The Bookmarked interview... with DL Fisher
- Max Elwood
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Danielle Fisher, who writes as DL Fisher, is an Amazon and Audible bestselling author of domestic thrillers. Danielle only published her debut novel, My Missing Boy, about a missing teenager and the suspicious nature of his disappearance, in 2023. Since then she has been hugely productive, having written four other novels.
Based in North Carolina, before becoming an author, Danielle was a freelance writer and sports reporter. She is now published through Joffe Books and her latest novel, Five Liars, centres on a holiday from hell in which five supposed friends get more than they bargained for when they are stranded on a joint bachelor/bachelorette weekend not knowing who they can trust.
Danielle discusses her writing journey, the difficulties of book marketing, the need for a thick skin and the four authors she'd love to invite to dinner.
Above: Since her debut in 2023, Danielle has written four novels.
"I usually have some sort of an 'a-ha!' moment when I’m able to tie up a loose end in a way I hadn’t initially anticipated."
You published your first book in 2023 and have written and published four other books since then; what were you doing before becoming an author, and how have you been so prolific since your debut?
I had a bit of a nonconventional path to traditional publishing. I originally self-published three books, beginning in 2023. I was contacted by an acquisitions editor at Joffe Books after she read The Perfect Nanny and I’ve been with them since. Before becoming a published author, I worked as a freelance writer and an on-air sports reporter. I am always writing!
Your books, starting with your debut, My Missing Boy, are domestic thrillers; why was that genre appealing to you as an author?
I am a true crime fanatic and love all things thriller. I am especially intrigued by the intersection of everyday relationships with extraordinary circumstances.
Your books are fast-paced, full of misdirects and with great twists; how to you plan them, and do you always know the twist before you start?
I consider myself a 'plantser'. I don’t quite fit into the planner or pantser categories. Generally, I know my big twists before I write a book. That said, as the story progresses, I definitely roll with it. I usually have some sort of an 'a-ha!' moment when I’m able to tie up a loose end in a way I hadn’t initially anticipated.
"Generally, I know my big twists before I write a book."
Do you enjoy reading domestic thrillers and, when you’re writing, do you avoid that genre or immerse yourself in it even more?
I primarily read psychological thrillers and true crime.
It’s not been a huge amount of time, but what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned about writing/publishing from the time of writing your debut book to now?
Writing is the easy part. Marketing is incredibly challenging. I have spent the past two-plus years building up my social media following and working hard to reach new readers. The biggest lesson I’ve gleaned from it all is perseverance. I think I fall into the immediate gratification generation, and for most people, that’s just not a thing in the publishing industry.
"Writing is the easy part. Marketing is incredibly challenging."
Another lesson I learned is staying true to myself. I once had an agent request a full manuscript, but then not offer representation because my chapters were too short. Fast forward, three years later, and that’s one thing readers say they love about my books.
Which other thriller writers do you admire?
Some of my favourite authors are Chuck Palahniuk, Kiersten Modglin and Daniel Hurst. What do I admire? I’m not sure I can fully convey this, but their work feels authentic. Like, they’re not trying to fit some predetermined mould of how a thriller book should be.
What advice would you give to someone who has just started or would like to start writing a book?
Publishing is a tough industry, but it can be so incredibly rewarding. My advice: be prepared for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. There are so many ups and downs in the writing/publishing process. It’s important to have thick skin and know that not everyone is going to love your book baby, and that’s okay!
"There are so many ups and downs in the writing/publishing process."
What is your writing process?
As I said before, I’m a plantser — somewhere between a plotter and pantser. I alternate between my computer and phone and write absolutely everywhere. I only take breaks when I have to adult and parent. I’m especially prolific in car lines, waiting for my children to come out of school.
Where's your favourite place to write?
My car!
What's the first book you remember loving, and why?
Lord of the Flies. I love chaos and how people react to impossible situations.
Which literary character would you most like to be?
I’d most like to be Sherlock Holmes, so I could bide my time solving mysteries.
What's your favourite movie/TV show adapted from a book?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Couple, in large part due to Nicole Kidman’s acting. I would love to have her in an adaptation of any of my books!
Which book do you think should be adapted for the screen that, so far, hasn't been?
Can I nominate one of my own? I’ve been told The Stepson and The Widower would make a great Netflix series… just saying! But in all seriousness, I’d love to see an adaptation of Daniel Hurst’s The Doctor’s Wife series, or Kiersten Modglin’s The Arrangement series.
What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it?
I very much enjoyed Best Offer Wins — it’s super-unhinged.
Which book is next on your reading list?
That’s Not My Name is up next on my TBR.
You can have dinner with four other authors, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
Ooh, I love this. Edgar Allen Poe, Chuck Palahniuk, Frank Kafka, and Stephen King. I think it would make for some seriously interesting, unhinged dinner conversation!
What book do you think you should have read, but still haven’t?
Goodness, SO many!! I'm going to say anything by Riley Sager. I have not read any of his books yet, but plan on doing so soon!
Which of your own books are you most proud of?
I am especially proud of the book that is with my publisher now. It was a challenge to write and different than anything I’ve attempted before. And, I’m not sure why, but I have a special spot for The Perfect Nanny.
How do you organise your bookshelves?
I wish I could say my bookshelves are organised, but to be honest, they are chaotic... a mixture of thrillers and kids’ books.
What are you working on next, and when might we see the next DL Fisher novel?
My sixth book is currently in edits with Joffe Books, and while I don’t have a publication date yet, I can confirm that it will likely be out in 2026. I am working on three additional books and also a final instalment of The Estates trilogy (The Stepson, The Widower…).