We had the good fortune of connecting with David Boito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been motivated by the desire to create. There is something quite satisfying about conceiving, designing and producing a piece of work that entertains or enlightens others. Creating stories has been a passion since an early age. I have also pursued photography as an art form. In the same way that writing stories offers a window into a world of one’s own creation, photography offers an individual reflection of the existing world that can encourage and inspire.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My new novel is called “Bee Conspiracy.” It is the story of an impulsive LAPD detective and a methodical insect expert with US Fish and Wildlife who team to look into what appears to be a death caused by bees. Their investigation reveals murder and a larger agenda with devastating ecological consequences.

I have written stage plays, screenplays and novels. What is most exciting about writing is the opportunity to interact with one’s audience. Whether they be a live stage audience who responds to the work with applause or laughter at a funny moment, a book reader who posts a review about how much they enjoyed the work or a screenplay reader who resonates with the theme of the script, these are the highlights of writing. They show you the value of your story.

I have always loved stories and some of the fonder moments of my childhood involve putting on neighborhood shows, making short films for student festivals and writing short stories. In high school I had the opportunity to attend a series of film screenings at which the filmmakers discussed how they brought their stories to the screen. This gave me the bug to attend film school at UCLA. There I got to exercise some creative muscles, I participated in a series of short story workshops where we just brought a new work to the class every few weeks and sat around a table and read and discussed them. At the same time I wrote and directed several short films.

After graduation I got an entry level position for a post-production company where we edited together television episodes after they were shot and prepared them to air. I wrote screenplays in my spare time. I joined a playwrights group and wrote some plays, I wrote some short stories and submitted them to publications. More recently I have turned to novels. The lesson I have learned is that one must persist and continue to do what one loves even in the face of tremendous odds. As a writer one must keep up a steady output of material. That is how you get better. No I would not say it’s always easy but nobody said life or anything worthwhile is going to be easy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Certainly Santa Monica should be a destination for visitors. The merry-go-round where the classic film, “The Sting” was filmed is right there on the pier. I am a big fan of Huckleberry (in Santa Monica). Always good breakfast and lunch — the bakery is to-die-for.

I love the original Farmers Market at Fairfax and Third Street. So many good things to eat and just a fun atmosphere.

The San Gabriel Valley is amazing for authentic Chinese food. Din Tai Fung and Luscious Dumplings are both destinations if you like dim sum. I also like the 1960s “googie” architecture of some of the old time food establishments on Route 66 in the SGV. It’s a fun road trip.

I am big fan of the ornate palace movie theaters from the 1930s so places like the Los Angeles Theatre on Broadway, where Charlie Chaplin’s film “City Lights” premiered always hold interest for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would certainly like to give a shoutout to:

Home

This organization is instrumental in preserving bee habitats, educating the public about the importance of bees in the food chain and taking active steps to protect honeybee populations for future generations. Since my latest novel delves into the world of bees and threats to their survival I am grateful for groups like this which put bees and the ecosystem front and center.

Website: www.davidboito.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/idea_feast

Other: www.beeconspiracy.com

Image Credits
“Bee Conspiracy” and “Valley Fliers” book cover art by Chris Hiatt

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