Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired physician am active locally in refugee resettlement. I have coauthored one book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Escape from Hell: Based on the True Story of a Syrian Political Prisoner.
I had retired as a physician and moved to Chapel Hill, NC when looking for something to do, I saw a newspaper article about a Syrian refugee who wanted to become a physician in the US. I mentored this refugee connecting through the article’s author.
Since English was his greatest need, I gave him the writing assignment to tell his story. Well, his story was so powerful that we had to publish it as this book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am very methodical writing for an hour or so each day at least.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Patterson and John Grisham.
What are you working on now?
I am writing a couple of articles, one on a Mexican immigrant who is in sanctuary and another on simplifying math terminology.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am using KDP select to offer discounts and will market these discounts.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Carefully consider your book’s point of view. I started with 3rd person and had to rewrite the book in first person when all of my first readers recommended this. The first person narrative in this case was much more powerful
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I took a Masterclass from James Patterson from the Masterclass website. His advice was invaluable.
What are you reading now?
James Baldwin’s Go Tell it on the Mountain
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the articles mentioned above
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 latest John Grisham and James Patterson Books.