Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two books – Sam & The Secrets of the Universe and Love from Mars. Both of them were recently released in December, and they’re both science fiction based. While these are my first two books, I’ve been telling stories professionally for years. I have created TV series and pilots for networks like Syfy, LMN, History, Destination, and Discovery. I studied film production at USC and have been weaving new stories ever since.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sam & The Secrets of the Universe was inspired by an article about black holes. It’s a YA cosmic adventure where 15 year-old Sam wakes up on a different planet and is offered the opportunity to learn the secrets of the cosmos. He gets himself into some trouble along the way and gets sucked into a black hole. I love creating new worlds, and this books explores many!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to French music when I write. Since the language is different, the lyrics don’t interrupt my flow.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Paulo Coelho, James Redfield, Tom Robbins, and Nicholas Sparks. I’ve also been influenced by non-fiction writers like Jean Houston and Abraham Hicks. They’re able to excite me with extraordinary ideas and concepts that don’t seem to fit mundane reality. They’re all about building your own version of reality which is fascinating.
What are you working on now?
I am currently outlining my third book, a YA science fiction called The Phoenix Gene. I have the second book in the Secrets of the Universe series outlined, and I plan to make audio books for Love from Mars and Sam & The Secrets of the Universe book one. Lots to do!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out, but I have
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Outlines can save a lot of time because you can rework the story multiple times before actually digging in. If you have a detailed outline, it can save many rewrites. I also strongly recommend using beta readers to get outside feedback. Once you become too close to the words, it’s hard to see the bigger picture of how things are landing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Buy the ticket, take the ride. Life is too short to not enjoy it!
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Grace & Grit by Ken Wilber and You Before Me by Jojo Moyes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to release two new books in 2017. Book Two of the Secrets of the Universe series, and a brand new one I mentioned earlier, The Phoenix Gene. I already have the cover designed for that one, so that’s a good motivator!
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?
The Alchemist, Autobiography of a Yogi, The Bhagavad Gita, and my journal.
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