Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write books, drink tea, and teach high school chemistry. These days, I also build Legos to confirm that they have all the pieces so I can sell them for a friend. Later this year (2015), I’m headed to BookExpo America. It’s probably the biggest step I’ve ever taken as a writer.
I have several series. Devya’s Children is about a group of genetically altered children who band together to survive. That series consists of three books so far. Heartfelt Cases is three novellas, but I suppose you could also consider it just one book from a certain point of view, even though it’s three distinct stories. I’ve also released a collection of short stories and another novella, so I guess that’s about eight published works. There’s another sci-fi series, a fantasy novella, and a book in each of the series that are “out there,” so stories written could be considered up around twelve.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest story is called Never Again. It’s a novella that fits within the Lei Crime Series Kindle World. That just opened on April 7, 2015. It was inspired by a line about a stalking incident within the first book of the regular Lei Crime Series by Toby Neal (Blood Orchids).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from Never Again, the Lei Crime novella, every book I’ve written has come together during the summer. I write in long chunks. A typical writing day would be about 2-4 sessions that are 3-4 hours each.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a kid, I consumed Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books like they were the only thing ever written. I also read a lot of Star Wars expanded universe books, including the kids series. Jedi Apprentice was one of my favorites. I believe these kid-friendly works probably influenced the way I write.
What are you working on now?
I’m refining the science fiction series. It’s probably my most ambitious project. My next story will likely be another novella for the Lei Crime Series Kindle World. Although you can publish at any time, I’m going to try to release one every quarter.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
ENT – Ereader News Today has been the most effective so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to be an indie writer, just write. If you want to be a successful writer, you probably ought to work in networking, promoting, and a ton of reading as well.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have other people read your work. You can’t find all your mistakes yourself. Oh, if given enough time, I can catch most of them, but it’s much easier if other people help.
What are you reading now?
Dragon’s Curse (The Dragon and the Scholar Book 1) by H.L. Burke.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next big step is to attend BookExpo America 2015. It’s by far the most ambitious thing I’ve done from the promotions side. I have the books all packed up and ready to ship out next week. I’ll be running giveaways for indie books and a kindle fire.
I’m also reading a lot of the Lei Crime Series so I can get more story ideas for continuing the Defining Moments novellas. They’re fun to put together. It’s been an interesting challenge to write within somebody else’s world.
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?
Being a practical person, I think I’d actually break down and go for nonfiction books on how to survive when stranded on a desert island. But if the desert island comes with a 4 star hotel, I’ll go for The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, Outlaw Princess by Nancy Springer, and the Bible.
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