Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always loved psychology and I started writing in non-fiction, but soon realized just how small that market is. So, I decided to branch out into fiction while still exploring those ideas, and I realized that I could also leverage history to better connect people to these ideas.
“History provides a venue for us to look at ideas in entirely new ways. If I say I’m writing about peer pressure most people think that’s a teenage issue. If I reference the history of the Nazi party it completely changes how people think about the idea. That’s what I try to do with my writing. I write historical fiction because history can change how we understand certain ideas.”
“My series is intended to rob the persuasions machines and propaganda producers of their power of influence. To empower people to see how the tricks work then disassemble them.”
“I think a good story entertains, a great story stays with you. It leaves you thinking about the world differently.”
I’ve written five books, but two are no longer in print and I don’t have the rights to publish them digitally.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release is The Sky Fall Conspiracy. I wanted to look at how propaganda and media persuasion worked, so I scanned through history for moments when those ideas felt really potent. The first is Nazi Germany, and the second is the Orson Welles War of the Worlds scare and in 1938 those two events overlap. So that’s where my story takes place.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a treadmill desk so I walk while I write. Once, I tried to see how much walking I could do while writing a book and walked for six hours in one day. I could bearly move the next day. After that I knew I needed to track my data and find some kind of balance.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a fairly eclectic reader. I love Dan Brown and Malcolm Gladwell, but also read a lot of Brandon Sanderson. I guess when I started writing I felt like my books were meant for the same kinds of people as Dan Brown, but I think my style has changed over time.
When it comes to raw art of story I always think about Sanderson and how he tells his stories.
What are you working on now?
I still working on this series. I have one book left to finish it off, but there is room and I have ideas for lots of branching series within it. I don’t know if I’ll chase those though.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think ads have worked the best for me. I’ve written enough of them that I have no problem getting clicks, comments, and likes.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Soooo much. I’ve made so many mistakes, and I keep making them. I would say first don’t be afraid to rewrite. Second, write your short story giveaway first, use it to build your email list, then start the series. The importance of that list can’t be overstated and the sooner you start building it the better off you will be.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think it’s just too vague a question. I’d need something more specific. Best marketing advice? Best craft advice? etc…
Best marketing advice: build an email list with a free short story giveaway.
Best craft advice: Don’t fall in love with your story. You got some of it wrong, let people point it out to you and be grateful they did.
What are you reading now?
The research for my current series is done so I’ve picked several history books for the next series I’m preparing to write. It’s not hard research, but a general consumption so I can pick up little things.
Fiction, I’m working my way through the Wheel of Time Series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I finish this series I move onto the next one. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been reading books on propaganda and media persuasion for years and I want to study something else.
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?
Skyward. A survival guide and a blank book to write in.
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