Where are some places in your hometown you liked to visit a lot as a child? What hobbies did you have as a child?
One of my favorites was the Fort Worth Zoo. To me it was a magical place. It also had an amusement park with several rides. One of my favorites was the roller-coaster and the mini train. I played Little League Baseball as the catcher.
Where did you get your degree in education? What was the most memorable part of college for you?
I only have a couple of years of college but did attend a program licensed by the State of Texas for alcohol and substance abuse counseling. I had a history professor that I enjoyed. He was very animated with his lectures, more like story-telling.
Before moving to Rockport, Texas, what did you do? What inspired you to make writing your career?
I owned and operated a substance abuse outpatient program for adolescents in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I wrote a short story in the 7 th grade titled “Destination Venus.” I think I wrote it to impress my English teacher… I had sort of a crush on her. My first real book as an adult, and last to publish is Port Summerville. At first, my intent was not to become a writer. I started writing it more as a cathartic exercise, then the thing went on and on, and before I knew it, I had a book.
What was the biggest challenge of taking a serious topic in "Suicide by Death" and approach it with humor and wit?
I suppose I used humor and wit to mask the pain. I got into my main characters head, and in doing so, I entered her soul.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
Stories that run through my mind keep me inspired. I tell others, everyone has a story to tell, but only a few of us put them down on paper. My kryptonite is getting stuck with a story I’m working on. I have at least three working titles and told a few of my writing colleagues that I feel like a bull that blasts out of the chute, then drops dead.
What themes does the BLOOD AND SNOW series center upon?
I have no idea.
How important do you think book covers are? Who usually designs your book covers?
I prepare the basic design, then let the pros takeover. I liken a book cover design to a highway billboard; you better get their attention quick.
What gave you the idea for the book "Suicide By Death"? Romantic Suspense is not exactly a new concept, so, how did you mold this idea and make it your own?
I’m not sure, all I knew was something had to written about the subject, a few do. After my sister and our niece killed themselves, I felt I had to do something. SBD is not a self-help book, but like I say in the book, “it might be.” I think of it more of message novel more than anything else.
Who were the people you based John and Darlene's looks and personalities after in Port Summerville?
Many have said they think they are my wife and me. Perhaps some of it is true to a degree.
How did you engage the readers with thought provoking statements mixed with humor and some scripture?
Three Days in Heaven was the easiest book I’ve written. It flowed effortlessly, and allowed me to add so much humor, which is my personality. Some have said I should have become a comedian, or a television evangelist. Go figure.
If you were offered the chance to live one of your character's lives, but never be a writer again, would you take it?
Yes, I would. Tony Stanford, the main character in Three Days in Heaven. He had a very interesting life, one I’d enjoy.
Have you ever thought of collaborating and writing something with another author? If so, who would you want to work with?
I’ve been working on a new project; The Linguini Massacre. It is a dark comedy about a failed writer that blames his publisher and the entire editorial staff for his failures. I have reached out to a couple of colleagues, but I think I will tackle this one by myself. I am also working on a sequel for Suicide by Death with the subtitle, “A journal of hope and survival.” It will be an interaction between myself, the folks that sent me emails and letters, then moderated by a licensed therapist, who is a writer. So, I suppose that is a collaboration.
Are there any stories you're working on that you want to share with the world in the near future?
I’m torn between two; The Linguini Massacre that I mentioned, and another I have been working on for some time; Right Heart; Wrong Love.
When you're not reading or writing a book, what are some other things that you love to do?
We live on the South Texas Gulf Coast, so we enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, walks along the beaches, and of course, fishing.
Lastly, what do you think of your AllAuthor experience so far? Would you recommend this platform to other authors and friends?
I already have. I’ve told colleagues of mine, that the investment I have made with AllAuthor is the best money I have ever spent.
