Your background as a Marine Captain is quite fascinating. How has your military experience influenced your writing, especially in the realms of fantasy and romance?
I think my experiences as an infantry platoon leader gives me unique insight into how people behave under extreme stress as well as the tactical requirements in battle scenes, helping to make both more believable. In terms of romance the military experience is fraught with drama and sacrifice and these kinds of conflicts make for great storytelling.
You blend contemporary settings with fantasy and thriller elements. What draws you to combine these genres, and how do you balance them in your storytelling?
I love the idea that adventure and magic are present all around us, that we don't have to imagine a point in history or some entirely made-up world to experience wonder and adventure! I think all great fantasy writing has elements of a thriller, it's not just world building you have to add movement and drama to that world to allow readers to truly experience it.
As a software developer, do you find parallels between coding and writing fiction? How do these two disciplines influence each other in your creative process?
I think they have more in common than most would imagine. In coding you have to have a consistent structure to build upon. When writing fiction there must be a sort of contract with the reader so they can suspend believe. Characters need to behave true to their nature, even magic has its own rules. If you have to violate that consistency, you better have a good reason for it! This is much like writing software.
You’re also an artist who paints mystical landscapes. How does your visual art feed into the worlds you build in your novels?
Everything for me is visual. I can't write a word without picturing setting, character etc. in my mind. I just have to remember to include or imply those things to the reader. Sometimes I get so carried away in my imagination that I forget to let the user know what I'm seeing! My background in painting and illustration are a huge help, but only if I can combine a sense of emotional investment with the scene. A pretty painting in words or on a canvas is nice, but a scene that makes the reader long for home, is art.
Magic is a central theme in your work and in your life philosophy. How do you define magic, and how do you incorporate this belief into your characters and plots?
I like to use Robert Heinlein's definition: "Magic is technology that we don't have the means to explain". Magic in my worlds is just manipulation of forces that are unseen or currently unknowable. Diligent readers will find that I use current research in Quantum physics throughout my works as a foundation for magic. The Quantum world is way stranger than the most arcane of magics. In this vein, I believe whole-heartedly that we see magic every day we just let our rational minds ignore it. Much like the glamours that my Fae characters use to hide their ears ?
Your stories often feature love colliding with danger. What do you think makes romance so compelling when intertwined with suspense and fantasy?
Romance gives color and drama in a way that nothing else can. A hero, or heroine can risk life and limb but it's only when they also risk their heart that we can experience the most profound parts of the human condition.
How did you approach world-building in “Nexus Rebellion”? What elements did you focus on to make the magical feel grounded and believable?
Here I use both my Native American heritage and my Cultural Anthropology background to form the base of the supernatural in my world. The essence of shared Mythology whether it be Norse or Navajo is the heart of every magical experience in my writing. Because these myths have been a part of human experience for thousands of years, I believe that it helps make my writing feel authentic. Joseph Campbell was one of my major influences here and my own studies have shown nearly universal mythical archetypes such as Loki-Coyote and Pan-Kokopelli that speak to our innermost human nature. As a plus they give me a great way to insert humor and subtle hidden references.
Can you share a bit about your writing routine or rituals? Do you have any unique habits that help you tap into your imaginative worlds?
I have a full-time job, so I write when I can, but I do set aside my morning and afternoon commute to do nothing but work out plot points in my head. I write mostly in the evenings right before I go to bed. My goal is 1000 words a day, unless I'm editing. I generally make my goal and it also gives me some vivid dreams- which has often led to my next chapter or in a couple of cases an entirely new book!
Who are some of your literary influences, and how have they shaped your voice as a writer?
I love the classic science fiction writers. Robert Heinlein has probably been the most influential as he was unafraid to collide with societies mores and my Nexus series does the same in many ways as my characters have unusual romantic relationships. This isn't just for fun (although the added spice is certainly entertaining) but is a major plot point for the entire series as Pan (and later other major gods) have determined that the Nexus and their unique abilities must expand. Other writers such as Asimov and Joseph Halderman have also been major influences especially when I write about the societal forces that move us.
Your protagonists often face both internal and external conflicts. How do you develop these layered struggles to keep readers engaged?
Most often external conflicts either initiate or intensify ongoing internal conflicts. Conflict generates the action that moves the story, and it must be both internal and external or it just doesn't work for me. Resolving internal moral conflicts is probably the strongest impetus for my main characters. In the real world there are few clear-cut moral choices and I try to reflect that in my world. Redemption and second chances are also a conflict driven theme in every one of my books. Of course, the dominant external conflict in my books is between Good and Evil, but it's more nuanced that that. I try to illuminate some of the reasons why we humans consider that there even is Good and Evil and to illustrate the complexities of each and the gray areas between. I also examine the evil that is inherent in all of us, versus the potential of external evil in the universe and why such a thing would exist (the struggle between Chaos and Order)
What role does the Pacific Northwest setting play in your stories? How does your personal connection to this region inspire your narratives?
This is such a magical place, I just had to locate my first books here. I grew up here and have spent thousands of hours hiking and fly fishing in the remote areas. For example, there are so many mysterious places on the Olympic peninsula that it seemed a natural location for Fae holdouts. And if you've ever been to Belltown (Seattle) on a Saturday night you wouldn't be surprised to know that there were a few demons lurking about. This is a place I know and love well and they say you should write what you know! Plus, it's really fun when readers can actually find the spot you are writing about and they let you know.
As someone who sees magic in everyday life, how do you encourage readers to find wonder in their own worlds?
Hah! Good one! I try to get people to picture what animals are really saying for one. I'm convinced that most animals are way more talkative than they seem, so nearly every animal in my books can talk to some characters. Also, by having my characters able to hide their supernatural natures behind a 'glamour' I give readers the opportunity to imagine a supermarket checker who's really an Elf Maiden or a landlord who's really a Lower Demon. Who knows, maybe they are?
Have your travels and adventures informed any particular story or character in your books? Could you share an example?
My travels as a Marine have helped me imbue a taste of what it's like to be a Stranger In a Strange Land. Particularly in the second book where I reference Waghoba the Tiger Goddess and in my flashback to Afghanistan. I try to write in a manner that is slightly outside of the perspective of most of us, and sometimes even show how what we consider 'normal' is anything but to most of the world.
How do you navigate the challenges of writing a thriller with fantasy and romance elements without losing pacing or tension?
I think that reading a non-stop thriller is exhausting so I try to leave breaks in my writing that give the characters (and the readers!) a chance to digest what has happened. But not for long! There's always a hook to the next chapter to pull the reader into that all-night binge to finish. Pace is the key here.
How has being part of a writer and reader community like AllAuthor helped you connect with your audience and promote your work?
AllAuthor has been instrumental in my social media presence and a huge supporter! They've always included thoughtful handwritten excerpts of my books and well put together cover images and tweeted them frequently. I also use many of their tools for self-promotion and find them both feature rich and easy to use. All in all they've been my most effective marketing tool at the lowest cost.
