Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a western author and amateur historian. My main passions are Old West history and Texas history. I have completed two books and am in the middle of my third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Hell and Half of Texas and it is the second book in the Heck Carson series. Heck Carson is a Texas Ranger, and as I was researching Texas Rangers I learned about Terry’s Rangers, who served during the Civil War, and used that as a starting point for my second book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think my writing process is really very disorganized. I start with an idea, and then I start hand writing the story in notebooks. When I’ve written as much as I can, I start researching my subject and use history to fill in the blanks. I do try to be very disciplined though, and write at least two hours most days. I work a full time job and have four kids, so I just find time when I can. I write a lot late at night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My main influences are western authors like Louis L’amour and Larry Mcmurtry. As a kid I would read about one Louis L’amour book a week, and would get several for every birthday and Christmas. The first time I read Lonesome Dove I was absolutely captivated, it was all I could think about for weeks. Being from Texas it just really spoke to me. I’ve also read a lot of Stephen King. He’s just a master story teller.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a horror story set in the nineteenth century. It’s based on Spanish and Native American Lore, with a lot of history mixed in. The best stories are the ones that have been handed down for centuries, they just seem to stand the test of time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My books are sold on Amazon, but I promote them on my website and blog, underthelonestar.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is the same advice I was always given. Read and write as much as you can. You learn through reading and practice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read and Write as much as you can. The best writers would do it even if they never earned a dime from it. They write because they must.
What are you reading now?
I usually have at least three books going at once. I’m currently reading the complete works of Robert Louis Stevenson, a western by William Johnstone, and a book on writing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish my horror story I will be working on the third book in the Heck Carson Series.
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?
War and peace (I have read it at least four times) Lonesome Dove (the best western ever written)
The Last of the Mohicans, and any book on Texas History.
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