Interview with Daryl Dittmer, Author of When I Stop Fighting

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write When I Stop Fighting?

I’ve lived an interesting and eventful life, complete with self-imposed problems, challenges, and the eventual solutions. My desire is to share my story so that I can help others through the challenges they face.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of When I Stop Fighting, what would they be?

Time by Pink Floyd

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Biographies & Memoirs.

Yes, I guess so.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Bhagavad Gita (again), Awareness is Evolution, Wizard: The Life and Times of Nicola Tesla.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

“Stay small” was what Jimmy used to say in those 12-Step meetings at the community center back in the late 1980s. Jimmy was a very slight, older black gentleman who was a little bent over when he walked. Jimmy didn’t speak often, but when he did, everyone listened. I think, at that time, he’d been sober for almost 40 years. To me and many of the young people trying to stay sober and reasonably sane early on, Jimmy was a bit of a deity. He would get up from the tables from time to time and refresh people’s coffee. Nobody did that but Jimmy. Incredibly selfless guy and he probably had more wisdom in his little finger than the rest of us idiots put together.

Jimmy used to say that if you want to stay sober, you must “stay small.” He was telling us that humility was a very basic building block of attaining wisdom and that if we wanted it, keep a cork in the pie hole and listen. At least that’s what I got out of it. Thank you, Jimmy.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I love to write before the sun rises, so about 4 AM is when I like to start. I sit in my writing space, light off, pajamas and robe on. Nothing better.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Once a wise man was asked, “What is the meaning of life?” He replied, “Life itself has no meaning. Life is an opportunity to create meaning” – Unknown

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That no matter where you begin, if you want your life to improve, and become better than you can currently imagine, you must start, and then not quit.

Daryl Dittmer is the author of the new book When I Stop Fighting: The Unexpected Joy of Getting My Head Out of My Ass

Connect with Daryl Dittmer

Facebook

Buy The Book