Douglas Gentile
What’s your genre?
Nonfiction
Are you published?
Traditional publisher
What inspired you to become a writer?
As an academic researcher living in the “publish or perish” world, I’ve always had to write. But over the past several years, I have gotten interested in the big canvas that books allow. This gives the freedom to put multiple ideas together, such as a couple of my more recent books that blend psychological science with Buddhist philosophy.
What author do you admire and how have they inspired your writing?
In my genre, I admire Malcolm Gladwell, who is good at explaining complicated science in
Name three of your favorite books and their authors
Peanuts, by Charles Schulz (I learned to read by reading his comics)
Chaos, by James Glieck
Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin (will it ever be completed?)
What’s one thing readers should know about you?
I never wanted to be a writer, nor do I think of myself as one. But, boy, is it fun!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a budding writer?
Good writing is not about writing. It’s about rewriting. And then more rewriting. So don’t get hung up on selecting the right word or phrase.
Author Bi0
Dr. Gentile is an award-winning research scientist, educator, best-selling author, and is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Iowa State University. He has authored over 160 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, including studies on the positive and negative effects of mass media on children in several countries. He is also a Zen monk and the Guiding Teacher of the Ames Buddhist Mahasangha. In addition, he is the leader of the local jazz band, Indigo Monks. His comedy music radio show, the “Tom and Doug Show” is nationally syndicated (and can be heard here on KHOI). Click here to visit Doug’s website. Click here to read more about Doug.
