How did growing up in Cape Cod influence your worldview and eventually your writing?
My father was big into writing, and while he never published any books, he was my inspiration to become an author. I wish he had lived long enough to see the list of stories I’ve created and published today.
What inspired your move from Massachusetts to Michigan, and how did that transition shape your personal or creative life?
My move from Massachusetts to Michigan was to attend the paramedic school at what is now Davenport University. This transition proved to be one of the most pivotal in my life. Being alone in Michigan initially, forced me to develop my own identity, thoughts, and beliefs, which helped me mature significantly. More importantly, it was in Michigan that I met my wife and built the family I have today. For those personal reasons alone, I am forever grateful for that move.
How has your long career as a Firefighter/Paramedic influenced the themes or characters in your books?
My 30-year career in fire and EMS has fundamentally shaped my writing by giving me a unique lens through which to view society and humanity. I was repeatedly exposed to the pain and suffering that many experience but seldom talk about. I saw mankind in its raw form, all of which directly influenced the themes and characters in my books.
What was the biggest adjustment when shifting from frontline emergency work to Information Systems?
The shift from emergency work to the world of Information Systems involved two major adjustments, as the two professions are profoundly different. The first was the change in project timelines. As a Medic, the day’s work was over when the shift ended, and the next day offered a clean slate. In IT, I deal with complex projects that last for months or more. The second, and perhaps biggest, adjustment was a change in perspective on urgency. When you’ve literally dealt with life-and-death situations, it’s nearly impossible to get overly concerned because a server is down. Everyone else might see it as a crisis, but my internal reaction remains: “No one is dying, relax!”
Do your technical skills from the IT field impact how you plan, structure, or research your books?
My technical and medical background absolutely enriches my writing. Medical and technological concepts and terms naturally show up in my books, providing a layer of authenticity. However, like most authors, I still conduct extensive research. Because I write in genres that often touch on complex or extreme scenarios, I find myself researching some truly odd and specific things—such as the lethality of exposure to plutonium or the deadliness of certain compounds. My wife is waiting for the day the FBI shows up at my door, just based on my Google search history!
You’ve published eight books with Next Chapter—what has that publishing journey been like for you?
I was almost 40 years old before I started writing. The first thing I ever wrote was my novel, The Ark. It was an idea I had in my head for years, and one day I decided to write a book. When I started, I did not know if I would finish it or lose interest. It took a couple of years, and when it was done, I tried to get it published. After two years of unsuccessfully trying to get a publisher to pick it up, I gave up and stopped writing for seven years. After that, a friend convinced me to try self-publishing, which I did.
The turning point came in 2015, through a chance encounter on a flight from Houston to Grand Rapids. I sat next to a fellow author who recommended his publisher, which would later become Next Chapter Publishing. I submitted The Ark, they accepted it, and since then, they have published all eight of my books at a steady rate of about one every year and a half.
What can readers expect from your ninth book, currently in progress?
My next book is a sequel to my book, Alternate Purpose. I am hoping it will be out in 2026. There were several holes intentionally left in the original story in preparation for a sequel; those get filled in and used to build the second book. The story is progressing well and is about half done now.
What motivates you to keep writing even after such a full and varied professional life?
I enjoy the creativity and freedom to take a story in any direction I choose. Many people need a creative outlet, and I use writing. There are many stories in my brain that have been on my mind for years that need to come out.
How does your family—your wife and your now-grown children—influence or support your writing process?
My family is my cornerstone. While my wife and children may not be big fans of the specific genres I write in, they are incredibly encouraging and supportive. They are always inquiring about story progress or events I am attending. Without their support, none of this would be possible.
Do you follow a fixed writing routine, given your full-time work in Information Systems, or is your process more fluid?
My writing process is very fluid. I often don’t have much more than a single scene in mind when I start writing. The story grows and develops as I write. There is rarely a clear ending planned when I start, and in the cases where I have something in mind, it almost always changes during the writing process. I have finished several books and was quite surprised by what the story turned into. Watching the narrative take shape and change as I write it is the most enjoyable part of the process for me. If I had to plan a book from start to finish beforehand, I would likely lose interest very quickly.
What genres do you most enjoy writing, and how did you discover your voice within them?
I very much enjoy time travel. I enjoy the flexibility I have in that genre. If someone changes the past, I can take the book in any direction I want. I can create entirely new outcomes that are no longer constrained by the realities of our world.
That said, I have written a couple books with no science fiction in them, and am looking forward to the sequels I am planning for them. I truly value the freedom of not being locked down to a single genre, allowing my voice to adapt to the story that needs to be told.
Has your background in high-stress emergency situations shaped the way you develop tension or pacing in your stories?
My background is an invaluable tool for building suspense and keeping a story interesting. Being able to bring those high-stakes, real-world experiences, the adrenaline, and the minute-by-minute decision-making—into my writing allows me to create more believable, gripping tension and authentic pacing in my stories, giving me a distinct advantage that many other authors may not possess.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who also juggle demanding careers?
My most crucial advice is this: Write because you genuinely enjoy it, and because there is a story inside you that needs to be told. Do not write with the expectation of making a career out of it. The reality is that few authors earn a life-sustaining income solely from writing. If that happens for you, that is a fantastic bonus, but it should not be the expectation you carry into the writing process. Focus on the craft and the joy of creation.
Would you recommend AllAuthor to fellow authors, and if so, what services or tools on the platform have you found most useful in growing your writing career?
All Author has been a great tool. Not only has it allowed me to connect with other writers in a supportive community, but it also provides useful tools and utilities for creating high-quality promotional material, like banners and graphics. It is a very supportive and valuable platform for authors looking to grow their visibility and marketing assets.
