Where have you spent most of your childhood days?
I grew up mostly in Spokane, WA (from eight years old on). There’s a park on the south hill, Lincoln Park, where I spent as much time as possible. It remains my favorite place in the world. I even got married there.
What have been your most valuable out-of-school learning experiences?
My time in the army gave me knowledge about battlefield tactics and logistics that I was able to apply to New Elbestran. I also built relationships with people of all races from all walks of life that I otherwise would never have met. The army also introduced me to 90’s R&B and hip hop, which I enjoy to this day.
At what age did you start collecting Transformers?
As a kid, my family didn’t really have money for those kinds of toys. My current collection began in 2007, when the first Transformers movie came out. I’ve been collecting ever since; proof that autistic hyperfixations can be a lifelong thing.
Which interesting conversation changed your life in a big way?
Ironically, it was a conversation I don’t remember. I was once on a 24-hour duty with someone who was facing a fairly severe punishment. I remember the shift, but I have no recollection of what we discussed. Years later, I saw the man. He’d been promoted three times. He credited his talk with me as the thing that helped him turn things around for himself. Although I still have no idea what I said, it showed me my capacity for using words to heal and bring about more good in the world.
What challenges did you face while writing your book, New Elbestran: The First Tale of Spanner?
That book took me four years to write. The sequel, by comparison, was done in a year. Writing New Elbestran was incredibly taxing, even though I knew the story I wanted to tell. I wanted to write to the very best of my ability and soon discovered that that meant far more than putting words on paper. Of all the effort I put into the book, maybe 15-20% of it was actual writing. The rest was research, world building, and planning. I also had several bouts of writer’s block.
Have you already planned all the books in the Tales of Spanner series?
I mean, I know how the story ends. 😉 I have a high-level summation of the entire story, including pivotal events. I’m about halfway through book three of (probably) four. So, yeah, kind of.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Sleeping and eating become theoretical concepts. My long-suffering wife will announce that dinner is ready, or that she’s off to bed. My definition of “be right there” is measured in hours instead of minutes.
What have you learned about yourself since you became an author?
That I’m capable of writing entire books? Lol It’s taught me that I’m capable of more than I will ever realize.
What are the best ways a parent can support a child with autism?
Education and patience. Realize that neurodivergence means that their minds work in a fundamentally different way. They aren’t being stubborn, picky, pouty, or dramatic; they are doing their best to fit in in a neurotypical world. That can be incredibly frustrating for them, and they lack the skills to express themselves the way neurotypicals do. Autistic behavior can’t be willed away with threats of discipline or promises of reward. The best thing a parent of an autistic child can do is learn to understand and accept them. Knowing the characteristics of autism can improve your communication and strengthen your bond.
What is something that most people don’t know about being an author?
Writing is a labor of love. It’s a lot of work with little to no recognition. Authors must become experts at dealing with rejection while learning to develop and market their brand. Most authors have day jobs because their royalties aren’t enough to live on.
How does one become a good storyteller? What are small nuances you would recommend taking into consideration?
My one inviolate rule for writing is to always advance the story. I’ve written pages of content that I’m very proud of but ultimately cut because I digressed from the story. I also recommend reading aloud what you wrote. If it flows well when you’re speaking it, it flows well when you’re reading it.
As far as honing your skills, pay attention to the stories that you like and ask yourself why you liked it. Snappy dialogue? The right amount of expository text? Attention to detail? Relatable characters? Being able to articulate what you like about a story makes you mindful of what to ensure in your own work. A lot of my work is dialogue driven, so I have to make sure that I can set mood and explain things through the characters.
Do veterans like to hear "thank you for your service"?
Gratitude for serving often makes veterans feel awkward and uncomfortable. The thanks is appreciated, but most of us just don’t know what to do with it or how to properly respond. As unfathomable as life in the military might be to some, to a veteran it was just normal. Almost none of us see ourselves as heroes.
How can changing the way one thinks, alter one's life?
For me, it made me a more compassionate and accepting person. Stepping outside your echo chamber to hear other points of view challenges you to reassess your beliefs and attitudes. I retained some beliefs and ideas, and changed others based on new information.
What are you currently working on?
I’m halfway through the next book in the Tales of Spanner series, but I’m also laying the groundwork for a full-length novel based on a character from one of the short stories in my first-ever published book, The Short Attention Span Collection.
How has your experience of working with AllAuthor been?
It’s been very nice to be able to connect with and support other independent authors. I feel very welcome and seen here.
