Tell us about your life and your struggles.
I have been very fortunate in my life, with no significant challenges, a solid education, a loving family [I was the last of ten children with seven older sisters, so you know I had to behave myself!], and a successful career in the helping field of not-for-profit charities.
Do you remember the first book you ever read? What was it about?
Ray Bradbury was my favorite author and the book The Martian Chronicles was so engrossing that I wanted to become one of the characters even as a ten-year-old.
Who is the first person to read the first draft of your books?
I founded a writers group called the MVWordsmiths, an outgrowth of a book fest I organized, which critiques each member's writings. Those members are my sounding board.
What did being an author mean to you as a child? What does it mean to you now?
I had no idea about being an author as a child and I had no understanding of how books were written or published. As an adult, I gained the realization that writing is the easy part compared to publishing, marketing, and sales!!
What challenges did you face while writing your book, Billy The Burpster?
Making sure it had a humorous bent and that a child reading it or having it read to him/her would get the drift of it being kind of crazy.
While choosing a name for your character, what aspects do you consider that determine what you finally call them?
I try and think of the character as actually being real and the names fitting the story. The Fartster had "Cheeky," Billy the Burpster had "Billy" which seemed to go with burping, Suzie the Sneezer was the same idea, and my latest book, not yet published, features a character named Jimbo....who is a pea shooter extraordinaire.
Do authors in general and you in particular plan series beforehand or do they just happen?
My children's book series just began to form after my second book. Before writing these edgy children's books my offerings were adult fiction with a few non-fiction books thrown in for good measure. I believe many authors do try and develop series, especially if their first book was a success.
Do you shoot photographs for your book covers on your own?
Most of my books have covers from my own work, either photography or art. The others are from an assortment of creative professionals I found on the net.
What's something on your bucket list that you think is unique?
Climbing Mt. Everest, skiing the Alps, riding a motorcycle across America, and sailing the Great Lakes. [the first three are not quite true!!]
What does the word “story” signifies for you?
Enjoyment.
Do you have a special time or place for writing?
Unfortunately, my writing comes in spurts. When the mood hits me, I can write continuously for hours.....and then not write again for days upon days. I do however keep an idea list on my computer and add to it when the light shines bright on the idea.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Continuity, good punctuation, short sentences and paragraphs, readability, and enjoyment, and everything else Stephen King advises.
What are your hobbies apart from writing?
I have owned an art gallery, so on occasion will get my paints and canvas out and create artwork. I'm also classified as a "car guy" and have owned a number of odd vehicles and currently am down to only four. Although not a hobby, I enjoy traveling to new venues [especially Europe].
Are you currently working on anything?
Just finishing editing my fourth children's book, awaiting the illustrations. I am also producing a stage play, but it will be presented as a radio play.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I think your site is terrific, and have recommended it to my writer's group and others interested in marketing their books.
