Can you describe your journey as a writer and what inspired you to blend science fiction with horror?
I've always been fascinated by the unknown, whether it's in the depths of space or the dark corners of our minds. Sci-fi horror allows me to explore these fears in a way that blends speculative elements with primal terror. My older brother was a fan of horror and Sci-fi as well and he and I grew up watching TV and movies together. He would take me to movies usually Saturday afternoons when there were Sci-Fi and horror movies released. Each Halloween we would stay up and watch the classics on TV that would show during Halloween. Later as a teen and young adult Cable TV channels would show movies and shows each night during October leading up to Halloween and we would watch what we could of those. When I married my wife was a big horror fan and built a collection of movies along with streaming channels on the TV and we would watch those together. Writing them became fun and a way to give back to all those who helped inspire me to create similar stories and locations.
How do you strike the balance between science fiction and horror in your stories?
I focus on grounding the science in reality, then slowly introduce the horror. It’s about creating a believable world first then letting the terror seep in naturally.
What was the first science fiction or horror story that captivated you, and how did it influence your writing?
War of the World by H.G. Wells. It is still one of my favorites. It is so realistic that it horrified the whole country when Olson Wells broadcast it on the radio. People thought it to be true and caused a panic. I knew I wanted to write like that.
Your fascination with the cosmos and the human psyche is evident in your work. How did you incorporate these elements into your novel, “Generation Earth”?
Gen is one of the most complex books as it blends the emotions of isolation, exploration, and hope for a better tomorrow. To have you become part of something bigger than you, forcing a burden, a mission of epic size and breath, yet alone living your life in the empty darkness of space till the day you die. To sacrifice one's life for the good of others, so future generations can live in a wonderful new world you will never see. Gen lets you experience it, and live it only for a short while, knowing those on Gen will still be on course to their destination a thousand years after you are gone.
Can you share a bit about your writing process while writing your novel, “Blueprints of Departure”? Did you start with the science fiction elements or the supernatural aspects?
Supernatural since it came about thinking of destiny. If our lives are based on destiny there must be a plan followed and laid out for us. There must be a divine blueprint we follow and at the time of death that plan will be complete. If there is a plan there must be those who manage it and ensure it completes accordingly.
What challenges do you face when creating intricate plots and unforgettable characters in your books?
I use storyboards and create characters in them. This allows for outlines, flows and scenes to be created based on the characters. Using storyboarding the characters drive the story and I actually see them and their locations as I write. When I finish a book I post the storyboard characters and scene locations on my Pinterest account page for everyone to see. I also animate some of them and have them speak on my YouTube and Pinterest pages.
How do you ensure that your speculative and scientific elements feel authentic and believable to readers?
The biggest challenge is making the science plausible without overwhelming the reader. It’s a fine line between educating and terrifying, and I aim to do both. I bring situations into play and then rip you away from them to present something related to it but different. You have it coming from all sides not knowing what is next. But when the smoke settles it's like "Oh, so that's why that happened". My characters are the heart of the story. Even in the most outlandish settings, their fears, hopes, and flaws make the horror and science fiction relatable and real.
Which cutting-edge scientific theories or discoveries have recently influenced your writing?
The Webb Space Telescope. Opening the Universe in all its glory and beauty. It is an exciting time for Science Fiction and for science. Amazon data shows an increase in science fiction books by over 267%. Welcome aboard. The ride is fantastic and the science is real.
Your stories often explore the boundaries of fear and imagination. What are some themes or questions you enjoy examining in your work?
The scariest part is the potential for infinite possibilities, many of which we can’t even begin to comprehend. It’s the idea that there’s something out there that could completely upend our understanding of reality. The idea of waking sleep, where our dreams are another plane of existence we visit each night often never remembering where we have been or how we got back. I often say "I awaken from dreams with stories to tell". That's true for some dreams I have written about. Some I dare not reveal.
Can you describe a particular character or plot from one of your stories that you find especially memorable or impactful?
Elliot 7 from Warhawks. A diplomat like no other charged with a daunting task to save us all despite ourselves.
How do you handle writer's block or moments when inspiration is hard to come by?
I've been lucky so far as that has not happened. I usually have too many ideas and too many dreams.
What role does research play in your writing, and how do you go about it?
I believe every writer uses research and the means of it depends on the story, so it varies. When writing Warhawks I spent a great amount of time on the Space and Nasa sites searching for the nearest solar system to Earth which may have a Super-Earth near its Sun. The Argon's home world is the result of that research.
How has your writing evolved over the years, and what do you consider your greatest achievement as an author?
As a teenager, I wrote comics and painted album covers. Later I painted and jotted notes and short stories now long lost. As computer graphics and networking came along I learned those and worked in graphic design at a Top 5 Corporate company designing graphics for their Corp computer systems. That led to creating landscapes, locations, and characters something I now use for my storyboards. I always strive and now that I'm writing the biggest achievement I can hope for is to continue to have fun and share my work with all who wish to view it.
What can readers expect from you in the future, and how can they stay updated on your latest works and projects?
Recently I have begun more short stories with a teen focus. The teenage sci-fi horror school-based theme. I've recently received the copyright for Oliver's Egg and just now publishing it. A fun school-based story centered around 14-year-old high school kids with an alien on the loose. It's fun and different. Of course, more ideas are coming up with short stories that you can read during lunch or at the coffee shop in around an hour. Facebook, my home page and subscribing to my newsletter is best for staying up-to-date.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
It is one of the best sites I visit each night. There are always new authors coming on board and I view their profiles and those in like genre I follow. I have received great following and feedback. There are several who have shown an interest in joint book writing and emailing with greetings also on my Facebook page and personal email from my author website. It is a great way to find fast friends with readers and other authors. Having another website for free to showcase my books with links to them for purchase is amazing.
