DAVE BOLING

Sep 28, 2011 5:05 PM EDT

Your process is inspiring Mr Boling. As a director and writer for screen, I tend to organize my thoughts very visually too. It's almost like editing on a timeline having the thoughts in physically moveable chunks!

I was deeply moved by your book Guernica. Truly, I'm a huge fan! My brother and I (directing team who go by The Sibs) are curious whether anyone has the film rights for the book.

All the best and we look forward to your next masterpiece!

- Megan Raney-Aarons

Sep 28, 2011 7:15 PM EDT

Hi, Megan,

What a wonderful note. Thanks. So glad you enjoyed the book. As for options, we're still open. Had some nibbles but no bites yet. I have mentioned to my publishers that the timing is great since April 2012 will be the 75th anniversary of the bombing, which should stir a great deal of international interest. Would be nice to have something in the works. I can get you in touch with my agent if you want to talk. I'm about finished with the first draft of the next one and I'm pretty happy with how it's going.

Take care and thanks so much for your kind words.

Sincerely,

Dave

- Dave Boling

Oct 23, 2011 8:30 AM EDT

hello mr. boling!

i come to your site upon the recommendation of my sister-in-law who has been a gushing fan of Guernica since it was published. i am finally getting around to reading it (raising two small children means a tall stack of books waiting to be read!), and i've actually chosen it for my book club to read for the month of november.

i was so excited to learn that you live in the seattle area! i live down in portland... any chance you would be willing to join our book club for a home cooked meal, some wine, and a discussion about your book? i completely understand if your schedule won't permit it, but we would be honored to have you and would love to hear directly from you about the process of writing such a story -- what a thrill! i am also an aspiring writer and would devour any tips or suggestions you might have as to how to get started, how to practice, etc.

just a brief synopsis of who we are as a book club: we have been together for 9 years and have met every third thursday of the month (although we would absolutely be willing to look at another day if that could work for you). we are all wives, mothers, and book lovers, but we are also a pediatrician, a literacy specialist, two engineers, a social worker, a missionary, and a stay at home mom who is returning to school to earn a masters in family therapy. we have had the privilege of meeting one other author of a book we read, and we still talk about it as the highlight of our 9 years together!

best to you, mr. boling, and let me know what you think!

sincerely,
kimberlee olmsted

- kimberlee olmsted

Oct 23, 2011 9:53 AM EDT

So nice to hear from you, Kimberlee!

I love doing book clubs and attend every one I can. The phrase "home-cooked meal" is particularly appealing to me. Thursdays are usually good evenings for me, too.

Email me (daveboling1@gmail.com) with a timetable and let's try to make it work!

Dave

- Dave Boling

Mar 15, 2012 2:28 AM EDT

This is a very good technique of yours. Don't worry about 'table for foods or guests', it's worth using table for this purpose ;) Thanks for sharing your idea about this.

- Property maintenance companies in London

Mar 15, 2012 5:10 AM EDT

Thanks, I suppose the good thing is when you're at that point in a book, you don't want to take the time away from it to cook and lay out a nice meal on the table anyway!

- Dave Boling

Mar 10, 2013 6:09 AM EDT

Hi, my name is Lester Hancock. Massachusetts. is home. I for unknown reasons have always had an interest in the Basque region. I love tradition, culture, and above all the strength of people. I go to Oktoberfest every year. 13 of them so far. Again for the connection of so many people, from so many places, together to just have a good time. About 5 years ago, sitting outside one of the beer halls with hundreds at tables, next to me were 2 guy`s early 20`s funny hats on and having the fun they came for. They heard me talking in German and english. He, in a outgoing voice asked me where i was from. I told him i was American, He smiled, slapped his hand to his chest, and as proud as could be said "I AM Basque!! with a big smile! I could see pride written all over his face. He put his arm on my shoulder as a sign that we were now friends! Wish I got more info. from him but it was a great meeting.. So now reading your great book brings back all that and more. Well done.. Lester Hancock

Mit freundlichen Grüßen // Best Regards
Being confused is not always a bad thing. Is it??

- Anonymous

Mar 10, 2013 7:52 AM EDT

Thanks so much for the note and the funny story! Yes, they are very friendly people.

- Dave Boling

Apr 20, 2011 8:43 PM EDT

Dave, my friends Norman and Stella and I really enjoyed your talk at the UP Library. I would like you to come to my book group in 2012 and talk about GUERNICA and your new novel that should be published by then.
What fun!!!

