Dan Hays is a gifted writer who has been pursuing his craft for more than 20 years. His passion has always been writing, but he had a writing block that he could not understand for many years. In 1985 he wrote a book about being the adult child of alcoholic parents. Several publishers were very interested; he felt he had “lost the thread of the story,” backed away from the book and did not return to it.
In 1987 Dan’s father died. In 1993, trying to understand his father better, he wrote a book entitled Nothing Left to Lose, about a critical turning point in his father’s life. Several agents expressed interest in the book. Again, he “lost the thread” and walked away from the book, puzzled as to why it had happened yet again.
Lost creativity and the effects of family alcoholism are just two of the elements of the story he explores in his first published book, Freedom’s Just Another Word, which chronicles events around the time of his father’s death. It is the first of a cycle of 7 books about healing old wounds with his father. That cycle will culminate with Nothing Left to Lose, written from a perspective of forgiveness and admiration.
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Influences/Inspirations:
I have been very influenced by several people - Teddy Roosevelt, Chuck Yeager, Nathaniel Hawthorne. I have taken positive aspects of each as role models for how I would like to accomplish things in my life.
I would like to spend the next several years writing and publishing a series of books I have laid out on my process of healing from the effects of growing up with a violent alcoholic.
Favorite Writers and Artists:
Mark Twain, C. S. Lewis, Robert Crais, Sue Grafton, John Dunning, John D MacDonald, Lawrence Block.
Current Projects:
Dan's next book: "And Then I Stop." In 2003 Dan discovered a writer's block with very deep origins, arising from some things his Grandmother said to him when he was 8 years old. She asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said he wanted to be a famous writer. She said "Oh no, you don't want to do that. If you grow up and you're a famous writer, they'll call you crazy and lock you up."
Interests:
I enjoy running, reading, travelling and exploring new places. I love to visit with people in unexpected encounters. I was walking through Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. A man was talking with his friends, said "it's all about Southern hospitality" as he watched me approach. I laughed and agreed. He had spotted me as a Texan - he had a brother in Dallas, and we had a very nice chat!
Family:
Dan is very proud of the fact that he is related on his mother's side to the Justin family of Texas, who started the Justin Boot Company.
University Affiliations:
Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Austin
Contact Information:
comments@danlhays.com