Meet Doug Setter

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

I was born and grew up in Surrey, B.C. Canada served in the military as a Morse code operator, paratrooper, and UN peacekeeper (former Yugoslavia 1993). I hold a Bachelor of Human Ecology (Nutrition) and competed in kickboxing in Canada and Hong Kong, and at the age of 40, I won a welterweight championship.

I have worked as a crime reporter and have written over 100 articles and six books, including Reduce Your Alcohol Craving, One Less Victim: a crime prevention manual, Train Her Confident: Women’s Kickboxing, Stomach Flattening, and Selo (award winning fiction novel).

What is the name of your best book, and what inspired it?

Simple Secrets to Handle Your Alcohol Better: Student’s Edition. I was inspired to publish my research about drinking in college so that people can enjoy their alcohol without addiction or the side effects. During the writing of my next book, “Reduce Your Alcohol Craving,” my own sister died of alcohol poisoning. At this point, I pushed my doubt as a writer aside and just kept writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I set up a schedule to write at least a page at a time and then pay myself a dollar an hour or a dollar a page. On the weekends, I spend the money on something fun, like a movie, a trip up Grouse Mountain, or an exotic meal. I guess that may be unusual to other writers. Lol.

What authors or books have influenced you?

Authors who have influenced me have been Andrew H. Vachss, Louis L’Amour, David Liss, and Stephen King. The most influential books: are Strega by Andrew Vachss, Breaking Writer’s Block Now! by Jerry Mundis, On Writing by Stephen King, and Will by G. Gordon Liddy.

What are you working on now?

Fitness/Body Shaping book for women based on the 1920s to 1970s actresses and models. It seems to be the return of the hourglass shape/figures which were so popular in the Miss America and Playboy models in the early 20th century. Many body shapes, sizes, and types have become more accepted in our society for women, which is a good thing. A person’s weight or pounds shouldn’t matter if men and women look and feel good and are in good health.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?

Public speaking and word of mouth have been successful methods. Otherwise, articles linking to my website are also effective, and I have the current help of a great marketing woman, Catherine Lyon of ‘Lyon Literary Services’ who has been a success with increasing sales, reviews, and book exposure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write what people are interested in and do your research.
2. Write like you are working, exercising, or studying. Put aside the time, but do not overdo it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep training and working towards something. You are going to get old anyway. LOL!

What are you reading now?
No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hell’s Angels by Jay Dobyns

What’s next for you as a writer?
How-to videos I’m now looking into making for the fitness/wellness side and working on that new book I mentioned above.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Lives of Great Men by Plutarch
The Bible
The Koran