What are some of your favorite childhood memories?
Taking a canoe trip in the wilderness of Alaska. When I was a teenager with my church youth group. Hoping from lake to lake. Telling stories over the campfire.
Are there any authors or books that have significantly influenced your writing style?
Michael Anderle who characters live on after the first book. His books are what led me to read that the story doesn’t have to end when you read the last chapter. Sarra Cannon who kindly introduced me to a program which I can write my story.
What inspired you to write Kendall's story?
The story of Kendall was inspired by a man who I knew nothing about. His life was shrouded in mystery. He lived his life alone, never letting anyone get too close. He never wanted to be a family man. A husband or a father. Never wanted anything to do with his children or grandchildren. When he died, he died alone in a hospital bed. There were no family members by his side to say goodbye. He died like he wanted to, alone with his secrets.
Can you describe the beautiful place surrounded by mountains where you share your stories? How has this setting influenced your storytelling?
The mountains have always been a part of my childhood, growing up. I see them every day. Their serenity calms me. Their starkness amazes me. It is a place of wonderment the place I call home.
What key themes and motifs do you explore in Kendall's story?
Kendall is about loyalties and conflict. He made a promise. A promise to a friend. One he took to his grave. His conflict is his inner turmoil. His fight for control. Afraid to let anyone too close to him unless he harms them.
What challenges did Kendall face in living his life anonymously, and how did these challenges shape him?
Kendall chose to live his life alone out of fear of harming the ones he grows close to. He fights with his inner demons. Fights to always be in control. Surrounded by conflict, danger, and suspense.
How do the adventures told over campfires enhance the storytelling experience?
A part of exploring my backyard, brings the color and life into the stories. The places I been to and the people I spoken with characters I mimic in the stories I write.
How important is imagination in your storytelling, and how do you encourage readers to use their imagination?
The readers should grasp what I am writing and use their imagination to feel in the details
Is there a personal connection between you and Kendall's story? How much of yourself do you see in Kendall?
I don’t see myself in Kendall, but I base my characters off peoples traits. Their characteristic, and mannerism are depicted in my books.
What is your writing process like when creating a story set in such an adventurous and imaginative place?
I just write. I try to think about the character. Everything about them. The story background is what I experience or what I research.
How do you balance the descriptive elements of the setting with the progression of the plot?
When I am writing the story, I have in my mind an outline. The beginning, middle, and end. Sometimes when I am writing I don’t have an Idea how the ending will be. In Kendall, I knew the outcome. Getting there was the struggle. The ending of Kendall’s story is yet to be written.
What do you hope readers take away from Kendall's story?
The story of Kendall is about a man who struggles with his inner self. His promise leads to turmoil. Did he do the right thing? He has conflict throughout his life only to realize in the end he couldn’t control any of it.
Do you have any future projects or stories in the works that are similar to Kendall's story?
There is one more book in the Kendall’s Series. Who knows where the next series will lead me. Writing is my stability in a world full of chaos. It is my sanity. I made not have words which make a book unforgettable. I made not be good author, but I will keep on trying because I have a story to tell.
How do you balance social commentary with personal storytelling in your work?
I simply tell the story the best I can.
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like or dislike about the site?
When I started this journey of becoming an author. I reach out to some of the authors who characters always stuck in my mind. I can’t remember how I found AllAuthor website. But it was the best decision I made. I like how you feature my books on X(twitter). Those tidbits comments with links to my books, it is the best thing ever. I would recommend AllAuthor website over any other social media platform.
