Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter). I have a treat for you. I have interviewed author, Douglas Wickard. He is the author of the popular novel entitled, A Perfect husband. I have asked him some questions, he has never been asked before. ENJOY!

Scarberryfields:  Can you tell us a little about your nationality/ancestry?

Doug: I am Scandinavian, German on my mother’s side and American Indian, English on my father’s side. In other words, a mutt.

Scarberryfields:  Have you always lived in Los Angeles, California?

Doug: I was born in Ohio, but left home early, at the age of sixteen and joined the Navy. By the age of twenty-three I had traveled the globe (join the Navy – see the world). My last duty station was Port Hueneme, California. Upon finishing my enlistment, I was hired for a lab tech position at UCLA Hospital, thus my roots in Los Angeles. After three years, I moved to New York City and lived there until 2000 when I moved back to Los Angeles.

Scarberryfields:  When you finished your debut novel, did you begin to miss the characters in your story?

Doug: For the most part, once I finish a novel, the characters leave me alone. I’ve tied up the loose ends so they are content. It’s when I start writing again that the characters begin to swim in my head and rattle my thoughts. Sami can be very persistent in her need to get to the page.

Scarberryfields:  While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Doug: I’m pretty good with grammar and punctuation. My Achilles heel is spelling. I have dictionaries placed strategically throughout my house. I use them for the most ridiculous of words. Usually every day words. Thank God, for spell check.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Doug:Writing has always been a portal for self-expression. I began as a teenager writing poetry, then short stories. I wrote my first musical -- WAITING -- when I moved to New York City. From that point forward, my writing has been a gradual progression of different styles and formats. I never held myself back. I always allowed myself creative freedom.  

Scarberryfields:  When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Doug: Yes. I can’t have distractions in the zone. It has to be 100% focus. That’s why I usually write early in the morning, before the sun comes up. I love that quiet, dark time.

Scarberryfields:  Did you use any family member as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Doug: I did. I chose six people, including my family. They were excellent choices. They gave me honest, constructive feedback. One of my sister’s was so invested in Sami she wrote a three-page synopsis of the book. It was emotionally moving to read somebody’s intimate take on the story. And, then, another sister didn’t like the book at all.  Honesty.

Scarberryfields:  Have you completed any other works?

Doug: I have three complete trunk novels. I’m sure at some point they will see the light of day. I am also working on the sequel to A PERFECT HUSBAND called A PERFECT SETUP.

Thank you so much, Doug for answering my questions honestly and without hesitation. It has been a pleasure knowing you over the past five months. As you know, I read your debut novel and wrote a 5* review. I am looking forward to reading A Perfect Setup. Certain I will love it, because I love your style of writing.