Spillwords Interview

blogging 61 comments

Spillwords asked me if I’d be interested in doing an interview after they published one of my short stories recently. It was interesting and I was flattered at the opportunity.

They published it here: https://spillwords.com/spotlight-on-writers-darryl-b/

I’m grateful to be part of the WordPress community 😎

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61 comments

    1. Lynn, thanks so much for the kind words… I knew you’d get it with respect to Florida. Growing up there was, in retrospect, an experience that’s hard to understand today. What an awesome era.

      Thanks again for reading and the kind and supportive comment 😎

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  7. Excellent candid interview, Darryl! I smiled at the last bit because many of the things you enjoy now are similar to the things I enjoy. Maybe a part of that is our age and the love of 70’s music. I also introduced our daughter AND our granddaughter to that era. Can’t beat The Doobie Bros, Dylan, Donovan … and the list goes on.

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    1. Terry, it’s funny, that connection with the things we both enjoy, esp 70s music. Have you ever watched in YT those “reaction” videos where a Gen Z person listens to a classic piece of rock for the first time? It’s funny and moving. All are impressed, some astonished, others moved to tears. 70s music is truly timeless.

      Thank you, my friend, for reading and the great comment! 😎

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  8. That’s a wonderful interview, Darryl; I feel I know you much better now. That childhood sounds idyllic – horse riding, watching the heavens through a telescope, what I wouldn’t have given for that. Not to mention the love of 70s music, and being a Plantser with your writing. I think of myself a a pantser, but I think I’ve a plantser, in reality. And then, you can’t force your writing: snap! I never come up with anything good if I try that, and I stopped trying ages ago. As to the rest, it’s marvellous. You’re living a good life which you’re truly blessed to have, and you appreciate that and accept your blessings with humility. May it continue well for you, my friend. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

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    1. Laura, what a lovely comment… thank you, my friend. I’m glad you enjoyed it and that I was able to paint a picture of my boyhood. Talk about the wonder years…maybe I should write a book 😉

      I truly am blessed in so many ways, but in particular with Sue and the kids. We’ve had so much fun over the years; so many trips, adventures, inside jokes. I know you and G have traveled extensively and you know how much that opens your eyes. As a dad, I’ve tried to incorporate all the things my folks did right and dump the things they didn’t, lol…and somehow that worked bc I’m so proud of all of them.

      I love your writing style, I’m amazed at all the books you’ve authored and your dedication to your craft. I’m glad we met on WP and it’s so nice having a friend across the pond. Partly due to our exchanges, we’ve started having tea around 4:00…a very civilized and cool practice 😎🇬🇧

      Thanks again for reading and the wonderful comment! 🙂

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      1. You’re welcome, Darryl; only telling the truth here. I think it’d be a great idea if you wrote a book based around your life experiences. It wouldn’t be a bad way of documenting the society and its ways that you’ve lived through and how things have changed, or not. You write great stories which I always enjoy reading, and I’m glad to have made a friend in you – also that you are now having tea at 4pm, a wonderful habit to get into! Have a good week, my friend, and looking forward to chatting again soon. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, my friend! I was honored to be asked.

      Hope you’re doing well and getting ready for Xmas…I always like to give a few gag gifts (along with the real ones) and I’ve got a few beauts this year 😂. Hope you’ll be able to put your feet up and get catch a few classic flicks 😎

      Thanks again for reading and the comment!

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  11. A very interesting and fun interview. Like you say growing up in Florida muct have been amazing. I’ve only visited Florida on vacation. I remember you telling us about poking around in abandoned houses once before. It is an interesting, but maybe risky, hobby.

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    1. Thomas, thanks for reading and the nice comment… much appreciated 😎

      You’re right, it is a somewhat dicey proposition. I usually back my car in for a quick getaway and enter cautiously. Never know if a squatter or two may be in there… or a rabid animal, beehive, whatever. But once inside, it’s so fascinating to look at the castoffs from a life… wonder who lived there, what their life was like, etc.

      Thx again for the words of kindness and caution 😎

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  14. Nice interview mate!

    Did you find it difficult to answer questions about yourself – you know – the you that isn’t in the author persona?

    i really struggle with that. Any advice on being asked thpse things whilst still sraying insightful and authentic? (you nailed that)

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate you reading and taking the time to leave such a kind and interesting question.

