Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer for over 30 years. I’ve written for newspapers, magazines, advertising as a copywriter, and as a freelancer. I’ve written everything from ads on radio and television to articles and speeches. All that writing behind me gave me the confidence (after many years of practice and navigating a gauntlet of beta readers) to release my first novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Goners’ is a young adult, paranormal novel with a mystery twist to it. I was inspired by ghost stories that my parents shared with me when I was a kid. They always gave me chills but were so much fun to hear and I wanted to do the same for readers, especially young adult readers. Many have told me that they enjoy a good scare.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I admire those who can write by the seat of their pants but I honestly couldn’t even attempt it. I’m a creature of outlining. I believe in having a road map that helps keep me on track through the writing process. It’s not carved in stone and I do fluctuate from it, but it is a guide that keeps me moving forward.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kelley Armstrong has been a huge influence on my writing. I’ve been lucky enough to pick her brain on a few occasions and the information she shared with me has been invaluable. That, and reading her work has been a great learning experience and tremendously enjoyable. Other authors that have influenced me would be Stephen King, Peter Straub, J.K. Rowling, Douglas Adams, and Shane Stevens.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the follow up book to ‘Goners’. It’s the second of a trilogy I call ‘The Lifters Series’. While I’m plotting out that book I’m polishing an adult paranormal novel called ‘A Bloody Mess’.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to say it’s social media. I know that’s generalizing but it’s the truth. What I strive to do is take advantage of the best advertising, word of mouth. Those social media sites get the ball rolling. As will this interview. Thanks for including me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. No matter what, keep writing. Doing is truly the best way to learn the craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Aside from the advice I already mentioned I’d have to say it’s never give up.
My writing history allowed me to thicken my skin before I started writing novels and screenplays. I’d pitch magazine editors all the time and even had a few of those magazines hold editorial meetings on just my ideas for stories. But, the ratio of acceptance to rejection is a very low number. I learned very quickly that you can’t take rejection personally. In fact, I used rejection as a motivator – a sort of ‘I’ll show you’ kind of fuel. I even have a file in my desk labelled ‘fuel’. Every rejection used to go in there to help motivate me to work harder.
Never give up. Learn from rejection. Agents and publishers don’t like saying no. They want you to succeed because your success is their success. Listen to them carefully. Use the information they share with you to get better at the craft of writing.
What are you reading now?
On the fiction front I’m reading Kelley Armstrong’s Wild Justice. On the non-fiction front I’m just finishing up Independent Ed by Edward Burns.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. More editing. More polishing. It’s truly the best job in the world. I’ve been discussing the production of a screenplay I wrote with a Scottish production company. I’ve written a short film that I’m crewing right now and hope to start filming soon. I’m finishing up a short documentary on Cosplay and I’m researching another short documentary on the lax penalties of drinking and driving. All this while writing a new novel and polishing a finished one. Lots to do.
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?
This is truly a difficult question to answer. But, in no particular order, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Adams, Stolen by Armstrong, Misery by King, Ghost Story by Straub, By Reason of Insanity by Stevens and any (or all) of the Harry Potter series by Rowling.
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