Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a long-time resident of Provincetown Mass., who has been writing for approximately 10 years. I’ve written three books, the first of which will be released in mid-March. My interests include sailing, art, photography and, of course writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The HomePort Journals was inspired by a mansion on Commercial Street in Provincetown that had been disfigured by a malformed addition. Traces of grandeur remained, and I constantly found myself wondering, “what if….” Eventually, the story unfolded in my head. I moved the house to a different location, created a family lineage that ensured it was well cared for, and left traces of a mysterious scandal that drove its current owner into seclusion.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I trained as a classical musician, performing anywhere a trumpet was called for. Now, I write to music. I choose a composer whose works suit the prevailing mood I am trying to capture, create a playlist on ITunes, and write exclusively to the works of that composer. When I’m done for the day, I pause the music. The next day, I start the piece that was playing from the beginning, and my mind eases right back to where it was the day before.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m greatly influenced by Jane Austen, Armistead Maupin, Alan Hollinghurst, and Andrew Holleran. So many books have influenced me, but perhaps most of all Maupin’s Tales of the City Series. I also look to Walter Mosley for the music of speech.
What are you working on now?
A book about a relationship devastated by suicide. Two lovers recount their experiences–one from the hereafter. I call it a “speculative” memoir, because there are many gaps in comprehension and recollection.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter seems to be doing the heavy lifting these days. Facebook seems more of a landing place than an active “buzz-generator.”
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You have to really love writing and be doing it for that reason alone. The best part of the experience is the creative part. Savor the joy in that, and let the rest take care of itself
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There was a time in my life I thought I’d die if I didn’t own an electric waffle iron.” An elderly friend told me this when I was in my early twenties, and as she did, I saw the foibles of youth and the wisdom of age converge in her eyes. From that time on, I’ve always tried to care only about what really matters and let the rest go.
What are you reading now?
How To Be A Victorian by Ruth Goodman, Thomas Mann: Eros and Literature by Anthony Hielbut.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A sequel to The HomePort Journals is in the planning stages.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The complete works of Saki, the complete works of Jane Austen, and Tales of the City. (I know I’m cheating by using the complete works, but without them I’d be insane in a week.)
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