I have learned that I can do pretty much anything!
Oliver Dahl is a published author–at the age of 13! His first book is The Dreamers and he has have plans for over 30 more…. His aim is to become a NY Times Bestseller.
1. How did you start doing what you do?I started writing in the fourth or fifth grade. I have always loved reading, and since kindergarten, I had been reading short novels while other kids were just learning to read. Even in elementary school, I would get sheets of paper, write short sentences on them, draw pictures, and staple the papers together, calling the result a book. Things escalated quickly, when in 5th grade I finished writing a 20,000 word novel. I wanted to write a book that I knew I would enjoy reading. Two school years later, in 7th grade, I had rewritten that same book at nearly 100,000 words, or about 550+ pages. (I am about to go back to the same book for a second rewrite, actually!) I published my second written book just before 8th grade, and have been preparing the sequel and marketing my first book since then.
2. Who supported you along the way?
So many people supported me on my way to where I am right now, it would be nearly impossible to name them all! At the top of the list is my parents, who helped edit (a lot), improve the book, give me tips, and keep me moving. They continue to help me out a ton with the sequel. I also had a lot of support from people I have met, whether in person, over the phone, or virtually. So many people helped me set up book signings, worry about prices, and review my book.
3. What were the high points?
There have been a lot of high points on my road to being an author. The day that you first see your work in print is one of the most amazing. The day you sell your first book, or sign your first book at book signing, and sell your first eBook, are all highlights as well. Every time a shipment of your books come to your doorstep is something to look forward to. Some of the best high points are also when somebody leaves a nice, positive review. I love reviews more than you would think. Whenever I get a review it makes my day! (especially when it’s positive! 
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)4. What were the low points?
There weren’t many low points after I published, actually. Editing and adding the edits into the manuscript was definitely dull, but important work. I didn’t enjoy that part of the writing process very much, and still don’t. 
Other low points are when you don’t sell very many books one month, or when plans go awry.
5. Have you had any negative reactions? How did you deal with them?
I have not had any negative reactions personally, but there are several posts around the web that establish stereotypes against authors. One of them was on the cover of the New York Times. I sent an email to the writer of the article. She thanked me for my thoughts, but I have not heard back from her since. You can read the email I sent to the writer here: http://www.thedreamersadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/stereotypes-against-young-authors.html
6. How have other young people reacted to you?
Other high point is how other young people react to me. One event that nearly brought me to tears was when two students I was teaching at Colorado State University for a week-long writing class came up to me. They said that my daily lessons had helped inspire them to co-write and publish a book together. It moved me that I had done something so dramatic as that! Other cases similar to this have happened with students in younger grades at my middle school. I always love being able to inspire other kids! It’s definitely another high point of being an author, in my opinion.
7. What have you learnt about yourself through the process?
I have learned that I can do pretty much anything if I set my mind to it. I think after you attempt something really hard, and accomplish it, it makes you feel invincible. For you, whether that is publishing a book, or releasing an album, or getting your work out there, once you complete that challenge, you will feel like you can do anything, and you will know that, well… You can!
8. What skills/abilities have you developed along the way?
Before I began marketing my book, I was a pretty quiet, shy, guy. (I actually still kind of am, but not to such a high level. Would you believe it through my writing?) After doing book signings (http://www.thedreamersadventures.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-signings.html ) I have learned to be more social, and to talk with people better. To joke, and sell a product. My writing skills have also developed more fully, and I have learned a ton about social media, and online networking.
Would you believe it through my writing?) After doing book signings (http://www.9.What advice would you have for other young people?
As for advice, I would say to stick with it. Whatever you do, whatever you want to do, don’t quit. Don’t quit because it’s hard. Keep doing it because you can! You have the ability, so don’t be afraid to let it out! Yes, it will be hard at times. If you look at the history of most famous artists, musicians, authors, they didn’t exactly have a cake walk to get where they are now.
Also, always keep the end in mind. Have goals. See yourself signing your (book, music album, artwork, etc.) to crowds of hundreds of people. Imagine yourself where you would want to be in your wildest imagination. Then, push yourself through whatever obstacle you have before you. Know that once you get over that hurtle, you can have that fantastic reward that you envisioned for yourself. Even if it seems unrealistic, it has become true for other people before you, so why not you? …if you can just get past this challenge in your way. You can do it! Don’t give up! Keep the dream alive, and Dream on!
