Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written or co-authored a small handful of books in the past, mostly dry, non-fiction, reference books. I’m very pleased about my significant role in the writing of “The Long Way to Los Gatos” by legendary horseman Verne R. Albright. It’s the first “page turner” I was ever associated with. Only in the last few years have I made a determined effort to write entertaining fiction. There are a good seven or eight books still in front of me.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Encores” is the name of my first major fictional work. It is meant to suggest repetitive returns to the stage following a successful musical performance. Several of the book’s characters are classic rock musicians who have opportunity to keep performing in the afterlife, allowing for endless such encores.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need quiet, but not TOO much quiet. I’m most productive when writing in large public libraries. I like hearing the soft, muffled sounds of people talking not far away. I don’t need to see these people. I certainly don’t need any interaction with them as I try to focus and write. But, besides the pleasant ambiance of their voices, I think an awareness of people nearby reminds me of the potential audience for my books. I’m forced to keep asking myself what they, as readers, might think of my work. That keeps my writing sharper and better honed than if it’s just kept trapped inside my own head.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
People familiar with Roald Dahl’s popular children’s books may not be aware of his short story collections from the 1950s and 60s – books like “Kiss Kiss” and “Someone Like You.” I love his detailed research and his wickedly twisted endings. If anyone ever said my writing reminded them of Roald Dahl’s work, I would take that as the highest compliment.
What are you working on now?
My “Encores” book is admittedly a bit “out there” – and it’s supposed to be. But the two novels I’m currently working on are more accessible, more mainstream. One is titled “Christmas Cake for Marjorie Simms” and the other (geared more for younger audiences), is tentatively named “A Town Called Sophomore.” I’m looking forward to seeing how they both turn out!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, there’s no denying Amazon.com as the mother-of-all book-promoting platforms. Most everything else I do revolves around Amazon. All my other efforts seem to point potential readers and book buyers in that direction.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I have a several tons of advice for new authors. But to keep things short and simple, I’ll offer the standard chestnuts here: “Keep writing” and “Practice, practice, practice.” There’s just no getting around it. Secondly, there are hundreds of books on the subject that you could learn from. Many of them are excellent and I own several, but I only recommend three: “On Writing” by Stephen King; “Write to Learn” by Donald M. Murray; and “How to Write Swell” by R. Bruce Sundrud.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On the backside of Mt. Whitney, I once found myself hanging onto a cliff by my fingertips. I had a heavy pack on my back and a forty-foot drop below me. It was a little too late, but at that moment I recalled my mom’s advice as I left on this adventure. She said, “Don’t do anything stupid.” (As far as writing goes, “Never let facts get in the way of a good story!”)
What are you reading now?
“Home” by Marilynne Robinson. It follows her novel “Gilead” which I absolutely loved. It gave me a greater appreciation for my relationship with my father, my grandfathers, and my son.
What’s next for you as a writer?
While it’s crucial to remain true to one’s creative self, any writer or artist must consider the value of their work as it relates to other people. What’s next for me is hopefully the reaching of broader audiences – not for the royalties, but to expand the value of my writing time and talents.
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?
One of my all-time favorites is “Into A Desert Place” by Graham Mackintosh. Besides the delightful, entertaining prose, it contains lots of survival tips that might come in handy on a desert island. I would also bring three copies of Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” I’ve never read it, but I would have time to do so in that situation. When finished, I would bundle all the copies together as part of a makeshift raft.
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