Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have four published novels and a fifth recently submitted to my editors, who will doubtless slash every page with their red pencils, causing a massive rewrite. Oh well, it could be worse. I picked cotton, harvested bales of hay, and performed other farm labor as a youngster. Editors are not quite as rustic with their language as were farm overseers, and they seldom make me throw hundred-pound bales of hay in August heat. On a more personal level, I have been married to the same wonderful lady for 42 years. We have two sons, one of whom is a children’s book writer/publisher and the other a nanoengineer. Michele and I divide our time between Destin, Florida and Jonesboro, Arkansas. She is the real talent in the family, a designer of beautiful and unique woven crystal jewelry. We can be found many evenings on our balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico as she artfully strings Swarovski crystals into a new design while I stare at the ocean trying to think of the perfect phrase to express a thought in my latest story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Unspoken Valor” is a tribute to past heroes who never received recognition for their acts of valor. My father was one of the many WWII veterans who would never speak of their military service after they returned home from the war. In 1998 I was flying Dad to Florida for a fishing trip on his 75th birthday when the single engine of my airplane failed and we crash landed into a wooded area on the Florida/Alabama state line. After the dust settled and we crawled from the wreck to find our injuries were insignificant, Dad surveyed the sky for a long time before saying, “Well, at least there aren’t any Germans up there this time.”
“This time?” I thought. He would never answer the obvious question, but it gave me the idea for what I hoped would be a great book. When Dad died a few years ago, mourners at his graveside service were stunned when a U.S. Air Force honor guard and a Scottish bagpiper showed up to honor him at the service. Why the professional honor guard rather than the group from the local VFW who usually came to veterans’ funerals? I have no idea. I researched as much as I could find about Dad’s military service and filled in the rest with supposition and unabashed fiction. If I did my job well, the reader will never know where I crossed the lines. I was lucky to grow up with a hero in my house. Is there one in yours? It is my hope that “Unspoken Valor” is a fitting tribute to all of the unknown heroes we meet every day.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I choose never to write unless I am wearing underwear. Of course, I almost always have on other clothes as well. I remember reading somewhere that Agatha Christie had the same requirement when she wrote. On a more believable train of thought, while I live in both Florida and Arkansas, I do most of my writing in Florida. I love to sit on the balcony and watch the gulf as I write. It’s peaceful to the point of being idyllic, causing words to flow onto the keyboard. If there is a better place to write, I haven’t yet found it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have many ‘favorite’ authors, but if you held a gun to my head and made me choose only two, I really enjoy reading Bill Bryson for his precise use of language in all of his books and Louis L’Amour for his great storytelling ability. John Grisham is from the same part of the country where I grew up, and I always feel humbled when some book reviewer or fan says my writing reminds them of Grisham. I suspect I may not reach his talent level, but we speak a similar language. My reading interest is pretty eclectic. Currently on my nightstand are “Fields of Color,” a kind of consumers guide to quantum theory, “Seeing Further,” a Bill Bryson tome on the history of scientific thought, and “The Thief,” a Clive Cussler adventure novel. I suspect all of the above, as well as many others, have influenced my writing style.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a ghost story based on the “Siege of Savannah,” a Revolutionary War battle fought in 1779. My protagonist/ghost was killed while a combatant in the battle and returns in modern times to take care of unfinished business. In keeping with my preference to write historical fiction, I have spent many hours in Savannah, GA recently in an effort to accurately depict the battle and overlay the 1779 action onto a map of modern-day Savannah.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite method of promotion is the old-fashioned, tried and true, book signing event venue. I really enjoy meeting people and much prefer signing events and/or public speaking over the anonymous digital publicity.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Somerset Maugham once said, “There are three rules to writing fiction. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” I don’ t think there is a better way to put it. If you are a storyteller, which is what I endeavor to be, my best advice is to write the story just the way you would tell it if speaking to another person or a group. When you think you are finished, hire a good editor. He or she will likely rip your manuscript to shreds, but in the end will help you make it a better story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Somerset Maugham also said, “Write the damn thing!” Most wannabe writers just never get the job done. Before you can ever throw your hat into the ring of agents, publishers, publicity, and the business of selling books, you have to write the damn thing.
What are you reading now?
As I mentioned before, “Fields of Color,” “Seeing Further,” and “The Thief.” I recently finished a couple Bernard Cornwell novels. I think he is my hero for writing historical fiction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I recently met with a group called the Crispy Warriors. They are retired military pilots from every war back to WWII, and had reviewed “Unspoken Valor” at one of their weekly breakfast meetings. I found them to be such a fascinating group that I am considering basing my next book on them.
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?
The Bible, a collection of Shakespeare’s works, The Walking Drum (Louis L’Amour), and a dictionary (since it has all the other books in it)
Author Websites and Profiles
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