Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Kentucky, but I have lived in Tennessee for decades. I started writing fiction when I was in high school. However, my first short stories were not published until I was an undergraduate in college. Since then I have written THE FILE ON THOMAS MARKS, a mystery that was published in 2021, and THE PRIZE WINNERS AND OTHER STORIES, which was just published by the Global Publishing Group. Another mystery, A KILLING IN OKLAHOMA, should be published later this year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE PRIZE WINNERS AND OTHER STORIES is my latest book. A collection, the stories were inspired by my experiences and, of course, my imagination. Several of the stories were discussed by groups of others before they were included in the collection. Other stories were written much later.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write or work on what I’ve written several hours every day. Of course, I don’t believe this is unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been reading others for decades, so this is difficult to answer. However, I have enjoyed reading James M. Cain, Ernest Hemingway, John O’Hara, John D. MacDonald, Linwood Barclay, John Grisham, Sidney Sheldon, and numerous others.
What are you working on now?
The first page proofs of A KILLING IN OKLAHOMA.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to employ several websites, not just one or two. I also approach reviewers. In some instances, I contact editors of newspapers and magazines, not to mention librarians who work at public libraries.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are serious, read as much as you can. If you write mysteries, read mysteries. If you write sci-fi, read sci-fi. Try to read the so-called masters in addition to the writers writing today. And notice the differences between them. If possible, take one or more courses in creative writing at a college or university. You’ll be surprised what your classmates will say about your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you are serious about becoming a writer, try to get published. If your work is rejected, keep submitting it. In other words, don’t give up.
What are you reading now?
Five or six books. Two or three are collections of short stories by a single author. The other books are nonfiction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am writing a book of nonfiction for an academic publisher.
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 Bible, Youngblood Hawke, From the Terrace, and Double Indemnity.
Author Websites and Profiles
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