Where have you spent most of your childhood?
Houston, Texas (grade school and high school) and Topeka, Kansas (junior high).
When did you write your first story?
I’ve only published my aviation memoir but I wrote an ongoing story in a journal during “Introspection” weekly sessions in junior high. My story was called Opposite Day, based on a game my sister and I played on Wednesdays when everything we said was the opposite of what we meant. I wrote an hour each school week throughout the year.
What developed your interest in Fine Arts?
My mom and stepmom. Mom was a teacher and loved plays and music. My stepmother was an English professor at the University of Houston and encouraged my creative writing. I also enjoyed my college English classes at the University of Texas.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
Aviation. I loved military air shows and wanted to become an Air Force fighter pilot and Thunderbird team member. I read Charles Lindbergh’s biography in 9th grade.
How important are names to you when writing a book? How do you go about choosing names for your characters?
I used the same initials as people I knew in real life.
What impact did writing the book, Ready For Takeoff have on you?
I have been contacted by so many people from my past, both fellow aviators and longtime friends.
What inspired you to start writing your own memoir?
My Great-great grandfather, Ebenezer Dohoney, wrote his autobiography in 1907 which included his service during the Civil War. An Air Force KC-10 pilot released his memoir in Oct 2022 and both of those inspired me to write my aviation memoir.
What would you do if you are free to do anything for a day?
Go boating or walking/touring with my wife.
What are some strategies to help you understand someone who thinks differently from you?
Listen. Ask open-ended questions and don’t formulate your answer while they’re talking. Try to be empathetic.
Do you have a secret to success?
Pursue your dream. I had a fear of failure but a friend once said when it came to dating, “All they can say is no.” He wasn’t concerned about rejection. It’s easier to “Go for it.” when you aren’t focused on rejection or failure.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Definitely a dog person. We own two golden-doodles (ages 4 annd 12) after our two Jack Russell terriers lived 16 and 18 years.
What are some of your goals or what are some things you hope to accomplish through your books?
Letting people know what a military career in aviation can be like. My book started as a series of flying stories but then morphed into a “What I did after high school” story. I don’t claim or portend to be a military hero but my career had many Intersections With History, (Cold War, Desert Storm, 9/11) for which I’m very proud.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
Piloting a rescue mission when your daughter has been abducted in China. A little like “Taken” but instead of being the superhero dad, the father pilots the rescue team into the arena. The father contacts military friends to build the rescue team and mission.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
Very positive. I’ve appreciated the Twitter posts and publicity.
