Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve read everything under the sun. Because of that, my interest in writing increased with each book I completed. I got to the point where I told myself that I could probably write my own book. Or at least try.
And try I did. I’ve written and COMPLETED one book so far, but it’s the first book in the series and the second one is underway. I’m also working on two other books in different genres.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My recently published book is called, Inception: The Bern Project (Volume One).
It’s not so much a zombie book as much as it is a book that has zombies in it. I told myself I would never get into Science Fiction and would rather do Espionage/Political Thriller/Detective type books. Unfortunately, we don’t choose our stories, nor do we choose our characters. Sometimes they just speak to us as we dictate what they tell us.
I remember reading Stephen King’s On Writing. One thing that stuck out to me was when he talked about combining two story ideas into one. Well, I have a sheet of paper that has a bunch of story ideas written on it. One day, after I may or may not have been influenced by white wine, I combined two ideas; “contract killers and best friends” with “New World Order”. As I started brainstorming, my book was born and the rest was history.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. At least, I think it’s weird. I have to read for about one hour to get my brain into a literary mode. I also have to have a cup of bulletproof coffee and listen to some sort of music that inspires me to write that particular story. For Inception, I listened to ABBA’s greatest hits. For the sequel, I’ve been listening to Foo Fighters. I have no idea what I’ll be listening to for the third book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s way too many to list. But off the top of my head, I’m a big fan of Vince Flynn (RIP), Daniel Silva, Anne Lamott, Michael Connelly, Brad Thor, Brad Taylor, Malcolm Gladwell and Nelson Demille.
Nelson Demille’s Night Fall was one of the greatest books I’ve ever read.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Inception: The Bern Project (Volume One)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no clue. This is the first book I’ve published on my own. I refuse to use an agent/publisher as I just don’t want to waste the time writing query letters. So far, though, Amazon has been friggin amazing with how they treat Indie Authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first draft is going to be the ugliest, most disgusting POS you’ve ever written or read.
And that’s a good thing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I had a fellow writer in a writer’s group tell me, “Every artist started out drawing stick figures.”
What are you reading now?
The Origin by Dan Brown.
Back Blast by Mark Greaney.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To write more. I’ll never stop.
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?
SAS Survival Handbook.
Anarchist Cookbook.
Lord of the Flies.
Robinson Crusoe.
Author Websites and Profiles
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