Step into the adrenaline-pumping world of self-published thriller author David F. Berens, where fiction intertwines seamlessly with real-life escapades. From crime and action-adventure to archaeological and psychological thrillers, Berens draws inspiration from the captivating stories and intriguing characters he encounters in everyday life. Join us on a journey where Berens shares the profound impact of his first sale, the literary giants who fuel his creativity, and the thrilling tales that make his books unputdownable.
How do you find inspiration for your stories and characters?
Typically, my inspiration for storylines and characters come from real life situations and people. I have recently re-read my first crime thriller—Hat Check—and it jogged my memory. I could remember vividly where I saw certain things happen or the interesting people I commandeered for my stories. I’ve found that sometimes real-life is more fascinating than fiction and I catch myself saying, “You can’t make that up!”
Can you share one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had as a self-published author?
I think probably the first sale I ever made to a non-family member or friend was an incredible experience. My first book sold almost exclusively to people I knew. Fast-forward a few years and I published Hat Check. It sold like wildfire. It blew me away that people who did know me at all would buy and enjoy my writing. It had a profound impact on me and I try to keep that in mind when I’m writing. I do it for them.
Who are some authors that have greatly influenced your writing and why?
My main influences are James Rollins, Stephen King, and Matthew Reilly. I devour books from these guys and I find myself making mental notes about how they write. In action novels like those of Rollins or Reilly, I’m always amazed at how a single sentence, or sometimes in the case of King, even a single word or two can have such a dramatic impact on how a reader perceives the scene. I dream of writing as well as them.
What’s your ‘guilty pleasure’ TV show, book, or movie, and have elements of it ever ended up in your writing?
I love Jack Reacher. I love the books and I love the new TV version as well. To me, it is completely unrealistic to have a character be so overwhelmingly in control, physically imposing, intimidating, confident, etc. but I love it. But the way it is written and portrayed on screen is so good, I just don’t care that it’s over the top. I haven’t created a character like that yet… but I might!
How has your background (cultural, geographical, professional, etc.) influenced your writing style and the stories you choose to tell?
My day job is being a tennis teaching pro and one of the benefits when I was younger was that I could travel a lot. During that time, I found any club I could near the ocean and I went there for a time. I think that’s why Troy Bodean travels up and down the East Coast from beach town to beach town. It has been said you should write what you know and this is probably a big reason Troy is who he is.
Which of your characters do you feel the most personally connected to and why?
Anyone who has read my Troy Bodean books might guess that he is based on me. But he’s not. There is a real-life person that inspired him, but he’s grown way past that now. However, Ryan Bodean is based on my real-life brother. Not everything is absolutely in line with the real man, but there’s a lot about Ryan (my brother’s actual name) that infuses the character.
What of your book(s) are you the most proudest of, and why?
Gator Bite – A Troy Bodean Tropical Thriller #7 is probably my best book. I put more into making sure that was a really great read than I ever have before. It has humor, danger, excitement, adventure, and a cast of characters you’ll never forget. I read some of that book and can’t believe that I wrote it!
What is your most recent book and/or what are you working on currently?
Gator Bite is the most recent. I am in the final stages of editing Beirut Hurt – a Chris Collins CIA Thriller. I also have nearly finished a novel that is a bit off-genre for me. Call it a passion project. It follows a romantic couple through different stages of time. They are reincarnated again and again during different war-times and must try to free themselves from the cycle. Echoes of the Heart is a story of love—though not strictly a romance novel—throughout time. Then I’m on to finishing up Cayo Hueso – a Troy Bodean Tropical Thriller #8.
Is there a book project you have in mind that you plan to write one day? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
Oooh, this is a tough one. I’d like to write a vampire book. I have a character, a hook, and a plot. It’s way off the beaten path, but I love the idea so much. It will be written one day.
You can find David F. Berens on his web site, or on Twitter.
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