Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written four books, and about a dozen novellas. I started writing during graduate school, which I attended while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. My first publication was an academic article, and completing it felt like running a marathon. I love history, and one of my college degrees is in that subject.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Versatile Nation: How America’s Knack for Reinventing Itself Will Make Life Better After 2020
Like many, I watched the events of 2020 during lockdown with a combination of horror and fascination. At first I thought, there is nothing I can really do about anything that’s happening, but then I realized there was something I could do. I could use the extra time constructively, so I started thinking about how the US handled crises and upheaval in the past. I did some research, made some notes, outlined a few chapters, and over the course of several months it grew into a full length book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I presume my writing habits are normal, but there is no way for me to really know for sure 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love science fiction, especially Isaac Asimov, George Orwell, Suzanne Collins, Margaret Atwood, and Stephen King. In graduate school we read a lot of scholarly works, to numerous to list here, but I give top marks to Samuel Huntington.
I grew up reading Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series, which I think is when I realized I wanted to write books myself. Love James Clavell’s Shogun, I read it not long before travelling to Japan as an exchange student.
What are you working on now?
Two science fiction books, one on the Cold War, and another of a future war between the US and China.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a morning person, so I dedicate a few hours each morning to writing new content.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day, but don’t be afraid to take a day or two off each week. Writing is a perishable skill. If you don’t use it, you will lose it.
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?
1984, Raise the Titanic, The Stand, and Shogun.