- Dorette M. Markham

Apr 20, 2011 9:35 PM EDT

So glad you enjoyed the event. What a nice turnout and great participation. Always happy to meet with book clubs. When you get a date figured out, get in touch and we'll make it work. All the best, Dave

- Dave Boling

May 30, 2011 2:08 PM EDT

Hi Dave, I am the son of a Noye from Geurnica (happily brought up in Lancashire, England and now living in Ireland) and I have just finished your book 'Geurnica' bought for me by a close relative of my wife, in the bar of the San Lazarro near Bologna in Italy were I have been on business for 4 weeks. As I neared it's end, a young group of germans entered the bar and I could not resist. As I had just read the term 'Vous etes un cachon' I repeated it to one stout fellow as I left and he nodded almost in approval, I laughed and went to the mac in the lobby to type this message to you as I'm sure you would find that quite funny.
It is a truly honoury book as I'm sure that you intended but also realistic and gripping and I have enjoyed the past few weeks with your thoughts. I look forward very much to reading more of your work, it reminds me very much of Mitch Albom's as it touches the heart in almost a sensory way. Thankyou for writing your novel, it is a book that I will leave here at San Lazarro with a special message inside for whoever cares to read it. I will buy another copy for my four children. Your friend, Mark.

- Ardern

May 31, 2011 10:21 AM EDT

Dave,
I enjoyed meeting you at the Bethany Book Club event last month in Tacoma. I'm the struggling to get published writer that spoke with you.
I have a question: Do you edit as you write? Or even the next day?
I am beginning my new novel after doing some research, and I can't seem to move forward without trying to perfect the
previous day's writing.
I am trying to do what Elmore Leonard suggested in Santa Fe:
"Write a page a day. In one year, you will have your novel."
Hopefully.
Margaret Walsh

- Margaret Walsh

Jun 05, 2011 12:37 AM EDT

I have just finished reading Guernica, it made me laugh,it made me cry. A truly wonderful novel with real characters
It is crying out to me made into a film.
Thank you Dave Boling

- Barry Miller

Jul 19, 2011 3:48 AM EDT

Dear Dave,
Next month we are launching Books4Spain, a new online book store which will focus on selling English language books set in, or about, Spain.

In this regard, would be pleased to provide you with a link to the test/demo site which is very different to other online book sites and has been designed to encourage people to browse and also to find relevant books easily. Naturally a key premise is that our focus on Spain will help authors of relevant books sell more books as opposed to being “lost” on Amazon, Waterstomes etc.

Your books, Guernica is on the site as an Our Favourite in the Civil War Theme.

Books4Spain will be launching with 3 Themes: Flamenco; Camino de Santiago and Civil War. We will then move on to develop more Themes with Travels in Spain; Classics; Living in Spain and Food & Wine being the next ones on the list.

I would like you to see the site and was wondering whether you would be prepared to give us a quote re the Books4Spain concept and/or a brief interview which we could use on the site and/or in any PR activities we undertake for the launch.

Thank you for your attention and I look forward to hearing from you.

- Rod Younger

Jun 14, 2012 1:13 PM EDT

What an amazing book. So, so sad, but so full of hope. an ending that made me cry with joy (unfortunately on the bus, on my way to work). Thankyou.

- Angie ex Ibiza, con corazon Espanol

Feb 04, 2011 3:32 PM EST

Was wondering about the "Novel Live" and when it will come out for publication. Looking forward to reading the whole thing. It was a great cause and I am sure you were proud to participate.

- Jim

Feb 04, 2011 5:40 PM EST

Hey, Jim ...

The best I can tell, it will be released in May as an e-book published by Open Road Media. Proceeds going to literacy causes. I think they decided on a title: Hotel Angeline: A Novel in 36 Voices. Yes, it was fun to do ... but mostly as a way to get to know a number of other writers. I think most of us tend to disappear into our office spaces like cloistered monks if not forced to get out and be social. I think the editor who went through it was surprised that it came together and made some sense without the jarring transitions one might expect. Looking forward to reading the finished compilation.

- Dave Boling

Mar 21, 2011 12:49 AM EDT

I have just finished Guernica and have to say it's one of the finest works I have ever had the priviledge of reading. Until now Birdsong was 'The book@ for me now it's this. It was evocative, funny, painful and sad at some times but beneath it all there was hope. This is an incredible work and thank you for it.

- Les Venus

Mar 21, 2011 4:43 AM EDT

Thank you so much, Les. And thanks for the tip on another book I have to buy!

