Dream
Don's realized his dream when his novel, Return to UKOO was accepted by ePress, a division of Writopia. "The idea for Return to UKOO came to me while reading J.K. Rowling's, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What if a forty year old Harry Potter returned to the place of his wizard training, Hogwarts, without knowing he's a wizard; with no memory of having ever been there?"
Equipped with a yellow notepad he captured fresh imaginations during the early morning hours each day. "Return to UKOO took on a life of its own." Don typed whatever came to mind without editing thoughts or restricting the flow. "UKOO was out there waiting to be written down."
Signing a contract with ePress thrilled Hurst. When asked how he felt about Return to UKOO as an electronic e-book he said, "Folks can download an inexpensive e-book for about the price of a couple of hamburgers. There are no books for bookstores to return. Publishing on demand (POD) is the future. A book is created only when wanted."
Unique Fantasy Adventure
UKOO is a unique fantasy satire that zeroes in on the life of homicide detective Dale Hern who has no memory of his first eighteen years. On his fortieth birthday, he's drawn through an attic mirror into the alternative world of the United Kingdom of Otheroff, UKOO. Two blue suns and lavender skies welcome Hern to a world where fifteen-year-old King Malcolm rules but no one takes him seriously. Dale learns he was once a hero in this land where he slaughtered thirty-seven dragons to earn the title.
The fun begins when Detective Hern pulls his gun on the king's pet dragon Burney. His adventures take him to the castle where the dead king (Malcolm's father) is laid out as a centerpiece on the dining table. The Queen is missing, and Dale and young King Malcolm set out as an unlikely team on an escapade that leads to such challenges as Poo Pool, Apparitions Forest and a battle with a large squid named Suzi. An all-powerful Wizard Tae battles with his dark side and will tie your imagination in knots. This is one adventure you won't want to miss. In Don's own words, "Hold your breath and expect to smile."