Back to Featured Interviews >>

MEET DANI KOLLIN
by Bonnie O'Brian

If you didn’t write as a child, then when did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

Dani Kollin

I was an artist my entire life and was in college attaining a degree in Graphic Design when I started writing. I found that I had a voice that had for some reason lain dormant for the better part of 23 years. Once I started writing I couldn’t stop.

What kinds of things inspire you to write?

I revel in how the ordinary can be viewed as extraordinary. My writing is a constant attempt to expose these hidden gems – for better or for worse.

Where do you get your ideas?

Odd as it sounds, from others. My gift is my ability to see where brilliant paths have gone astray or where they need to go.

What really triggers your imagination?

QUESTIONS! I never ask my children what they learned in school. Instead I ask, “Did you ask any good questions today?” For me the possibilities of “what if” are the stuff of dreams. It’s why I’m a science fiction author.

How did your life change when you got married? and had children? Did it make it easier or harder to find time to write?

Children made it possible for me to be a better writer. Writing with authority demands a certain amount of life experience and humility. Fortunately children are well prepared to render both upon me endlessly. Regarding how I find the time to write? Not to sound too haughty but if the flame burns inside you, time is meaningless. You find it where you can because the story needs to come out.

Do you enjoy researching or do you prefer working totally from your imagination?

Research is probably my favorite part of writing because it means I get to learn new things. Once I have a “researched” foundation in the subject at hand my imagination flows more freely.

Do you like to include humor in your stories? Or adventure? Or mystery?

I love including humor in our stories. Though it is probably the hardest emotion to convey.