      I’m an extrovert, a people person, so it’s not hard for me to step out of the author persona and speak candidly about myself. I was really surprised when they contacted me…very honored… and I just answered the questions as though I was having a friendly chat. I think if you just answer forthrightly, the authenticity is there… and it’s funny how some of your answers dovetail onto others so a complete picture is built for the reader. I’m very flattered that you think I got it right…thanks so much for the awesome comment! 😎🙏

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  16. So enjoyed reading your interview, especially this part that will influence how I spend the day ahead, making space for ideas to feel welcome:

    “I get ideas when my mind is relaxed: When I’m walking along the nature trail at dusk, listening to the booming hoots of barred owls. Or strumming a few chords for the dogs. Or especially in my happy place, on a road trip. It’s almost guaranteed that something will pop into my mind. I keep a tickler file on notes; I’ll add 5-6 words as a placeholder and revisit it later.”

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    1. Thank you, my friend, for reading my interview! I was honored they asked me and it was fun. I can’t take credit for that quote, I read it somewhere and stuck it in notes, but it’s so 🎯
      Thx again, hope you’re doing well 😎

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  21. Hats off Darryl 😀 … #5 = LOLOL (honk-honk) … Your interview read so enchanting and adventurous, a charmed existence, with 100 years more to go !!! I love your writing, stories, poetic journey’s and they do teleport the reader right there !!! Brilliant !!! Question: Where do you see yourself in 10 years (remember that one 😉 … who the heck knows, but you sold me on Florida?!)

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      1. Thanks! That is such a cool place, Carolina Beach State Park…761 acres of pine woods, wetlands, ponds and one side borders the Cape Fear River… one of the few places where Venus flytraps grow wild… so on flat days, it’s a great place to wander and wonder 😎

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    2. Thank you, my friend, for those mega props! 😂 I was honored when they contacted me, had no idea, but it was fun 🙂

      Ten years… I had to look that one up… poor ol’ Charlie the Cypress tree 😢 Wow, I dunno… I’ll be 47 then 😉. There’s an old joke… “What are a Southerner’s last words?” “Hey y’all… watch this!!” So in 10 years… maybe going out in a blaze of glory at Pipeline… my old roommate at UF surfed, he died sadly at 49. His funeral was a solemn circle of friends sitting on their boards off Delray Beach (next town up from Boca)… flowers laid, some last thoughts… or maybe a few GKs, going shopping and looking for toys with > 1000 pieces “the Lego Super Extreme version” and watch my kids scramble to pick up pieces as fast as they’re being dropped in every corner of the house heh heh, paybacks 😂🎁. To be honest, still not sure… these are deep questions, Surfer Sister, which must be considered while consuming an adult beverage “late at night, bathed in the firelight ~ B. Seger). Think tonight after I dash off a few Christmas cards would be a good thing to ponder. As soon as I know, I’ll let YOU know! 😂😎❤️🎄🏄🏻‍♂️🎅

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      1. Can I copy … hahaha! By then, I’m imagining we just unplug or update “better” software (just replaced that old spleen, been trying to get around to that payment plan on a brand spankin new rotator cuff (lol). Wonder if it will be that simple!?) … and then it’s chasing the sunsets till that gets old, doubt it ever will ~ ❤ !!! "They" used to lay that question on me in every interview and it stumped me every time! So, I will ask an expert, and you seem like you know what you're doing 😉 Have a blessed night, my awesome friend !!!

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  26. WoW Brother Darryl, this is such a wonderful interview…
    Congratulations on being featured and recognized by Spillwords.
    Man, your stories really hit, full of vivid memories and real heart. You can tell how much your life, family, and sense of adventure shape everything you create.
    Surfs Up, Thumbs Up and Prayers Up Brother….
    Truly inspiring to see your journey shared with the world…

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    1. Aw man, Willie… thanks so much for the encouragement and props… I’m glad that you and hopefully others find humor or poignancy in these little snippets of a misspent youth 😂 They’re fun to write and the kids find them interesting… seeing Dad in a new light, dropping trays of dishes or Sue and me in our pre-kid days. Everything I have or have experienced is by God’s grace… I’m blessed, my friend, and grateful. Thanks again for reading and the kind words… much appreciated 😎🙏🏄🏻‍♂️🎄❤️

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