Exploring the Intriguing World of ‘Guidance to Death’ and Beyond
Daniel V. Meier Jr. discusses “Guidance to Death,” delving into its intricate plot and characters, offering insights into his writing process.
Daniel V. Meier Jr., an esteemed figure in both the literary and aviation worlds, offers readers a glimpse into his multifaceted career and literary influences in an exclusive interview with Reader’s House magazine.
A retired Aviation Safety Inspector for the FAA, Meier’s journey into the world of writing began during his college years, where he studied History and American Literature. In 1980, he made his literary debut with Mendoza’s Treasure, an Action/Thriller penned under the pseudonym Vince Daniels. Meier’s diverse career also saw him briefly in the realm of journalism before settling into his role as a contributing writer/editor for aviation magazines.
Currently residing in Owings, Maryland, Meier and his wife find solace in sailing their Bayfield 36 on the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months. Despite his retired status, Meier’s passion for storytelling remains fervent, evident in his recent publications with BQB Publishing.
In his most recent work, Guidance to Death, Meier returns to his favored genre of Action/Thriller/Crime. However, his literary tastes extend beyond his own writing, as he delves into classic novels like Wilke Collins’ “The Woman In White,” acknowledging Collins as a pioneer in mystery and suspense.
When asked about his dream literary party guests, Meier’s choices reflect his appreciation for stimulating conversation. He opts for Joseph Conrad, renowned for his exploration of human struggle, and Saul Bellow, admired for his portrayal of post-war conflicts. In the contemporary literary landscape, Meier finds inspiration in the works of Noam Chomsky for his incisive social critique and Earl Charles Spencer for his historical expertise and clear writing style.
Reflecting on his own writing career, Meier acknowledges the profound impact of the post-World War I generation of writers, notably the Lost Generation and the Bloomsbury Group. Their legacy, he believes, has shaped modern literature in significant ways.
Meier’s prolific output includes six published books, spanning various genres from Mystery/Thriller to Historical Fiction and Literary Fiction. However, when pressed to choose a favorite, he aptly likens the task to a mother choosing her beloved child, highlighting the unique identity of each of his works.
The genesis of Meier’s writing career can be traced back to his college days, where he found inspiration in the dense and complex works of Thomas Pynchon. Pynchon’s ability to traverse diverse genres and subject matters left an indelible mark on Meier’s literary aspirations.
For his readers, Meier offers a glimpse into his writing ethos, emphasizing his commitment to embedding deeper meanings within his narratives, whether exploring themes of human avarice or the power dynamics of the elite.
Currently immersed in the sequel to his Aviation Accident Investigator series, Meier finds solace and excitement in the mystery/thriller genre, leveraging his two decades of experience with the Federal Aviation Administration to lend authenticity to his narratives.
Despite his accomplishments, Meier candidly admits to the challenges of writing, particularly in the initial stages of crafting a book. While some authors meticulously outline their works, Meier’s process is more fluid, often starting with a single idea inspired by the human condition and allowing the characters to evolve organically throughout the narrative.
As Daniel V. Meier Jr. continues to navigate the intersection of literature and aviation, his passion for storytelling and commitment to crafting engaging narratives that resonate with readers remains unwavering.
