Top o' Mornin' To Ya: Author Interview

When and why did you begin writing? After I moved to southern California in the 80’s I decided to take a creative writing class at a local community college. I’d written some music in college but when I realized I couldn’t sing real well—not at all actually—I switched to stories. After several failed attempts at breaking into the screenwriting business I decided I would have a better chance at novels. My mantra—every day write something. Even if it is only some responses to an interview. Lol.

How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing fiction off and on for about two decades. I began with short stories, tried my hand (pencil) at screenplays, and graduated to novels.

When did you first know you could be a writer? That’s a good question—and one I’m still trying to figure out. I think the question for me is—I knew I could be a writer, but can I be a successful writer?

What inspires you to write and why? I’m inspired from a variety of sources—newspaper articles, scientific journals, people. For instance my biomed thriller, GARGOYLES was inspired by the research being conducted on the manipulation of the genetic code. The inspiration for BARBARY POINT came from an actual setting—a family cottage we own on the shores of Lake Winnebago. I always thought this would be a great place for a love story. My recent release THE LEARNER came to me one evening when I was driving home on a secluded stretch of road.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? I’m comfortable in a variety of genres—thrillers, horror, and romance though my romance is not the typical genre romance. I would like to write a really scary, scary story. That’d be fun. I think it is not the genre so much for me, but the story idea, wherever that idea might fall, that is most important for me. If I’m comfortable with the idea, I’ll attempt to write it.

What inspired you to write your first book? GARGOYLES was my first book and is actually book one of my Resurrection trilogy, a sci-fi series. I was inspired to write GARGOYLES when I began reading articles about how researchers were learning to manipulate the genetic. I thought, “wow, what if…?” and the story went from there.

Who or what influenced your writing once you began? Most of what influences me to write comes from within. I don’t have any particular favorite authors—there are plenty of good books out there written by both traditional and indie authors. My influence is my desire to create the most entertaining story I can possibly write. I’m always asking during my initial drafts, “how can I make this story better?”

Who or what influenced your writing over the years? I think all writers are influenced to some extent by what they read. I’m a prolific reader in all genres (must admit I don’t read much erotica) and anytime I read something I consider real good, I think it influences me to make my own works that much better. Am I successful—not always. Lol.

What made you want to be a writer? What I like about writing fiction is the creating process. I’m taking a blank sheet of paper or I’m sitting string at a blank screen and then filling it with words that I hope will elicit emotions in those who read my words. This is cool to me.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? That’s easy. Finishing the novel. Anyone can come with an idea, many can begin a novel, but to grind out that first draft from beginning through the middle and arrive at an ending is not easy for me. In fact, most of the time, it’s damn difficult. You bet, it’s a real challenge.

Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Every book I write teaches me something, whether it’s doing the research on arcane subjects (did you know that an orangutan has forty-eight chromosomes—humans have forty-six—neither did I until I researched the topic for one of my horror thrillers) or just teaching me that “hey, yeah, I can complete this idea I started with.” And that’s very satisfying to me.

Do you intend to make writing a career? Yes, I do. I already consider writing a career. And I love it!