Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Parker, CO with my wife of 15 years, our two sons (13 & 7) and our 100 lb Malamute. My wife has supported my crazy endeavor to be an Author and sometimes I wonder why :). I have been writing for 8 years. I am currently writing the 4th and final book in my Keepers of the Orbs fantasy Series. The first book in this series is what started my writing career in 2010 and I feel like I’ve come a long way since then. So far, three books in the series (The Unknown Man, The Rising Past, A Shadow Within), my Young Adult Fantasy (The Final Offering) and a short story (Redemption) have all been self-published on Amazon. I’ve also completed two other novels, one Sci-Fi title (Saukarian Children) is currently being edited and revised, and my very adult oriented Urban Fantasy (Vampire’s Curse) is currently in negotiations with an Independent Publisher (more news to follow soon).
When I am not writing, I spend my days working as a Principle Subject Matter Expert an d can usually be found reading, spending time with my family, or enjoying a nice Whiskey with a Cigar.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Vampire’s Curse. This was my 2016 NaNoWriMo project. I got the idea after binge watching the Twilight Series movies over the course of a September weekend with my wife. I have watched them many times before and even read the books. While watching it with my wife, this time I just stopped an thought “this is all too clean”. I turned to my wife and said my next project is going to be the exact opposite. Low and behold, November rolled around and I needed a project. Vampires’ Curse was the result.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really. I write every night. Usually it is in the later hours of the night as I wait for my family to go to bed, before I sit down at the computer. This usually occurs between 8:30 and 9 and I typically write until midnight. I also always have to have the T.V. on. I can’t write without it (even though I’m not watching what is on). It has to be on. My wife thinks I’m crazy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. I still think the Dark Tower series is the greatest thing I have ever read. I read a lot of Grisham, Koontz, Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Weis & Hickman, After writing Vampire’s Curse, another author in my weekly critique group recommended I read the Bill the Vampire series by Rick Gualitieri, which I really enjoyed. I also recently stumbled across the Fat Vampire Series by Johnny B Truant, which I am also really enjoying. Just read Wrinkle in Time (I know, don’t judge me) as well as Ready Player One and Armada.
What are you working on now?
The fourth and final book in the Keepers of the Orbs series. Exciting to be closing this chapter, but it’s also a little sad at the same time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I write a lot of Fantasy, I tend to lean toward Book Barbarian. Awesome Gang is another good one, eBook Habits, etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just never stop writing. You will only grow as an author the more you practice. Also, don’t be afraid to accept criticism. I learned so much more from the critical reviews than I ever have from the fluffy, blow smoke up your *** reviews.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read and never stop reading.
What are you reading now?
Fat Vampire 2: Tastes like Chicken
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am close to finalizing a deal with an Independent Publisher for Vampire’s Curse. I am intending for this to be a series of several books, which the publisher is interested in, and I think with them behind me, I can finally take the next step.
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?
That’s tough. Before I read the part about 3 or 4 books, my mind jumped to the Dark Tower. But I couldn’t survive on only half the series. So that just won’t do. I guess I would have to say Lord of the Rings.
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