D.C. Salmon is one of those authors whose journey into publishing feels refreshingly real. Before becoming the author of fast-paced, history-infused thrillers, he wasn’t following a traditional literary path. Instead, he came to writing later in life, driven by curiosity, persistence, and a love for page-turning adventure.
Today, D.C. Salmon is best known for An Irish Mystery, the first novel in the Newman Adventure series, a globe-spanning thriller inspired by real unsolved historical events. With Book 2, An American Treasure, on the way, his work sits firmly at the intersection of historical fiction and modern action thrillers.
In this in-depth WriteStats interview, D.C. Salmon opens up about his unconventional writing process, the realities of self-publishing, the tools he relies on, and what truly keeps him going as an author. His answers offer rare insight into what it actually looks like to build a thriller series from the ground up without shortcuts or illusions.
Who Is D.C. Salmon?
D.C. Salmon, Daniel Salmon, is a UK-based author with a background far removed from publishing. Before writing novels, he worked in hands-on roles including joinery and site management. Writing wasn’t a childhood certainty; it was something he discovered later, during quieter moments when stories became both escape and challenge.
That grounding shows up clearly in his fiction. His books don’t chase literary trends; instead, they focus on momentum, mystery, and reader experience. As he explains, his goal is simple: “I want people who crave a fast-paced, thrilling ride to pick up my books and genuinely have a good time.”
The Newman Adventure Series and An Irish Mystery
D.C. Salmon’s debut novel, An Irish Mystery, draws inspiration from the real-life 1907 theft of the Irish Crown Jewels, one of history’s most enduring unsolved crimes. However, instead of retelling history, he builds an explosive fictional narrative around it.
The book introduces readers to the Newman Adventure series, blending:
- Real historical mysteries
- Modern-day treasure hunting
- High-stakes action
- Relentless pacing
This blend is intentional. As Salmon puts it, “Fast paced, with historical mysteries and treasure hunts mixed in… blending old history with today’s action.”
Writing a Thriller… on a Tablet
One of the most surprising revelations from the interview is how D.C. Salmon actually wrote An Irish Mystery.
“People are always so surprised to learn I wrote An Irish Mystery entirely on a tablet. Honestly, I don’t even own a laptop.”
Instead of expensive software or complex setups, he relied on:
- A Samsung tablet
- A Bluetooth keyboard
- Google Docs
- Grammarly for spelling and punctuation support
This minimalist approach reinforces a core theme of his interview: tools don’t write books—writers do.
“The gear isn’t the point. It’s all about getting the words out.”
Influences: Fast Pacing Above All Else
When asked about his biggest influence, D.C. Salmon doesn’t hesitate.
“I have always been drawn to Clive Cussler’s style… It is the pacing that gets me.”
He describes discovering The Eye of Heaven on a campsite holiday and becoming instantly hooked, an experience that shaped how he approaches his own novels. That sense of momentum is deliberate, especially when writing thrillers, where reader completion rates matter deeply.
Notably, WriteStats’ own research shows that thrillers are among the most finished genres, with nearly 40% of readers completing them consistently. We explored this trend in depth in our analysis here:
👉40% of Readers Finish Thriller Books Most: 2025 Survey results
Salmon’s emphasis on pacing aligns perfectly with what reader data already tells us: momentum keeps pages turning.
Overcoming Writer’s Block
Rather than pushing through writer’s block, D.C. Salmon takes a counterintuitive approach.
“If I am out of ideas or just stuck in my head, I stop right there.”
He compares writing to his earlier trade as a joiner:
“If a joint won’t go in easily and you push too hard, the wood splits.”
This philosophy—step away, reset, return—runs through his entire process and reflects a sustainable mindset many writers struggle to adopt.
What No One Tells You About Publishing Your First Book
Like many first-time authors, D.C. Salmon entered publishing without fully understanding the landscape.
“I was quite naive to start with. I didn’t do a ton of research into the publishing world.”
He chose a full-service self-publishing company for his debut, investing around $1,000 in editing, cover design, and production. In hindsight, he sees that investment not just as publishing a book, but as education.
“It was as much an investment in my education as it was in the book.”
Later, he became more hands-on working with specialist cover designers and platforms like Reedsy and Atticus as his experience grew.
Visibility, Reviews, and the Indie Reality
For D.C. Salmon, the hardest part of being an indie author isn’t writing, it’s visibility.
“Reviews are the lifeblood of an indie series.”
He explains that while negative experiences often spark reviews, satisfied readers are quieter. To counter this, he’s focused on strategic promotions, adding nearly 180 new readers in a single month, and building momentum ahead of his next release.
Thoughts on AI in Publishing
Salmon offers one of the most balanced perspectives on AI we’ve seen.
“I don’t think AI should be writing your books. The heart of a story… has to come from the author.”
At the same time, he’s pragmatic:
“If you refuse to adapt, you fall behind… AI isn’t some passing trend.”
For him, AI belongs in research, marketing, and organization—not storytelling itself.
What’s Next for D.C. Salmon?
Book 2 of the Newman Adventure series, An American Treasure, raises the stakes dramatically.
“This time, it’s a whole different pace. We dive straight into a wild treasure hunt.”
Set around a Civil War–era mystery hidden since 1863, the sequel promises:
- Higher stakes
- A relentless rival
- A race against time
“If you liked the mystery in the first book, you’ll love the action and suspense in this one.”
Why D.C. Salmon’s Journey Matters
The story of D.C. Salmon isn’t about overnight success or publishing myths. Instead, it’s about persistence, learning in public, and respecting the reader experience above all else.
His interview reinforces a truth we see repeatedly in WriteStats data: readers reward clarity, pacing, and authenticity. And for authors willing to focus on craft while learning the business side step by step, progress—while slow—is very real.
If you’re building a thriller series, navigating self-publishing, or simply wondering what the writing life actually looks like behind the scenes, D.C. Salmon’s journey offers both realism and encouragement.
