Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a freelance filmmaker since 1978. I’ve received several awards for my writing. “Best Original Screenplay” “Hands of Thunder”. “Mom’s Choice Award” “Tales of Davy Jones – Quetzalcoatl” Quetzalcoatl is the first book in the Tales of Davy Jones Series. I’ve completed book 2 “The House of Richard”. Nearly completed book 3 “Q2 the Black.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Q2 the Black is the 2nd story in the Quetzalcoatl Series within the Tales of Davy Jones Series. Our hero in Quetzalcoatl, Garrett Spencer was 13. He has his whole life in front of him and I needed to share the rest of his story. If you watch my youtube video http://youtu.be/YJ2KVrcHuCQ
you can learn the origins of the “Tales of Davy Jones” Series. Less than 3 minutes long.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write every day. Once I start writing I usually stay at it for 4 -8 hours. I miss frequently as I am a filmmaker by profession and have shoots.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Brooks was my favorite and probably still is. I love Louie LaMore and Joel C. Rosenberg.
What are you working on now?
As stated before I am working on Q2 the Black. But on my desktop I have 2 feature films I want to get back to. “The Christmas Thief” “Apache Thunder” Apache Thunder is about a native American boy who moves from Oklahoma to Wyoming. Talon’s dad is an Army Ranger and most of his family are former military. Talon is one of the best 15 yr. old baseball players in the country and after being snubbed at his new school by a prejudice coach, is taking a group of leftover kids and forming a basketball team. Talon is a great cook, talent athlete, sensitive Christian kid that is trained in several fighting skills and does his best to avoid fighting and protect the school victims from the bullies.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.talesofdavyjones.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write like crazy. Read like crazy. Don’t defend your writing from critics. Develop a thick skin. Not everyone will like what you write. If you ask for an opinion realize they think it is their job to find something wrong. Take what the say and make your own judgement as to whether there is merit in their thoughts. In Hands of Thunder I have a really cool horse that is super smart. A film friend gave me great NEGATIVE feedback about the horse stuff and it made my script far better than it would have been otherwise. Great critics can truly help you. Just be sure you know what is good and what is bad advice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get it right… Get it written. You can edit later. Don’t stall looking for perfect words. just get it out and fix it later. Great writing is re-writing.
What are you reading now?
I have about 8 books I am looking at. Just went to the library. I like fantasy, westerns, political intrigue and even some well written romance stuff. My daughter gave me “Kiss of Deception” and I really enjoyed it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to rewrite “The Christmas Thief” Script. Been through the first draft, got feedback and now I have to fix it.
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?
Book of Mormon – Bible – don’t know after that. I don’t read anything but scriptures more than once.
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