D.W. Hirsch

These are the answers you always wanted to know about author D.W. Hirsch

Q: What is your background?

A: I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. I attended Penn State University where I earned a BA in Film/Video and a English Writing Minor. I lived in various places along the East Coast.

Q: What got you into writing?

A: I've been writing since I was a kid, illustrating my first book at age 5.

Q: Since then, what is your writing experience?

A: As a freelance writer, I wrote for newspapers, magazines and online sites. I won numerous awards with Delaware Press Association (DPA), Media Professionals of Michigan (MPM), and National Federation of Press Women (NFPW).

In 2005, my magazine article on proposed Delaware casinos won First Place National award with NFPW.

Q: What is your current work-in-progress?

A: What "is" my current? You mean, what are? My first full-length novel is in its edit stage, a memoir about my father's influence of me, the lessons that I learned from him that anyone can relate to.

Q: What drew you into the memoir and autobiography genre?

A: I have always enjoyed writing personal interest stories. A lot of my articles for U.S.1, a newspaper in New Jersey, were personality profiles of local professionals. I enjoy telling people's stories creatively and really connecting with the real-life stories that inspire us all.

I am branching out into fiction with a story about a couple whose romance is told from the point of view of the Seasons. Also my story, Jimmy the Burglar, is in its rough draft phase.

I am working on some Zentangle-inspired novels, as well as a collection of poetry.

Q: What are some of your other interests and hobbies?

A: I am a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).

Q: What books have influenced you?

A: "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.

The Xanth series by Piers Anthony

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle

The Warriors series by Erin Hunter

"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom