Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Oregon born and raised and have written two full length novels. The first one was unnamed, and I never published it. It is a sci-fi novel. My second novel, however, is out now. I love writing, and have dreamed of self-publishing since I first learned how to read. Other things that I enjoy are mountain biking, reading, and making things with my 3D printer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, The Genesis of a Ranger, is my first fantasy novel, inspired by Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. I also took some narration style from James S. A. Corey. The main character’s struggle to find a purpose and overcome his own self-destructive habits are inspired by my own experiences.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is considered unusual, but I listen to music while I write , and I also like to draw maps of the worlds that my characters explore.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most influential book for me is Christopher Paolini’s Eragon, and the rest of the Inheritance cycle. I first read it over a decade ago, and every time that I reread the series I get something new out of it. Some other books that have influenced me are James S. A. Corey’s The Expanse series, and Pierce Brown’s Red Rising.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on a thriller horror novel that takes place in the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon. A group of young outdoor enthusiasts discover a sinister force deep within the forest that is being covered up by the park rangers. In the course of the story, people go missing, and they must find a way to get them back.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, the my best results have come from promoting on Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whatever you do, don’t stop. If you can’t reach your daily writing goal, at least write one sentence, one paragraph, or even just one word. Writing is the only way to get better at writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write even if the you can’t think of what to say. Some bad writing is better than no writing at all.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World. It is also a fantasy novel, and my friend Austin recommended it to me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, getting traditionally published.
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?
Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Thick Face, Black Heart by Chin-Ning Chu, and some kind of a survival manual.