Exclusive Interview with
Daryl Kulak
When did you start writing?
I've been writing seriously since my retirement from the computer field in 2023.
What makes writing your passion?
I like writing to empower people. If someone can read one of my stories and feel a bit happier in their life, like they've been on an adventure, or feel a little more capable of handling their day-to-day, then I think I've done something.
How long have you been writing?
I've been serious about fiction writing since 2023. Before that, I wrote nonfiction books in about technology and also a few short stories over the years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
It was a very happy event, however, I feel like I'm just getting started. Writing and publishing are steps, but they are so early in the process. Marketing is a really big job and also something I enjoy.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I call my characters 'country girls.' Tiff, Kaylee and Angie all fall into this category. My wife, my mom, my sister and sister-in-law could too. I love country girls! I think they're wonderful to sit and talk with, great to party with, and they are the most courageous people I know.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
It hasn't been an annoying process, to be honest. I knew I needed to search for an agent, I also knew that it was unlikely that they would take me on. It was okay. The self-publishing route, with companies like Lulu, has been pretty easy and quite quick. No complaints! I've doing work that I love.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I haven't experienced it yet.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Ah, the advice question. First and foremost, write for yourself. Write the book that you most want to read. Don't try to suit a particular audience. Write your favorite book and then figure out who else might like it (identify your target market). Secondly,
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Don't be so afraid of girls. They're pretty great.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Sure, I read them. If they're good, it puts me in a good mood for days afterward. If they're bad, it bring me down, but only for an hour or so.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
If it is a generic good review "Loved this book!" I get a general good feeling. But, if someone 'gets' the book, it is a whole different feeling. It's a connection. There is a filament that ties us together now; we are both insiders and that is forever.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Oh sure. It was my trip to Bulgaria that got this whole idea started. Often, I'll hear someone say something witty and I'll note it down for future writing. Sometimes I make funny or stupid stuff in my head and it will end up on the page.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I didn't base any of my characters on me. I feel like Og, the bartender, is most similar to me. Kind of a tall, quiet guy who works behind the scenes most of the time.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Book covers are very important. I got a full-body thrill when I first saw my cover designer's rendition of "The Bulgarian Bartender" cover. It had so many secret elements that it was days later I was realizing a new piece that she had incorporated. Your book's cover is the best sales pitch you can have for a book. It has to be good, and the creation process has a certain amount of magic in it, which we shouldn't underestimate.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I haven't, except for the friends who've purchased the book and get back to me on opinions and ideas. I think I'd like to connect to readers in some way.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's nice. It hasn't happened with fiction, since I'm new to this, but with my previous nonfiction books, it was very pleasant indeed. People would sometimes seek me out at a conference or email me out of the blue with nice things to say about the books. With fiction, it will be even more fulfilling, I think, because now we both have mutual 'friends' in the characters from the book.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Elizabeth Gilbert. She writes wonderfully. My favorite one of her books is "City of Girls." Her writing is emotional, erudite and flows beautiful. Once I read that I got many of her other books and dived into them as well. Every book is a work of art, or 'big magic' as she would say.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I'm in my sixties, so anyone who thinks I'm going to be doing a world book tour is sadly mistaken. Also, I don't need the money. I saved up my whole life and now I have enough to live. So why try to sell a bunch of books then, Daryl? Because I want to touch lives. I want to be a force in this country that lifts people up, entertains them, teaches them something. And doing that for a million people feels even better than doing it for seven people. But they both feel good.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I wouldn't rewrite anything. I've got too many new ideas that need to see the light of day.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
No one. I am doing the work I love, I have the most beautiful wife, a house that's paid for and good neighbors. I'm not switching places with anyone.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Mu online etiquette is the same as my in-person etiquette. I usually say nothing to them.
What would you say to your readers?
If there is a woman reading this right now, let's say a woman who lives in a small town, or on a farm or ranch or homestead; I wrote this book for you. You're in it. We have three main characters and they are like you. They are sweet. They are fed up. They are generous and loyal. They can get angry sometimes. Somehow, they've figured out how to cope with the men in their lives (you know what I mean, girls - I'm a man and I know what it takes my wife to deal with me). And, most of all, they are courageous. That's why theis book series is called 'Country Girl Courage.'
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Central Ohio, am married with no kids, unless you count my high-maintenance kitty cat.
What is your day job if you have one?
Retired. Writing is my day job, but it is number three on the list after a) what my wife wants me to do and b) cooking.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Besides writing and marketing my writing, I like to play music, listen to music, travel and just walk.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yeah, it was okay. I grew up in an isolated area, so I was often lonely and bored.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Retirement from the computer industry in December 2023.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have two. 'Health Insurance off the Grid' was a manual for people who want to use holistic healthcare services (acupuncture, chiropractor, massage therapy, etc.) and get the most from their health insurance. 'Doctors of the Future' was a catalog of the MDs and DOs in Central Ohio who are open to holistic healthcare.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I don't think the testing culture (SATs, etc.) is healthy; we should move away from that. The major skill that is lacking in children's education is 'systems thinking.'
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
That my book is successful.
That I lose ten more pounds.
That the USA is able to stop school shootings from happening ever again.
What is your favorite music?
Classic rock, alternative rock, country/folk, rockabilly, pop
Share a secret with us 🙂
I think all art forms are of equal value - visual, auditory, written, culinary, olfactory.