Can you share some of the most memorable experiences or stories from your time serving as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army?
Getting to my first unit, uncertain of what I was doing, was quite memorable. The funny part is that the memorable things are the new brotherhood and sisterhood you enter. These new people aren’t the family you were raised with, but you would do anything to protect them.
How did your military service and experiences shape your perspective on life and the world around you?
The military is one of those experiences that you cannot explain to anyone who has not lived it. You learn everything really fast, grow up, and know that decisions made could be life or death.
Transitioning from a Combat Engineer to an Aircraft Electrician is quite a shift. What motivated this change, and what challenges did you face during this transition?
I just wanted to try a different job skill. I figured I had jumped out of enough helicopters, so why not see if I could fix them? The switch changed things as combat engineers had more physical requirements, but aircraft electricians take a lot more brainpower to repair something when it breaks.
Having tried out new things and pushed your limits, can you share a particular achievement or experience that you are most proud of?
I have accomplished a lot of things because I have learned not to be afraid of failure. We should learn from our mistakes and keep going. Even though I have traveled the world, jumped out of flying objects, piloted planes, and written books, I am proud of my children. They continue to try new things and are curious.
What inspired you to share your story, and what message or lessons do you hope readers will take away from your experiences?
To never give up on a dream, even though you believe it will take so long to accomplish. One of my favorite sayings is, Five years is a long way away, but ten years ago feels like yesterday. Imagine where you would be if you started five years ago.
Cajun food holds a special place in your family gatherings. Can you share a favorite Cajun dish and its significance to you?
Gumbo. When you get that first smell, memories flood back of the numerous times and family gatherings when Gumbo was served.
Living in Alabama now, what aspects of the state and its culture do you find particularly interesting or unique?
Alabama is nice and cozy. When you have traveled the world and lived in places no person should have to live, you tend to enjoy things from a different perspective. People, in general, should quit focusing on the 1% negative about a situation and start focusing on the 99% good that is around them.
How has spending time with your immediate family influenced your outlook on life, especially after your extensive travels and experiences?
They inspire me. When they have a thought or an idea, we try to make that idea come to reality. Many people have numerous ideas that would make this world great. Unfortunately, most ideas stay just that, ideas. Understand no one can accomplish everything, but what if you tried to make something simple just to show your kids how it could be done? Where does a cucumber come from? Plant a seed with your child so they know that cucumbers don’t just come from a grocery store.
What are the key messages or takeaways you aim to convey through your book, "What Would You See at a Beach?: An Elephant in a Hot Air Balloon?"?
The idea was one of those my son thought of. It is a colorful book that is funny but also starts small with thinking. The book is relatively simple but is also humorous.
How much time did you spend researching while writing your novel, “Thalondor Kingdom of Legends”?
I spent some time doing some research. Thalondor was my very first novel, to see if I could accomplish something else. Since I have written that novel, friends have said, I have always wanted to write a novel, I just don’t know how. I encourage them to do it because that could be one of the world's next great works of art. Never be afraid of failure. Learn from it, and move forward. Thalondor is only book one of a series. I currently have 70,000 words in the second book written today.
Are there specific goals or aspirations you have for the future, considering your diverse background and experiences?
One of my goals is to continue writing. I wrote Thalondor to see if I could write a book. Now that I know I can do something, I have so many other ideas for books. I want to finish the Thalondor series first, then move on to different genres.
Reflecting on your journey so far, what advice would you give to individuals facing challenges or transitions in their own lives, based on your personal experiences?
Stop focusing on the negative, quit looking in the past and focus on the good, and the future. Yes, sometimes life does us wrong. Take a moment to reflect, then move on. Mistakes are made in the past; leave them there. Learn from them.
Can you discuss any future writing projects or topics you're eager to explore in your work?
I have a few ideas brewing. I personally like to read fantasy books and LIT RPGs, but I have a few ideas I want to publish in the Crime, mystery, and romance sections. Again, Thalondor was something to start a passion on, but I have so many other ideas for the future.
When did you join AllAuthor? What has your experience been like?
I joined AllAuthor in 2023. So far, they have helped promote my books and worked hand and hand with me along the way. It has really been a great experience for a new author, such as myself.
