Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and now live just outside of New York City with my wife, who is far too good for me, and my two vivacious boys who challenge my Jedi and light-saber skills on a regular basis.
In an effort to escape the technology chain gang at the corporate prison where I work, I decided to follow my passion for writing, and published two books in 2015. I haven’t managed to tunnel under the prison walls yet, but I’m patient, and chip away at my cubical cell every day.
The Monsters & Demons Horror Anthology I wrote in 2015 spawned the Second Death Series based on the short story, “Arraziel”, from the collection. “Arraziel” was rewritten into a novella called, Rising: A Second Death Novella, which is currently free on Amazon. Watchers of the Fallen is Book One of the Second Death Series and picks up where Rising leaves off.
There are two more books planned in the series. Book two will be released in 2016, and Book three in early 2017.
I also enjoy American football, cooking, BBQ, 80’s Rock, craft beer, and the occasional small batch bourbon – not in that order specifically, though I wouldn’t complain about that sequence if it was offered either.
You can sign up for my Reader’s Group at http://eepurl.com/bR537n. You’ll be kept up to date about new book releases, contests, giveaway, and other cool stuff. You’ll also get a chance to receive advance reader copies of new books for free.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Watchers of the Fallen is my newest book and it was inspired by my interest in esoteric religious writings, H.P. Lovecraft, and fans of my short story, “Arraziel”.
I received a ton of feedback about “Arraziel”. People wanted to know more about the characters and felt there was more story to tell. They were right!
After reading the Book of Enoch and going on a Lovecraft reading binge, the story grew roots in my brain and I immediately got to work on the outline for Book one.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual this is, but the majority of my writing is accomplished on the train to and from my day job. I commute into New York City every day and do most of my writing on the train ride.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many, I don’t really know where to start.
I have always been a huge fan of Stephen King’s work, but he never inspired me to write and publish. I remember finishing the Stand in a few days. I read the last word, and then immediately started reading from page one again.
In the same way, Clive Barker, Michael Connelly, Tolkien, CS Lewis, and a litany of other authors have always kept me coming back for more.
But the one writer that inspired me to write my own stories would have to be Hugh Howey. The Wool Series had me forgetting to eat and not wanting to sleep. When I finished the series, I read up on the offer and after reading his self publishing journey to literary stardom, I got the bug and set about learning everything I could about self-publishing.
What are you working on now?
Book two of the Second Death series. Interestingly, book two is a lot harder than book one was. Book one opened so many possibilities, my biggest challenge is picking a direction and sticking with it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done all that much in terms of promoting, but I have had some success with the Fussy Librarian and Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be consistent, be fearless, and practice, practice, practice. And by practice, I don’t mean writing something and tucking it away in the corner of your closet that you clean every six years. You need to write every day, consistently. Don’t listen to the voice in your head that says it isn’t good enough (it never will be). When you have something you’re happy with, publish it. Consistently writing and publishing your work is the key to getting better. Otherwise, you’re just journaling stories.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write consistently. Set aside a time every day to write and make that time sacred. If there are zombies at your bedroom door, hold them off for enough time to getting your daily writing session in. Then you can let them eat.
What are you reading now?
The Colony: Genesis by Michaelbrent Collings.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to try and finish the Second Death series this year. After that, I have another idea for a horror thriller that I need to do some work on. I also have a fantasy book outlined waiting for me to write. One of those will be my main focus at the beginning of 2017.
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?
Tough one, but here goes:
The Stand
Wool
Catcher in the Rye
The Return of the King
Author Websites and Profiles
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