Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember! After a long stint in freelance journalism and screenwriting, I returned to my first love, fiction. I used to have the very bad habit of writing a book, finishing it, and then overanalyzing it until I basically destroyed it. I think I did this with at least six books! Finally, I decided to go a little easier on myself. Once I finished what has become my debut book, Calculated, I put it in the hands of some beta readers and trusted their opinion that the book was good enough. I recently published it and am enjoying the feedback. I have nine more that I’m working on and plan to release before the end of 2014.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Calculated, and it’s the first in a series of three.
Working as a journalist gave me first hand experience in how the media is censored and manipulated, which kind of became the inspiration for the core of the story. The subplots developed organically from there, and before I knew it I had an entire cast of very vivid, very troubled characters who’s stories needed to be told.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I seem to need complete and utter quiet to be able to write. No music, no sounds in the house. I just shut myself in my office and let it all flow out.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh there are so many brilliant authors! I’m a big fan of Stephen King, of course, but I can’t say that there’s any one person who influences my writing. I seem to take little pointers, noting the good and bad, of every book I’ve read and I try to learn from that and use it in my own writing. I like to think I’m a student of the written word, and I learn something with each new reading experience.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the second book in the series, Driven, as well as a short story I hope to release sometime in October.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think I’m still figuring that out. 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read everything you can get your hands on. Do your research in the industry. Write, write, write, and when you think you have something good enough to put out there, give it one last edit to be certain. But most of all, follow your dreams! If you want to get published, you will. Never give up, just give the dream time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My great uncle, Jesse Stuart, has said that if you write something to suit yourself, many people will like it. But if you write something to suit everyone, scarcely anyone will care for it. I’ve found this to be very true, and now I follow my gut when it comes to story lines and characters.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m in between books. I’ just finished Stripped, by Jasinda Wilder, which was a really fun read. Next I’d like to get my hands on something dark and spooky, so we’ll see what’s out there. I have my eye on a couple Joe Hill books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is to crank out all these stories I have in my head, and hopefully provide readers with some really good experiences.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I can’t say that I have “one:, but I’m a big fan of all the creative books I read as a child that allowed me to bend my concept of reality – the Narnia series, Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass, etc. Books that go beyond what we know into the possibilities of what could be really appeal to me.
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