Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Christian and that certainly influences my writing style. I write end-times fiction and as a “watcher at the wall” current news events and their relation to the potential fulfillment of Biblical prophecy will drive the tone and tenor of my writing. I have written and released four fiction books – “Dead-Ringer” being the most recent, with the three books that make up the Wayfarers Trilogy: “Walking Dreams” “Five Feet From the Cabin Door” and “Jacob’s Trouble” hitting the market place in 2010 and 2011. I enjoy using real locations in my writing and will most often base my characters on people that I have known or at least encountered in real life. Regarding characters, Jesse Same of “Dead-Ringer” is the exception to that rule. I’ve never known an Elvis impersonator!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Dead-Ringer” is my most recent release. To be truthful, the inspiration came out of the blue with no prior forethought. Certainly, the events taking place in the world over the last 18 months, the overall zeitgeist and tone of the culture drove the writing. This is a story of a man named Jesse Same who lives in the quaint upstate New York village that was the birthplace of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” author L. Frank Baum. Jesse makes his living as an Elvis Presley impersonator. He’s gifted – or cursed depending on your point of view – with prophetic dreams and experiences as the U.S. and the world crosses the Rubicon. Aside from his faith in Christ and his dreams and visions, Jesse has a strong desire for a particular piece of information that since his early childhood he has been seemingly stonewalled in his attempts to gain. Jesse is one of my most favorite characters yet and I’ve never met anyone like him. Again, the inspiration came out of the blue!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unless getting up early and drinking lots of coffee would be considered “unusual”, I guess I would say “no.” I’m most creative in the morning and I do like to write with Indie Rock music in my headphones.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m influenced by the Bible, Stephen King, Joel Rosenberg, and the team of Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.
What are you working on now?
I’m at work on a novel called “The Sleepwalkers.” It takes place in the autumn of 2013 and is based on actual news events of this time. This is a very difficult write as the world situation is as fluid and obfuscated as it is crazy. The story will deal greatly with the alternative news media, YouTube, and popular culture.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like Twitter, Tumbler, and Indie Author News to name my favorites. I think I might also like this new site I discovered called awesomegang.com as well. My website is also helpful in promotion. The thing is, just keep putting it out there. Being an indie author is tough and there are millions of us.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write, and write. Write what you love, because if you fake it – it’ll show. Listen to constructive criticism but do your best to shrug off that which is destructive. Follow your heart, keep your hopes high but expectations low. Hopefully, your results will far exceed your expectations!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above!
What are you reading now?
Other than scripture and multitudes of news websites, nothing in the way of books. I’m more focused on output at the moment.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Releasing the a revised and omnibus edition of the Wayfarers Trilogy and finishing The Sleepwalkers. After that, it’s in God’s hands.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Well, it would be “books”. After the Bible, I’d say it’s a tie between the “Left Behind” series and Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series.
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