Fiction as Truth
I'm writing this on the publication date of my children’s book, THE MAGIC TICKET (Fulcrum Books), so naturally, I’m thinking a lot about the subject of the story, my late sister Sandra. (The book is [...]
“A Beautiful Collaboration”: Writing and Illustrating a Children’s Book Together
In most cases, a children's book is written by the author, the author is fortunate enough to find a publisher, and then the publisher assigns an illustrator to the project. But in the case of [...]
I Have Good News! Part 2
Hey, I’ve got more good news! (Wait, are you reading this first? This is Part 2. Go back immediately to the "Blog" tab and read Part 1!) So here it is: That “big novel” I’ve [...]
I Have Good News! Part 1
Hey, I’ve got good news! After years of working hard without seeing any results, I finally have some results to share--two results, actually. First, I wrote a children’s book. Yes, I, David Hicks, the serious [...]
David Hicks Interviewed on WVIA’s “Art Scene” with Erika Funke
She could very well be the Best Interviewer Ever. She is certainly "The Voice" of the Northeastern PA art scene. She is Erika Funke, and she very kindly spent some time with David to discuss [...]
Bohemian Rain
[This post first appeared in DaddyElk.com.] After my father died, in late January 2007, at first he seemed to hang around, mostly at the foot of my bed, threatening to twist my toe to wake [...]
On the Difficulty of Celebrating
[This essay was first presented on the "Life And . . . " Podcast in April 2022.] I’ve always had a hard time with celebrations. I grew up in a working-class household near the Bronx. [...]
How to Pitch Your Book (Guest blog by Jen McLaughlin)
Since I dread being asked, "So what's your book about?" and am god-awful at answering that question, I invited an expert--best-selling author Jen McLaughlin--to share her secrets with us. Thanks, Jen! -- DH Jen McLaughlin, [...]
Top Ten Tips–How to Give a Good Reading
How to Give a Good Reading (from someone who used to be a terrible reader) 1. Go short, not long. We've all sat through readings that last way too long. Don't be that author. Choose a [...]
Love Your Words
Months before I went on my book tour, I was nervous about reading in public—I tend to mumble, and have never been a good storyteller—and I knew I needed to practice first. So my wife [...]