Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Currently, I only have one novel published, but the sequel is nearly completed and there will be a third book as well to complete the series.
I have always been a writer, putting pen (or pencil) to paper from the moment I could do so. I spent many hours in my room as a child dreaming up and writing stories or playing imaginary games, either with friends or by myself.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current title is called, “Red, White & Blues: Book One”. It is the story of a group of eventual friends, young people growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s and coming to that great mecca of freedom and adventure: San Francisco. It involves the Vietnam War, free love, drug experimentation and a fictional outlaw motorcycle club that some of the vets end up joining. Ultimately, it is a story of ordinary people and lasting friendships.
I have always had an interest in this time period, despite the fact that I was born a little too late to actually be a part of it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not have any unusual writing habits, but I do very little pre-planning (for better or worse). I simply sit in from of a blank Word document and begin typing. The story takes its own shape and it is guided by the characters themselves. Ultimately, some things may change, but the majority of what I initially write remains intact.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favorite authors is James Salter and his book, Light Years”, is what I consider the gold standard of fiction writing. I also really admire Wallace Stegner, who was probably the greatest American writer of his time. His book, “Crossing to Safety” is brilliant.
I also love Henry Miller, Charles Bukowski and Jonathan Tropper. And I recently read an incredible novel in a similar style to Wallace Stegner called “The Summer Guest” by Justin Cronin.
What are you working on now?
I am currently editing and tightening up the sequel to “Red, White & Blues: Book One”. It is an almost endless process, but after almost ten read-throughs and lots of changes and edits, it is nearly done and I expect to have it published by the end of 2017. It will focus on the growing children of the main characters from the first novel while also telling the continuing story of the adults, now heading into their 40’s.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook quite a bit, but recently I have been using Twitter to some good effect. Quite honestly, I didn’t get how Twitter worked until very recently, so I am focusing on that now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is simply this: write. Don’t worry about whether or not your story is good, about how or if you’ll publish it, sell it, etc. Just get your story down and write for yourself first. I have not had much success with my book, but I couldn’t be happier that I wrote it and published it. When you get reviews from people you don’t know that have read and enjoyed your book, it is worth every minute of work that you put into writing it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t know! I have joined a few writers’ groups on Facebook and receive a lot of useful information and tips through those, but it is a constantly evolving field. Indie authors are at both an advantage (you can publish your book virtually on your own and for very little money now) and a disadvantage (once it’s published, the marketing and getting readers and exposure is all on you).
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading “Angle of Repose” by Wallace Stegner. I have read it before, but with great authors, it’s always a joy to read their books again.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next goal is to finish and publish the sequel to “Red, White & Blues: Book One” and then continue with the third book which will end the series. I have already written about 200 pages of the third book. After that, I don’t know. I suppose I’ll have to wait and see what the next story is that presents itself to me.
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?
“Light Years” by James Salter
“All the Live Little Things” by Wallace Stegner
“Ham on Rye” by Charles Bukowski
“Up Above the World” by Paul Bowles
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