Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in the Year of the Dragon. Maybe that’s why I write fantasy and science-fiction, and believe the world is still filled with magic, mystery, and miracles. I’ve had a life-long interest in reading, writing, art, science-fiction, myth, fairy tales, folklore, and legends. Following those interests led me to be an illustrator, writer, and teacher. I earned a BS in Art-Education, then returned to Towson University 30 years later to earn a MS in Professional Writing. I’m author of “Dragon Rain,” “Beneath Raven’s Wing,” “The Enchanted Dagger,” “Owl Light,” “The Greener Forest,” “Murder on Marawa Prime,” and other award-winning books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Dragon Rain.” I’ve always loved dragons. A few years ago, I researched legends about Chinese dragons for a story I was writing for the anthology, “Dragon Lure.” The story made it into the book, and I was hooked on the fascinating mythology and folklore surrounding dragons in various societies from around the world. I’d find an interesting dragon (or wyrm, wyvern, or drake) legend, then re-imagine it and write a dragon-filled story. Eventually, I had 18 dragon stories in-print in anthologies and magazines. Then, 4 of the anthologies went out-of-print, 3 of the stories were published in Japan online only, and several of the remaining anthologies were published in Australia by a publisher which many readers in the USA don’t know about. So, I rewrote and expanded the 18 stories, sent the manuscript to Mocha Memoirs Press, and not long afterwards, signed a contract. The stories include dragons and folklore from Japan, China, the UK, Norway, Southern USA swamps, Appalachia, the Middle East, and more. There’s even a tale set in the future on a distant planet imbued with superstitions inspired by Native American and Filipino lore.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I’m a “gardener,” a term used by George R.R. Martin to describe a writer who plants an idea, then allows it to grow in a rather organic manner. I will say, I tend to think about an idea for quite some time before finally sitting down and writing a story. So even though it seems I’m writing spontaneously, I’ve worked out the plot before I begin. That said, if the characters demand the story go in a different direction, I listen!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every writer I’ve read, from good to awful has influenced me! Even when I was young, I noticed when a story rang true and held my interest. From childhood on, when I read a poorly-written book, I think about what I would do to make it better. If I get specific, I suppose for quality world-building J.R.R. Tolkien influenced me. For writing solid short stories, Ray Bradbury would be one of the authors whose work influenced me. As far as finding the magical in the everyday, I think Neil Gaiman is a writer who influenced me. There are so many others I could mention. It’s tough to choose just a few.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on 2 more story collections, one about fantasy horses and the other is science fiction. Plus, I’m writing 2 more books in the world of my fantasy, coming-of-age novel, “The Enchanted Dagger.” I expect “Beyond the Sheercliffs” to see publication in 2022. I have a book on writing for anthologies due out in 2022 as well. Then, there are several non-fiction books based on soldiers’ letters and diaries from World War II and the American Civil War I keep scribbling away at.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a tough question. An author needs a platform which includes a website, blog, Facebook author’s pages, Amazon page (when you start getting published), twitter, Goodreads, etc. After that, I think doing interviews is a great way to get your name and books out there. Also, participating in writing conferences, science-fiction/fantasy conventions, author events, library appearances, and other public events helps you interact with readers. Promotion is the hardest part of the writing journey for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persist! It sounds so simple, but it’s hard to do. Keep writing, keep submitting your work, and while you wait for a story/poem/book to be accepted or rejected – write more!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everyone receives rejection letters. The writers who are successful are the ones who keep writing and submitting work no matter how many times they’re rejected.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “Strange the Dreamer” by Laini Taylor, so I’m currently reading the follow-up novel, “The Muse of Nightmares.” The story is mythic, the prose is beautiful, and the character and locales are interesting. I must admit though, the book does take a bit of concentration to keep everyone and everything in order as the story progresses.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I imagine I’ll keep reading books, stumbling upon fascinating facts/folklore/beliefs, researching that information, and then, writing more fiction. I suspect I’ll write a few more poems and do a few more illustrations along the way as well. (Currently, in addition to stories and books, I have over 200 poems and 1,000 illustrations in print).
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?
Be warned, I’m going to cheat a bit, so I’ll have lots of reading material! I’d take “The Bible,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare,” “The Lord of the Rings” (the volume with all 3 books plus the Appendices), and “The Complete Works of Mark Twain.”
Author Websites and Profiles
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