Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Lets see, I’m 38, married, no kids, 2 cats. I’m a co-owner of a beauty business with my brother, I’m an animal lover, vegetarian and Agnostic. I’m an author and I have 3 books written, two previously published and two books to be re-published in 2015. I have lots of hobbies including, writing, reading, gaming, D&D, Pilates, martial arts, movies, walking and travel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hmm, I guess I’ll tell you about the book I’m working on now which is “The Newfoundland Vampire Book IV: War of the Fangs” that title may change. It makes more sense to tell you what inspired the first book and the series. This probably sounds egotistical but I was inspired by myself and my own fantasies to write book I. I’ve loved vampires for about 25 years and I just found myself imagining one day what it would like to be one and what decisions I would make. Basically how would a geeky guy cope with suddenly becoming a vampire? The rest came from lots of different sources, a love of Newfoundland history, my obsession with popular culture and many things geeky and of course Anne Rice, Bram Stoker and Stephen King.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I like to write generally in the morning and near somewhere where I can look out a window. I also have to do an outline for a book and stay at least 2-3 chapters ahead.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As I mentioned above certainly Stephen King, Anne Rice and Bram Stoker. Also though I would say Ernest Hemingway, Richard Matheson and Robert Jordan.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on Book IV of my vampire series, tentatively called “War of the Fangs.” It may or may not be the conclusion of the series, it is certainly a major climax of events that have been building for all 4 books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s always a tough one. While I think Twitter can be useful in spreading the word about an author and their writing, it’s hard to say how much it really works in promoting. I tend to use it a lot but I find my biggest sales and most fun always happen in person at conventions (well most of the time anyway).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’d tell any new author to have realistic expectations about profit, don’t quit your day job. Aside from that write what you enjoy, get lots of help with editing and be careful about choosing a publisher (if you go that route). Finally I’d also say while writing is very rewarding you need to develop a thick skin and be prepared to have your work torn apart both online and in person.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Another author (from here in Newfoundland no less) told me something simple that stuck with me. perseverance rewards talent. So the best thing you can do is keep trying, if you love to write never give up and someday you’ll write something you can be proud of and have the chance to share it with others.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading “He is Legend” which is a collection of short-stories all inspired by the writer Richard Matheson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well this year the re-release of my first two books, then in 2016 books III and IV. I try to do 3 conventions a year and they’re always great (I sell and give a writing talk usually at a con). I’m hoping at some point in the next year or so that my first book is turned into a TV show/movie or play, I know it’s a long shot but I do have some connections that I hope pan out.
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?
I’m going to include a comic book because I love those too. Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Return of the Dark Knight by Frank Miller (Graphic novel), I am Legend by Richard Matheson and the collected edition of The Dark Tower by Stephen King (first 5 books are amazing, 6 and 7 not so much).
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