Daniel Hoffman has had a varied career as a police officer in Alaska, as well as an outdoor author. He published his first book, “An Alaska Flyfisher’s Odyssey: Seeking a Life of Drag-Free Drift in the Land of the Midnight Sun,” and has published many other articles in outdoor magazines.
Dan writes what he knows and what inspires him, and that revolves around the outdoors and fly fishing. Fly fishing has provided the foundation for Dan’s development as a person, and he believes its lessons transfer to many other areas of his life.
Why did you begin writing? What inspired you to begin? / How long have you been writing or when did you start?
I’ve never been a writer as a primary occupation, but always enjoyed writing in high school and college. During my police career, I did quite a bit of professional and technical writing, to include grant-writing applications, etc. This is also when I started freelance writing for magazines. While most of the periodicals I published in were in the law enforcement field, I landed my first outdoor publication in Backpacker magazine, outlining an experience I’d had while floating the Yukon River.
How many books have you written and which one is your favorite?
“An Alaska Flyfisher’s Odyssey: Seeking a Life of Drag-Free Drift in the Land of the Midnight Sun” is my first published, full-length book. I’d been thinking about writing it for quite some time; when the first “pandemic winter” hit, and as I considered the prospects of staying at home and not doing any traveling, it seemed like an ideal time to finally get it done!
Have all of your books been about fishing?
As my only book written thus far, I’d say yes!
Why did you choose to write in the outdoor / fishing genre specifically?
The two pieces of advice that one always hears offered to aspiring authors is “write what you know,” and “write about something that’s meaningful to you.” The book that I wrote reflects the overall importance that fishing has had in my life, including being raised as an fisherman by my parents, both of whom are excellent anglers, as well as conveying the growing realization that I’d experienced, where the lessons I have learned from fishing have been carried-over to many other areas of my life. When I think about it, I really can’t imagine writing about anything else!
What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish writing?
While, in my somewhat limited experience, I’ve always been very fortunate in the freelance magazine realm, navigating the book-publisher’s world certainly presented its share of challenges!
Is your being an author a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
I’ve always viewed writing as a hobby; I recently retired from my full-time, “regular” employment, (20 years as a peace officer, followed by another 11 years in corporate security and risk-management), so I suppose I could now say that I’m a full-time author!
How do you manage a work-life balance as an author?
As a retiree, it’s pretty easy! I’m really enjoying the amount of free-time that I have to work with my publishing company, strategize on marketing and distribution opportunities, etc.
In addition to “getting my message out” through my book, one of the other motivating factors that I had in publishing in this specific arena is that it provides me with opportunities to combine fishing-related travel with “book business.” (e.g., Setting up a book-signing event at a fly-shop, etc).
What is your writing process like?
I’d say my “process” is pretty straightforward. I tend to think in a very organized, “outline” form; as such, it’s pretty easy for me to rough-out a structure for an individual book-chapter or magazine article, or even a table of contents for an entire book.
Once the structure is in place, then it’s just a matter of piecing together one’s thoughts into a coherent narrative. I think I have a pretty strong “inner voice,” and I also feel that I enjoy the substantial advantage of being a rather empathetic person. I believe that it’s this sense of empathy that allows me to hear and consider what I’ve just written, and to get a good sense as to how it will sound and/or come across to others.
If I’m not satisfied with the result, I’ll go back and change it.
What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?
If you read my book, you’ll know! Fly fishing has provided the foundation for my entire development as a person, and, as related previously, I believe its lessons transfer to many other areas of life- to include professional relationships, work-life balance, risk management, etc.
Have you ever gotten “writer’s block”? If so, how did you cure it? / What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Thankfully, I’ve never had much of an issue with “writer’s block.” If I have something to say, I’ll say it. If I DON’T have something to say, then I figure that’s probably a good indication that I shouldn’t be writing about it!
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
Definitely my father and mother, both of whom raised me to be a fisherman.
When did you begin fly fishing?
While I started fishing at a very early age, (4 or 5) I don’t think I seriously started transitioning to flies ‘til I was 11 or 12.
Do you remember your first published piece? How long did it take you to get there?
I think my first published outdoor-related piece was an article I’d submitted to Backpacker Magazine back in 2000, relating an experience I’d had with my brother and son while floating the Yukon River from Dawson City, Yukon to Circle, AK. It was my first time ever submitting something to a major outdoor publication, so I felt pretty fortunate when they said they wanted to buy/publish it!
With so many publications moving virtual, how does this play a role in your publishing process?
I consider myself a somewhat contemplative individual, along with being an outdoorsman. To be honest, the growth of the “virtual world” presents somewhat of a conflict for me, as I’m not interested in creating some kind of “brand” for myself that’ll require me to publish regular blog updates, position myself for extensive online interaction, post fishing TikTok videos, etc., etc.
I want to spend my time fishing, traveling, and – when I feel I have something worthwhile to relate – writing. A lot of the other stuff that’s out there seems to be more of a distraction than it’s worth.
What, to you, are the most important elements of good outdoor and fishing writing?
I believe that good writing – especially outdoors and fishing-related writing – needs to come from the heart, and to reflect the sincerity of the feelings associated with outdoor experiences.
I also feel that the outdoors, animals, and fish deserve our utmost respect and reverence. Whenever I hear an author or “outdoors TV personality” talk about “ripping lips” on a fishing trip, or “smoking a deer” on their last hunt, I immediately remove them from any further consideration.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I like to write during the quiet, early-morning hours. As such, coffee is a basic requirement!
Do you listen to anything while you write? If so, what is your favorite?
For some reason, I find Pink Floyd particularly conducive to introspective writing! Much of “An Alaska Flyfisher’s Odyssey” was written while listening to their album “Wish You Were Here.”
Did you grow up around fishing and writing?
Yes, I grew up in a fishing family! That’s what most of my book is about.
Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing authors?
Write what you know. Also, keep in mind that most people AREN’T really interested in “me and Joe went to such-and-such place and caught big fish!” stories. Rather, they’re interested in how the author’s experience might translate to their own lives.
Who do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?
I’ll run things by family members, and by my best fishing friend.
How do you use social media as an author?
I don’t leverage it as much as I probably should… I post reviews and things on Facebook, and I try to make sure my publishing company forwards event-announcements, reviews, etc. on to other sites. As I donate half of the proceeds from my book to Alaska’s Trout Unlimited Program, I also work with them and their social-media team to help with promotion.
Where can people find your work? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
“An Alaska Flyfisher’s Odyssey” is available online through Amazon, or direct from Sweetgrass Books / Farcountry Press. It’s also distributed through Ingram (to include Barnes and Noble stores, etc.) as well as numerous independent bookstores and fly shops.
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
One of my biggest challenges: My book is NOT a “how-to/where-to” book about fishing in Alaska. Much of it is more philosophical in nature, and a lot of NON-ANGLERS would likely benefit from much of its messaging. However, it’s hard to get a non-angler to pick up a book that looks like it’s all about fishing!
