Where have you spent most of your childhood days?
Most of my childhood days, I was a city kid in Queens, New York. We moved to Pennsylvania between a cornfield and a cow pasture when I was about 11. Imagine a city kid in those surroundings, but I love being out in the country now.
What are some of the interesting places to visit in and around the Richmond metro area in Virginia?
We have tons of history in the area or nearby from colonial times and the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. There are fantastic museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia, plus parks, a botanical garden, and a zoo. That just scratches the surface. There's still more to see.
What encouraged you to write out of the blue one day in 2014?
I really don't know. The urge to write actually did come out of nowhere. One day, I just felt like writing a book. Maybe my Muse thought it was time to start writing.
When did your first rescue cat start sitting on your lap?
My first rescue cat was a buff-colored tabby kitten. His name was Osiris and he cuddled up on my lap almost immediately.
What would you most like to write a magazine article about?
I'd be willing to write about anything that catches my fancy. I have a wide field of interests--science, music, travel, and crafts just to name a few.
How is writing nonfiction different from writing fiction?
Writing nonfiction requires a lot of research on your topic. Fiction involves some research at times, particularly science fiction. Dyed-in-the-wool science fiction fans get upset if you're inaccurate about basic scientific principles.
What are the secrets of great haiku writing, according to you?
Haiku poetry is about capturing a single event that could last only seconds. It's like a freeze-frame in time. So, being in the moment is important.
Who inspired the character of Maximilian in "Resonance"?
Benjamin Orr. He was an extremely talented musician and singer, but he never let fame go to his head.
From where did you collect the photographs of nature, laughter, love, and horror for your book, "Pinch of Whimsy Touch of Darkness"?
I found all the amazing photographs on Pixabay.com. There are so many talented, creative people who upload their pictures to the site. I gave credit to each photographer in my book.
What qualities make for a great children's book?
I think all children's book authors need a sense of whimsy. You have to summon your inner child.
Does acting in theatre help people with their shyness? If so, how?
I don't think acting helps with shyness. In theatre, you're portraying a character with their particular personality, so in essence, you're not really you. I'm still basically a shy person despite the characters I've played.
How has been your experience of working in broadcasting as a commercial radio DJ?
I loved it. I enjoyed the technical part of it very much--running the control board, working with reel to reel tape recorders and editing the audio tape, and taking transmitter readings to check that the station is broadcasting within the parameters of the station's license. Plus, I got to play new music as well.
Have you gifted your book, "Forest Christmas" to any of your friends during Christmas?
Yes, I have. The book is for the young and the young at heart. I donate all the sales proceeds to Feed More--the central Virginia foodbank.
What are you currently working on? May we know when we can expect a new book?
I've been kicking around a couple of ideas. I may write a second book for my time travel romance, Resonance. I've also been thinking about a fantasy novel. I don't have a release date for either yet. My Muse and I are discussing all the details.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
It's been wonderful. I love all the tools on the site for creating book promotions. Plus, your featured books are tweeted about regularly and you receive weekly promotional mock-ups for them. It's great that All Author has a presence on multiple social platforms too.