Sincerely,

Dave

- Dave Boling

Apr 07, 2011 6:52 PM EDT

Hello from Colombo Sri Lanka. I recently bought your book at a garage sale (for animal rights).... so it means someone else here has read it. What a wonderful book, powerful story. I knew about the Spanish civil war, but never understood what was done to the Basques. Thank you for helping bring to light this background to the situation. Congratulations on really a fine book.

- Marty Rajandran

Apr 07, 2011 7:53 PM EDT

Hello, Marty,

Yes, you're my first reader response from Sri Lanka. How wonderful to hear that it's reaching so many places. Thank you for the kind thoughts.

Sincerely,

Dave

- Dave Boling

Mar 10, 2013 5:30 AM EDT

Hi, my name is Lester Hancock. Massachusetts. is home. I for unknown reasons have always had an interest in the Basque region. I love tradition, culture, and above all the strength of people. I go to Oktoberfest every year. 13 of them so far. Again for the connection of so many people, from so many places, together to just have a good time. About 5 years ago, sitting outside one of the beer halls with hundreds at tables, next to me were 2 guy`s early 20`s funny hats on and having the fun they came for. They heard me talking in German and english. He, in a outgoing voice asked me where i was from. I told him i was American, He smiled, slapped his hand to his chest, and as proud as could be said "I AM Basque!! with a big smile! I could see pride written all over his face. He put his arm on my shoulder as a sign that we were now friends! Wish I got more info. from him but it was a great meeting.. So now reading your great book brings back all that and more. Well done.. Lester Hancock

Mit freundlichen Grüßen // Best Regards
Being confused is not always a bad thing. Is it??

- Anonymous

Jan 24, 2011 8:48 PM EST

In the last week, I have read Guernica twice. I want you to know how deeply touched I was by your novel. It was beautiful and tragic and I was hooked by the first three pages.
I knew the history account. I knew the painting. Your book added names to the faces and sincere closeness to the event I somewhat knew of as a history student.
I also want to tell you about the rather pecular way it was suggested to me. I was researching the further works of a young British actor who has done a modern version of Sherlock Holmes for the BBC/ PBS. (His name is Benedict Cumberbatch and he seems to have a sparkling career in front of him). In going down the "Google brick road" looking for other movies, I found a rather passionate endorsement BY him for your book made with a backdrop of the beautiful Mykonos Grand Hotel.
I couldn't believe that I, a bookseller in Texas, had missed a novel this wonderful by an author in Washington State only to be informed of it by an actor in England. It truely is an example of how small our world has become.
Your book made my stay at home vacation time well spent and I will certainly pass the word on about the book to other book sellers who just might have missed it as well as to the two writers' groups that have my name on their membership roles.
Thank you so very much for this amazing and important story.

- Carla Smith

Jan 25, 2011 7:18 AM EST

Wow, what a nice message, Carla. I guarantee you I will read your entry twice this week, too! Thanks so much. Are you sure you didn't make up the name Benedict Cumberbatch? Wasn't he a Dickens character? If you have a link to his reference to the book, I'd love to see it. He needs to dig up a producer and act in "Guernica."

As for the "small world" theme, you have no idea how many people I hear from around the world that have some connection to the event.

Thanks again. Please tell your friends about the book. As a bookseller, you know how important word of mouth is to the success of such things.

Be well,

Dave

- Dave Boling

Jan 25, 2011 2:33 PM EST

Dear Dave,
I see by your page that you found the video of Benedict Cumberbatch's review. I am very please that I wrote to you since you obviously had not seen it before.
I hope you have researched HIM enough to see that he is a very serious actor and that a bit of his success will spill over to you.
While SHERLOCK is making him a superstar and teen idol, look for the first piece I saw him in which was Van Gough: Painted With Words. It is available free on line. (This actor can weep on cue)
I cannot think of a better project for him or anyone else in the movie industry than your book. I hope to soon be seeing your name under the title on the big screen.
Pleae tell me you have another one in the works.
Thanks again.

- Carla Smith

Jan 25, 2011 2:38 PM EST

Thanks, Carla. Yes, I'm working on another piece of historical fiction set in South Africa at the time of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). Getting close to being done with the first draft.

I think that video was from a promotion the book won in UK, being selected by a book club on the Richard and Judy television show. Nicely done, I thought.

- Dave Boling

Apr 26, 2014 5:11 AM EDT

Guernica. I unexpectedly opened the chapter '27th April' this morning, feel i must wait until this evening to finish. My small mark of respect.

- G Lennon

Apr 26, 2014 10:19 AM EDT

Interesting timing. Thoughtful of you.

- Dave Boling