Authors To Watch: John Arnold, author of 'Duck Squad'

John Arnold has had his work presented in either a reading or production at American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco) playreading series; California Playwrights Festival, Sacramento; Out and About Theater, Minneapolis; Playwrights Center, San Francisco; Sacramento Theater Company; West Coat Ensemble, Hollywood; Aloha Theater, Kainaliu, Hawaii; Moving Arts, Los Angeles; Mercury Cafe, Denver; First Stage, Los Angeles; The Theater-Studio, New York, Prince William Sound Community College, Valdez, Alaska; Theater of Western Springs, Illinois; and others. His monologue “Bit” is featured on Fourth Wall Review.com. His screenplays have been finalists in the Art Color “Digital Cinema International Film Festival, Montreal, the San Francisco Global Movie Fest, Indie Film Fest, Switzerland and the Swedish International Film Festival.

His play “Saint George” was winner of the 2016 Play Competition – Thistle Dew Theater, Sacramento. His monologue “Aunt Velma Considers Changing Religion” was part of the 2016 One Act Play Festival, Phoenix Stage Company, Connecticut.

 He is author of “Duck Squad,” “Autobiography of a Duck” and “Going Home” - available via Amazon.com. 

You can visit John’s blog at http://johnharnold.wordpress.com.

About the Book:

Title: Duck Squad
Author: John Arnold
Publisher: Createspace
Pages: 75
Genre: Fantasy

Three ducks escape from a university lab experiment and find sanctuary in a fraternity house. They discover human beings can be their friends – and enemies. Their adventures begin righting wrongs – and getting even.

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Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve been writing almost all of my life. Most of my writing is for the stage. I’ve been lucky to have my work presented all over the place, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco - and even Hawaii.

When did you begin writing?

I got my first rejection slip when I was six years old! It was from Simon and Schuster publishers in New York City and, although the rejected my book, they encouraged me to keep writing!

Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?

An idea usually pops into my head. Then there’s a period of gestation. And then, all of a sudden, I have the urge to write it down. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and I have a pad and pencil nearby.

How did you get the idea for the book?

“Duck Squad” began when I started seeing a gang of wild ducks downtown. It started the wheels turning and next thing I knew I was writing a book!

Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?

The three duck protagonists – Quock, Guk and Op – are my favorites. They remind me of our pet ducks.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?

The most challenging aspect was writing it! I’m used to writing plays and this is the first novella I ever attempted. It was fun!

Which authors have inspired your writing?

I particularly admire Thornton Wilder and Martin McDonough.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m writing a play about my Mom’s Irish American family.

What advice would you offer to new or aspiring authors?

Keep writing, don’t get discouraged and listen to your inner voice!