Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Oh there’s not a whole lot to my story, and it would never make for a bestseller. I’m a candidate for worlds most boring guy. I tend to stay around the house a lot and write, and when I’m not writing I’m providing lap space for one or the other of my cats. I’m a newly published first time author, The Way of Cat is my first published work, and I’m very excited about the idea of continuing. It’s been a long road. I’ve been an avid writer for years, but only recently have I given any serious thought to publishing. It’s always kind of been one of those bucket list things that I never thought I’d actually get around to. I finally did, and I couldn’t be happier.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My premiere book is The Way Of Cat. As the name may imply, my inspiration really has been living with two cats. I’ve been a practitioner and explorer of mindfulness for some time, and I’ve always taken to heart the idea that cats are there own little zen masters, living in the moment and mindful of their world and everything in it. The idea actually started as a present for my wife, who is quite fond of guided journals. I thought it would be a fun idea to present writing prompts and activities to introduce mindfulness and self confidence in lessons from those who already understand it best… cats. Combine that with some whimsical lectures from the cats, and some dollops of feline wisdom… and before i knew it, it was done.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write organically when I feel inspired. It’s a total mood thing for me at the moment. I don’t have plot outlines or plans or storyboards. I sit, I write, I chase the cat off the keyboard, I write some more. Rinse and repeat.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In general my lifestyle has been heavily inspired by the works of Dan Millman and Richard Bach. Bach was my initial introduction to the ideas and practices of mindfulness long long ago, and then discovering the works of Dan Millman opened me to a whole new idea of how to live.
What are you working on now?
I’m continuing my interactive journal series with new themes, as well as working on a self help book for mental illness.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a good question…. I’m really new at this. Like, really really new. I’m just getting started on the idea of marketing and promotion and honestly I’m learning as I go. So I guess I’ll have to let you know when i figure it out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t. Stop. Writing. Also, don’t ever listen to your inner critic. If you’re like me and have that little voice inside you that pops up after all of the excitement and enthusiasm of writing some fades away and whispers, “oh man, that’s crap, why did you write that? No one is ever going to read it.” Whatever you do, DON’T LISTEN! If you write it, they will read.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have ever heard? That there is never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.
What are you reading now?
Right now I am in the middle of The Dresden files series by Jim Butcher.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing on the theme I am enjoying. Opening up new ideas and insights to people across a variety of interests.
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?
Well, mine obviously… other than that, I think I’d have to go with Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan MIllman, The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie, and The Christmas Train by Baldacci
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