A Storied Passion
Five Minutes With Terry Dodd, MAS
Somewhere between a 20-year career with industry supplier The Vernon Company and 20 years as an independent multi-line rep for his own Dodd Consulting Group, Terry Dodd, MAS, has managed to churn out more than a few stories. He spoke with PPB about his latest book, Mirror Magic, and about the inspiration he drew from his work as a promotional products professional.
PPB How long have you been writing, and what kinds of stories have you written?
Dodd I’ve been writing for about 25 years; it’s both a hobby and a passion. I’ve written three memoirs and seven novels. One of my memoirs was about the loss of my first wife to cancer; another was about my juggling ministry, which I use to share the gospel at assisted living facilities. My seven novels are based on everything from historical fiction to science fiction to romance. There’s a Christian element to every one of my books.
PPB Mirror Magic is a mystery that is set in the promotional products industry. What’s the story about?
Dodd Part of the book is about a struggle between a promotional mirror supplier and a distributor, but it is also about subliminal messaging; the mind can register information outside of awareness. The book is obviously fiction, but it relates to the industry itself.
PPB What inspired you to choose an industry trade show as the backdrop for this story?
Dodd Like anything in promotional products, you see one thing and it makes you think of another. I’ve had a longtime fascination with promotional mirrors, and I saw an opportunity to further develop the plot at a trade show. The first chapter is devoted to a specific trade show; I mention PPAI several times in the story.
PPB What methods do you use to promote your work; in particular, Mirror Magic?
Dodd My books are self-published, so I can get them into print quickly. Mirror Spirit, an industry supplier, has a full-page ad in the book, which I traded for three custom backlit mirrors with the book title on them. The book is also available as an ebook, and I offer autographed print copies to readers through my site, terrygdoddbooks.com
