After years of professional writing, private equity attorney Jeff Dorrill decided it was time to write something a little different. Switching gears from his experience writing law review articles, including over thirty-five pieces for publication in the SMU Law Review, the Baylor Law Review, and the Journal of Energy and Natural Resources Law, Jeff wanted to write something that would be read for fun.
Growing up, Jeff combined the skills and life lessons he learned from each of the caring adults in his life to build his own roadmap for living. Now an adult with children of his own and recognizing that families in today’s world are formed in ever-changing ways, Jeff sought to pen an entertaining and emotional children’s book about the magic of chosen family. Inspired by the many caregivers who played a role in his own rearing, Jeff dreamt up Brunt and Eggbert and brought the story to life.
Jeff resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Melisa and high school student son Hunter. Jeff’s daughter Tenley, son-in-law Ryan and grandchildren Vivian and John reside in Houston. Jeff recently completed his third master’s degree – this one at the University of Southern California in Criminal Justice. Despite the time dedicated to practicing law, studying, and writing, Jeff doesn’t spend his life behind a desk. He has won multiple national triathlon championships, including four times as the ultra-distance triathlon national champion in his age group.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: During my childhood, I was raised by multiple primary caregivers at different times, which in today’s world is becoming more common. Although I did not handle the changing of caregivers well in all aspects, I was sufficiently mature and strategic to model the best traits of each caregiver and discard the less becoming traits. And I wanted to write about how children can take a positive attitude toward changing primary caregivers and gain from each caregiver’s best attributes.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: First, model the book after a style of book that captivated you so that you’re writing in a form that fits your personality. Second, draft and outline before writing pages. Third, write every day. Fourth, edit like crazy and try to be as concise and impactful as possible. Fifth, add something unique to each chapter. Sixth, work with a spectacular publisher, as Blue Balloon Books undeniably is.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Eggbert is a combination of me and some friends who had more changes in primary caregivers than I did.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: When the brain somehow comes up an intriguing plot. (My brain is still struggling to find an epic plot for book four of the Brunt and Eggbert series.)
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: Hmmm. I think that it is a combination of both. I think to be an exceptional writer, one has to both have natural talent and devote countless hours to developing one’s writing. Think about how many books are written and how many of those books generate material sales. That percentage has got to be minuscule, thus meaning that the authors of those books are both wildly talented and massively dedicated to their craft.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Absolutely! Writing a book is a joy and a thrill. And I have to add that working with Blue Balloon Books, or Ballast Books for adult books, is a phenomenal experience.
Learn more about Jeff Dorrill and the most recent book in the Brunt and Eggbert series, Brunt and Eggbert Happen Upon a Wreck!, here. Coming soon!