“In the end, inspiration and imagination come out of hard work—the simple act of putting words on paper.”

– David W. Berner

David W. Berner, a journalist-turned-novelist and memoirist, emphasizes the role of disciplined writing in developing ideas and stories. In this interview, Berner discusses his approach to narrative, the themes of aging and observation in Daylight Saving Time, and the process of shaping personal experience into published work.

David, thank you for joining us. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself, your background, and what led you to become a writer?

I’ve been a journalist most of my life, but formally began to write as a memoirist and novelist in my 40s. So, I’ve always been writing. My focus on books, short stories, essays, and poems came out of that journalistic discipline. Still, a lot of inspiration for writing came from my reading. Thanks to my mother, I have always been a voracious reader.

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How did the idea for your book come about, and what inspired you to bring it to life?

It seemed the time for it. Daylight Saving Time is about aging, which all of us do all the time. It’s about the passage of time and how we manage it to allow for a rich life. Daylight Saving Time is not a how-to book, but rather a kind of meditation on growing older. My age helped me get to the focus of this narrative, that’s for sure. When I wrote it, I was in my mid-60s.

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Can you walk us through your process for writing and developing the story? How do you shape ideas into a complete narrative?

Daylight Saving Time came out of a lot of notebook journaling. I centered on observations and how my life was unfolding in my older years. What did it mean? How did this change in my life fit into the bigger story of a life, a full life? I kept asking those questions.

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What themes or messages were most important for you to convey in your book?

I wanted to be sure this book wasn’t just for the older reader. It is for everyone. We all age and continue to, so I wanted to be sure the theme focused on growing older, not growing “old.” And there is a difference. I tried to keep mindfulness and gratitude around me through all of the writing for this book.

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Receiving the Spotlyts Story Award is a notable recognition. What does this award mean to you, and how do you feel it reflects your work?

I am always grateful for recognition of my work. But in the end, it’s what the reader sees in the story and what he or she takes from its themes. I want the reader to be satisfied. But I am humbled by this award and others.

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Have there been specific milestones, experiences, or moments in your writing journey that stand out as particularly formative?

The journey is full of ups and downs, but the journey is the thing. I’m loving all of it. Getting my first book deal was significant. Landing a later deal with Regal House Publishing for my award-winning novella, American Moon (September 2026), was huge for me. And recently, I was appointed to the position of Poet Laureate for the village where I live, Clarendon Hills, IL.

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How do you approach connecting with readers through your storytelling? Are there ways you hope your work impacts them?

It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. If one reader reaches out and tells me something in one of my works moved them, I’m eternally grateful. That is the essence of the art of storytelling, and it truly is all that matters to me. Connecting with readers is everything.

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What challenges have you faced in developing your voice or style as a writer, and how have you navigated them?

Writing is a process of growth. Every project brings new insight into the art. I learn more and believe I get better. The challenge is the fuel. How can I fall in love with this next story? And “falling in love” is important for it to have weight—almost necessary.

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Are there other projects, stories, or creative pursuits you are currently exploring, or that you hope to explore in the future?

I have a novella coming out from Regal House Publishing in the fall of 2026. American Moon will be my focus for a bit. But I’m still writing and currently working on a new novella and continuing to publish short stories and poetry.

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How do you balance inspiration from real life, imagination, and research in your storytelling?

Inspiration is a myth. I think simply observing the world with your own unique perspective will offer many, many stories. Paying attention to the human condition is the key element. In the end, inspiration and imagination come out of hard work—the simple act of putting words on paper. Write, and it will appear. Write, and you’ll find out what you’re trying to say.

“If one reader reaches out and tells me something in one of my works moved them, I’m eternally grateful.”

– David W. Berner

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Share Your Insights

What do you think about David W. Berner’s approach to writing and storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comments:

• Which part of Berner’s creative process resonated with you most?
• How do you reflect on aging or personal experience in your own life?
• What role does disciplined observation play in your own work or hobbies?

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