You're famously known as a highly prolific author. How do you maintain this pace?
By not taking time out to do interviews? Actually, it's as simple as the fact that I can type 120 words a minute.
So basically I can write as quickly as I think. That's a huge plus, especially under deadlines.

Do you have a particular day-to-day writing routine?
I work on short stories or novels first thing in the morning, comics during the rest of the morning, and novels
in the afternoon. This is, of course, subject to change.

How has the publishing world changed over the course of your career?
Fewer people are reading; fewer people are buying; fewer people are working in it.

Some of your first writing work was for comics, including The Spectacular Spider-Man and The
Incredible Hulk. What are some writing lessons you picked up from those earliest efforts that you still
use today?
1) Don't be dull. 2) Think visually. 3) Don't be dull.

You’ve written scripts for a great number of iconic comic-book characters: Spider-Man, Hulk,
Wolverine and Aquaman, among others. How do you approach each character? Is there an angle you
try to find with each one?
From the inside out. I try to look at what's been done before, determine what hasn't been done, and do that. I
try to build upon what's been established and then go off in a direction that is both surprising, but makes sense
based upon the character's history.

You’ve mentioned before that your personal life has sometimes manifested itself in your writing. Is
this accidental, or an active part of your creative process?
Write what you know. If you don't know yourself, then really, you're doing something wrong.

Creatively, what are the biggest differences between writing for a comic series versus writing a novel?
Again, thinking visually. If you have two people standing in a room talking in a book, you can do that for
pages and as long as the dialogue is interesting, you're fine. That can be lethal in a comic book; you have to
visualize how to make it work on a comic book page.

You have written dozens upon dozens of novels, including a wide range of bestselling Star Trek
novels. Are you ever intimidated by writing for a pre-existing universe?
No.

When writing for established characters, settings and situations, how do you go about making the
book or comic “your own”?
I don't try to do that. They're not my own. The worst thing I could do is try to make them act like they're my
own. My job is to be the equivalent of a character actor. I want to blend in, not stand out. I just try to make
them as interesting as possible.

You parlayed your success writing for Star Trek into developing your very own line of Star Trek
novels: New Frontier. This series has been successful as well, including over a dozen novels as well as
a comic-book series. Did its success surprise you?
Astonished me, really. I think the timing was good. People were hungry for a Trek series that harkened back to
the tone and feel of original Trek, and that's what New Frontier provided.

What goals did you have when crafting the New Frontier series?
Same as the "Don't be dull" goals except without the "thinking visually" part.

Start to finish, how long does it take you to write a novel manuscript?
A few months.

Are you always a fan of the universe you’re writing for, or do you sometimes have to acquaint yourself
with it before writing?
Sometimes, yes, there is a getting-to-know-you period. In the case of Halo, for instance, I knew of the universe
it was set in, but had never played the game or immersed myself. Fortunately the licensors are all too happy to
help bring you up to speed.

What is it about science fiction and fantasy that most appeals to you?
The ability to comment on the world we live in in a setting other than the world we live in.

What are some creative challenges you’ve faced while constructing the universe of your Sir Apropos of
Nothing series?
Being able to satirize many of the fantasy tropes without falling victim to them.

You helped James Doohan co-author his autobiography, Beam Me Up, Scotty. What was that
experience like?
That was an interesting week. I think Jimmy was very uncertain of me at first. He'd tried to write his own
manuscript and it just wasn't working, which is why I was brought in. And I think he was dubious that
someone could write his life's story better than he could. I had a feeling that the very first question I asked him
as part of the interview process was going to be pivotal. He sat there very guardedly, I put the recorder on, and
I said, "Tell me about the first time you ever saw a television set." He looked surprised; it wasn't at all what he
was expecting. And it triggered a whole set of memories about the World's Fair, the trip there, some
neighborhood girls who accompanied him, and on and on. He immediately relaxed and things went fine from
there.

You have co-authored several other works, including The Dark Tower series with Robin Furth. How
does your collaboration work? Does it present any unique challenges or yield different results than
working alone?
Robin writes the basic plot (with kibbitzing from me and others) because aside from Stephen himself, no one
else is better suited to do it. Then the artist does the pencil pages, and the pages are sent to me to script.

One anecdote worth telling our readers is that, when you were younger, you met Stephen King and
had him sign your copy of King'sDanse Macabre. Decades later, you scripted a comic book series
based on his Dark Tower series. Does this give you a certain sense of accomplishment? Also, in
terms of the series, do you ever discuss or pass your ideas by Mr. King?
It certainly brings matters full circle. And yes, it does give me a measure of accomplishment. As for ideas of
the series, King reads my scripts, but Robin is the main creative conduit. Considering her history with him,
that's as it should be.

Are there any other creative areas you’d like to explore?
Plays. I've written one that hasn't been produced. Love to see that happen.

What are you working on now?
The next book in the Hidden Earth series. The next issue of X-Factor. Wolverine: First Class. An outline for the
next New Frontier novel. The next issue of "Fallen Angel."

To learn more about Peter David's work, visit his website: www.peterdavid.net