Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Georgia, moved to California with the Navy and served on submarines and then went to college in California and New York. Writing was a hobby of mine from an early age, but I didn’t sit down and write a complete novel until my son was born in 2009. After my first novel was complete, I joined a critique group, the SCBWI and started numerous revisions which sharpening my craft. I began other novels as well to help further my skills as a writer and finished several which I plan to publish in the Future.
Currently, I have two novels published, “Joshua’s Tree,” and “The Father,” which are the first and second books in the “Joshua’s Tree Trilogy.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is “The Father.” It is the second book in the “Joshua’s Tree Trilogy.” The trilogy was inspired by my love of science fiction, genetic engineering, and because I feel there is a need for more young adult novels that boys will enjoy as much as girls. Where “Joshua’s Tree” was a novel that followed Josh from a shy and rather wimpy geek to a young hero, “The Father” delves into some darker subject matter, involving the human desire to gain and maintain power over others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure its unusual, but I like to write first thing in the morning until I’m drained and then write again every night before I fall asleep. Otherwise, I love my coffee while I write, and I try to do short burst of exercise periodically while writing to keep the juices flowing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every author and every book I’ve read has some influence on me. I love the classics, “Tale of Two Cities,” “Treasure Island,” etc. I love Tolkien, JK Rowling, Dan Brown, James Dashner–too many more to list. My favorite book to date is “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the third and final book in the “Joshua’s Tree Trilogy” and am working on a book I’m very fond of called “The Last Orphans.” I’m hoping to have the third book in the JT Trilogy, “The Truth,” published next summer and am planing on entering “The Last Orphans” in a few contest before publishing it. A handful of awards can go a long way to help market a book. “The Last Orphans” is about kids struggling to survive in a world where all the adults have been killed, and it’s set in the south where I grew up.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found one method or website that is the cure all for book promotion. I’m still learning the ropes, but it seems to me that a writer must do a little marketing work everyday. A blog and/or website helps, but make sure it is easy to click through and buy the book or you may lose a lot of frustrated customers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the love of writing, not to make money. It can take years for a writer to make enough money off their craft to live on, and many never will. If you write because you love to write, and plan on writing everyday for the rest of your life as a means of meditation, as a way to add joy to your life, then your craft will evolve and your chances of success will increase.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join a critique group. Find one with good writers and listen to their advice. Also, read, read, read… I know it can be hard to read when you’ve been staring at the computer all day, working on your book. I like audio books because they give the eyes a break and you can listen to them while doing chores around the house or exercising.
What are you reading now?
“The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton, “A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat” by Beverly Stowe McClure, and “This Side of Paradise” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue in the practice of writing with hopes that someday I will write that novel that will rise to the top of the best sellers lists (isn’t that every writer’s dream after all?)
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?
Easy, “Count of Monte Cristo,” “Hobbit,” “Tale of Two Cities,” and “Treasure Island.” I know, they are all old books, but they are my favorites to date.
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