Daniel J. Pilla interviewed:

How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?


D.P.: I write strickly about the IRS and taxpayers' rights. I started as a result of problems my father had with the IRS in the 1970s. He had a small business in our home town of St. Paul, MN. He got behind on his employment taxes and the IRS closed him down. The padlocked the doors and acutioned his equipment for just a few cents on the dollar. Later, he entered the premises and was arrested. He was charged and convicted of "recsuing seized property" and spend nearly one year in federal prison. While he was in jail, the IRS tried to seize our family home. That's when I got involved. It was merely a matter of despiration since I knew nothing about the IRS at the time. However, I learned by working my way through a law library the hard way and was able to keep them away from the home. That get my started helping others with their tax problems and I began writing shorting after that. That would have been in the late 1970s. Since I have written nine books, dozens of research reports and hundreds of articles.

What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?


D.P.: I chiefly read non-fiction, primarily early American history. I read the works of the Founding Fathers. Jefferson has had a tremendous influence on me. I also spend a great deal of time reading the Bible and biblical materials. My am greatly interested in economics and have been influenced by Hazlett and many other free-marted economists.

Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)? Do you have a favorite location or time of day (or night) for writing? What do you do to avoid--or seek!--distractions?


D.P.: I have always worked on a keyboard, except in the very early years, where there was no such thing! When I'm into a book project, I take the phone off the hook, ignore my mail, lock my door and pound on the keyboard-day and night. Otherwise, when I'm writing articles or research reports, I generally work four to five hours per day in both research and writing. I also spend a lot of time working with people in trouble with the IRS, which involves a lot of writing. Come to think of it, I'm always writing something!

Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events? Do you interact with your readers electronically through e-mail or other online forums?


D.P.: Yes. We do public seminars all the time, many in concert with radio stations and churches. I have a web site. One of the features is "Ask the Expert" where people can get qustions about their specific problems aswered.

When and how did you get started on the Net? Do you read any newsgroups such as rec.arts.books and rec.arts.sf.written, mailing lists, or other on-line forums? Do you use the Net for research--or is it just another time sink? Are you able to communicate with other writers or people you work with over the Net?


D.P.: I started with the web site about two years ago. As I learn more about the web, I use it more. Recently, I have started doing research on the web with the Congressional site, General Accounting Office and others. It works well.