I was lucky to get an interview with Dito Abbott, the author of Debunked, one of this year’s #SPFBO8 entries.

Please, tell us a bit about yourself…
I was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in Saudi Arabia, then lived on a sailboat for the better part of a decade (interrupted by a six year stretch of university and working) as I completed a circumnavigation with my family. In 2018, I spent eight months refitting a sailboat with my dad, then attempted to sail from Florida to Australia as a three generation crew (my parents, wife, and two daughters). I wrote “Debunked” as we traveled. We spent eight months in Panama, then launched our trans-Pacific run with a stop in the Galapagos Islands. Two weeks later, the global pandemic shut down the planet. After quarantining in Santa Cruz for 40 days and facing the onset of hurricane season, we made the difficult decision to abandon our Pacific ambitions and sail north to the Sea of Cortez.

Now we live in Phoenix, Arizona. Life is unpredictable!

Why did you decide to take part in the SPFBO?
SPFBO 7 was a pleasure to watch unfold, so I jumped at the chance to join the fun. Indie publishing can be a lonely gig, so SPFBO’s mission and camaraderie are a breath of fresh air. I’m excited to make new author friends, read their work, and learn from their examples. It is a great opportunity to get Debunked in front of people who might enjoy it, too!

Why should we buy your SPFBO8 book?
Debunked is Indiana Jones meets Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, written by an author who adores Terry Pratchett.

What got you into writing? And how long have you been doing it?
My love for reading fuels my love of storytelling. I’ve dabbled in many art forms, including stop motion animation, songwriting, illustration, and video production—but writing is my favorite. Debunked is my first novel and it definitely won’t be my last.

Why did you choose to write fantasy? And why pick this particular fantasy subgenre?
My childhood was a steady diet of Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, Shel Silverstein, Brian Jacques, Asterix & Obelix, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, and Star Wars novels. Fantasy chose me!

I picked YA Adventure because I wanted to write a book that a 13 year old version of me would have kept on my bedside table. While Debunked is a YA novel by definition (its protagonists are a pair of 15 year old twins, Ozymandias and Alexandria Forsythe), the story appeals to an adult audience as well.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?
My favorite thing about being a writer is when readers tell me how my work has impacted their lives. I try to use humor and imagination to shine light in dark places.

Also, I love how every author’s journey is unique. Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for success, writers aren’t competing against each other. We can cheer each other on.

The SPFBO is an excellent model for indie publishing. This competition isn’t about winning, it is about introducing authors to readers who might not otherwise come across their new favorite book.

What’s the hardest thing about being a writer?
The hardest thing about being a writer is being honest about your goals, then taking steps to realize them. The writing process is rarely easy (at least for me) and once you finish revisions, the gaping maws of publishing and marketing await. Daily self-discipline and small, actionable steps keep me from getting overwhelmed.

Do you have a tip, app, tool, or resource you recommend to authors?
My best piece of advice for writers is to read. Once you start writing a novel, words taste different.

What new projects are you working on?
I’m working on Volume Two of the Terravenum Chronicles!

Anything else you would like to say before we close?
Thanks for the opportunity to share my author journey, and good luck to all my SPFBO peeps!

Interesting answers! Best of luck in the competition, Dito, and with sales.
Thanks for doing the interview.