Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a lot of things throughout my career including tech entrepreneur, healthcare professional, professional sports team owner, coach, and part-time professor.
I write the types of books that I like to read, particularly those in the paranormal, science fiction, and dystopian genres.
I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my wife, son, and dog Pedro. If you can’t find me at my favorite hippie coffee shop, I’ll probably be on the trail running or riding my mountain bike or paddling a lake somewhere.
I’ve written 11 short novels, including a 7-book series, Shellbound.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest, completed book “55” tells the story of Brian Hancock. Hancock is surrounded by his family and friends at his 54th birthday party. He’s a loving father and grandfather. He has an important job. He contributes to society. He’s the picture of health at a time where human life expectancy has been extended by nearly 40 years. But New America says his time is up. I don’t really know what inspires most of my books. They just sort of come to mind. But in this case, I’m approaching Hancock’s age. Thinking about the cost vs value to society of older citizens, or more accurately what others think about that cost vs value, was on my mind while writing the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of my writing takes place in public places with lots of background activity, typically my favorite local coffee shop.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge Stephen King fan and have read most of his books over the years. I also like Dean Koontz. I was inspired to start writing after reading Hugh Howey’s Wool book series.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book now called “Frequent Warriors”. It’s a story about a young widower who, at the MRI center at which he works, discovers a way to make contact with infinite numbers of parallel universes, one or many of which he hopes will reunite him with his deceased wife. Little does he realize that a much bigger story is materializing around him.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, we’re trying the shotgun approach. Do it all and see what sticks.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it. If you have an idea in your head, get it out there before you lose it. I started writing later in life, and feel like I’ve left a lot on the table. I wish I could read what fiction the younger me would have written.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to the deviate from the “rules.” Those rules are made to be broken. And besides that, those who made the rules probably never actually wrote anything themselves..that whole “those who can’t do teach” thing.
What are you reading now?
I’m slowing reading King’s “Doctor Sleep”….the sequel to “The Shining.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably more dystopian, apocalyptic stories. I never get bored with thinking up ways we might destroy ourselves.
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?
I wouldn’t take anything I’ve read before. I’d find the four longest King or Koontz books I could find.
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