Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My picture is in the dictionary under the words, “Late Bloomer”, but I did blossom. Former corporate lawyer, now fount and purveyor of joy, words, humor, and most importantly, questions. I’ve got 1 book out now and another coming in a few months, and two more planned after that. For me, writing is joy, purpose, path, celebration and meditation, so I do as much of it as I can, and try not to be limited by a single genre. Maybe I have a little ADHD…
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Undamned, My Escape from the Old Testament. Simply put, I wanted to return the gift of joy to so many who had it surgically removed from their spirits by their religion.
It was inspired by what I describe in the book as the phenomenon of McChurch, something that can look more like a fast- food restaurant than a place of sanctuary, and can be more of a harmful addiction than a balm for wounds. I sought to help others and heal myself and found answers to the questions that would not fit in this doctrine, as well as a whole new, more forgiving and infinite spirituality.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I use the Memo/ Post it app on my phone to write the first drafts of most of my writing ideas. When it comes to poetry, most poems started as a single thought or title put into the memo pad, and fleshed out long hand, and lovingly (or not so lovingly) edited over the course of weeks, months or even years.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am remarkably impressionable and something that is well – written and powerful can influence me for weeks or even years. The Goldfinch made a huge difference to me, in that I saw that art has the capacity to change a life, and therefor, what I do as an artist is never in vain. I may never see how my work affects someone, but that does not mean that it doesn’t.
What are you working on now?
I am currently in the production phase of a robustly joyous, yet candid and plainly understandable collection of the best of my poems written over the past 15 years, including the first poem I ever wrote and kept, written in 2001. Kirkus has given it a “ Recommended’ review. It’s like having another child, late in life, and I’m about that amazed and proud.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all social media, and have a website and blog, which help draw in new readers. I’m also in various social media writing and poetry groups. But, the best draw is word of mouth from loyal readers. One friend reads my book and recommends it to another friend, and so on… Most who have read Undamned have already asked when the next book is coming out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Stay the Course. Pay less attention to what you don’t know and what others claim to know, and more to what is inside you trying to get out.
You know what to write, how to write it, and probably who can help you get it out there. But, this is an exhausting endeavor. Pacing is everything.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take outcomes out of the equation entirely. Don’t write for others, for success, for reviews, or for money. Write because you can’t be a happy or authentic version of you unless you do.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading the latest Tammy Hoag thriller, Cold Cold Heart, which I basically read in one sitting. It was a barn- burner! I need to take a little breather, before I start my next book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my poetry book out, and getting to work on my next two books after that, which will likely go out in tandem. That would cover the Christian, Spiritual, and Poetry genres. I think a novel should be next;)
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 Goldfinch, All the Lights We Cannot See, The Untethered Soul
and a Baldacci thriller. The Goldfinch and All the Lights We Cannot See changed me for good with their message and their beauty– The Goldfinch, because it illustrated how a thing of beauty can be redemptive in even the darkest of lives. All the Lights… similarly showed that there are moments of heroic sacrifice and pure goodness in people who appear dark and times that appear without hope. These acts simply aren’t brought to light. The Untethered Soul was a unique approach to spirituality, and the thriller, just because I can’t be serious all the time!
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