Dave Cenker

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

At the heart of everything, I long for connection. I believe that just like coffee provides caffeine for the body, so does a story supply caffeine for the soul. While some people consume stories to escape reality, I read and write them to navigate it. As a Disney fanatic, there's an unspoken magic to my happy place: Epcot. The evening fireworks spectacular, Illuminations, makes my soul smile. It inspires me to bring our stories together as one, to create something more magical than anything we might conceive on our own.

When and why did you start writing books?

I wrote my first short story in sixth grade. I didn't write another one for more than 30 years. As a means to discover my passion, I began journaling as an adult, taking note of extraordinary moments inside of everyday occurrences. Over time, I came to realize that the thing I was doing to help find my passion, writing, was actually my passion. It's a way for me to achieve that ever important connection with others that I long for. My discovery was a moment of sweet serendipity. Once I dipped my toes into the pool of fiction, creating characters and sharing emotional journeys through elements of the human condition, I have happily discovered a vast ocean that I'll spend the rest of my life exploring.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I actually wouldn't describe my decision to write as a career choice. Instead, I see it more as a necessity. It isn't something I do. It's who I am, and it helps me continue to become the person I am destined to be.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Claire Perkins from "Fly Away Home". She is the heartbeat of my fictional town, Pigeon Grove. Her emotional journey and the message she shares through it feels like more of that sweet serendipity. It's never too late to come home.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

To be honest, I think each new book is the most difficult to write, especially when doing so as part of a series. There are two words that form the cornerstone of my author persona: authenticity and vulnerability. It is important for me to share honest and raw emotions in a compelling manner through my characters' experiences. It's a journey that becomes more challenging with each new story, but it's also a true labor of love, especially if it allows me to connect with one more person on a meaningful level.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Is this really a fair question? There are so many authors and books that have spoken to me, moved me, inspired me, motivated me, and made me cry. Each and every story has a place in the world, and I truly believe that there is a message for a reader inside each one, regardless of whether it was a favorite or not. With that being said, some of my favorite authors include: Kristin Hannah, Lauren K. Denton, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Jojo Moyes.

What book are you reading right now?

I read mostly fiction, but in a strange twist, I'm presently reading a non-fiction book titled "Fearless Writing" by William Kenower. It's an enlightening book, and the ideas shared through its pages apply as much to me as an author as it does for every other role in my daily life.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I have to be honest. I have no idea. I don't dream them up. I don't consciously ferret out topics and logically plan what I will write next. My muse greets me with the tiniest spark, and I sit quietly, allowing the breeze of my imagination fan that flicker of an idea into a flame. And once it catches fire, that candle burns for an eternity, long after the final words of a story are penned. Such is the magic of writing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to drive for the sake of driving, cook both gourmet and homey meals, read stories about emotional connections, watch movies that inspire me to do and be more, and visit my happiest place on Earth: Disney.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I continue to develop my Pigeon Grove series, and with each new character and story I write, I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to connect with both new and existing readers as we navigate our journey through life together.