Featured Interview With Michael R Dougherty
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m an Alaskan by way of California, so that makes me a “Calaskan.”
For my entire life I’ve been a storyteller, especially humorous stories –
I’ve always enjoyed observing people, places and things and have collected a lifetime of stories because of my observations.
But I never considered myself a writer until I was in my late teens.
When I was in high school I started working at KTVA channel 11, the CBS affiliate in Anchorage, Alaska. There I started out working in the studio and worked my way up to Director of Programing and Promotions, which meant that I was writing on-air promotional spots for the station. And that’s when I first became a professional writer.
Much to my surprise, and I’m sure to the shocking surprise felt by my elementary school, junior high school and high school English teachers – I became a Hollywood screenwriter.
One script that became a movie is “The Long Ride Home” a family western starring country music singer Randy Travis, Eric Roberts (brother of Julia Roberts) and Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine, and based on my short script.
Well, that’s my story and yes, I’m sticking to it –
There is of course much, much more, but I’d rather leave you wanting more, rather than have you fleeing for your life screaming “get me out of here.”
In your hurry up life where even fast food isn’t fast enough any more, do yourself a gigantic favor. Take the time to laugh and be inspired.
And one other thing –
A very wise person once said “laughter is the best medicine.”
Don’t you wish that they’d sell it on TV like they sell all those pills for everything from sweaty fingernails to leaky plumbing. Because at least with laughter, you wouldn’t need to hear that long list of “may causes.” You know, that long list that follows all the pill commercials where they warn you about all the horrible side effects those pills can cause.
Yes, laughter is the best medicine – it’s free, and there are no side effects, unless you count a few sore muscles from excessive laughter.
So laugh a little – heck, laugh a lot.
Michael R Dougherty
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Much to my surprise I began writing professionally when I was but a young pup right out of high school and I started writing promotional announcements for television.
I actually started writing screenplays before I started writing books.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My wife inspires me to write by saying “Mike, just shut up and write.”
Authors who inspire me are those who can make me laugh because they really know how to use good, clean humor. I enjoy Dave Berry, Garrison Keillor who writes the Lake Wobegon book and radio series, and play write Neil Simon. And the writers of the Bob Newhart TV show – now that’s great writing.
My old wind-up Smurfs alarm clock and my wife saying “get up already and turn off that Smurf thing” also inspire me to get up and write.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Have you ever wanted to visit Alaska?
Humorous Stories from ALASKA …and beyond is a collection of funny short stories like “Dynamite and the Alaskan Outhouse”, “The Popeye Effect” and “Terror on Windigo Island.”
Here’s a quote about my book –
“Growing up can be filled with adventure and Humorous Stories from ALASKA …and beyond is a double dose of fun as author Michael R Dougherty takes you on a fun ride through his families Alaska adventures.”
When I’m asked how long it took me to write this book, the only answer I can give is “it took me a lifetime.” Not because I write that slow, but because the stories came from my life in Alaska.
So for me, “Humorous Stories from ALASKA… and beyond” brings back a flood of happy, fun memories. And by the way, the “… and beyond” part of the title means that a few of the stories were about funny adventures that happened outside of Alaska.
Now here’s the thing –
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Alaska, you can read my book – it’s a lot less expensive than an Alaska cruise, and a lot funnier.
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