Tell us a few things about your early life or childhood.
I am the only child of my parents. My father left me with my mother and she remarried by the time I was three. I grew up thinking my step-father was my father. She had two children with him, a brother and a sister. She left us when I was eight yeas old, Occasionally visiting and eventually just disappearing. My step-father perhaps suffered from some form of mental illness or was bipolar as I never knew what kind of mod or trouble I would be in. It was very scary growing up.
Who was your role model as a child?
My childhood was filled with fantasy and imagination. I had no real mentors and was an abused and neglected child who fantasized about his real father coming to save him someday ad fix everything. I learned a very difficult lesson, no one would save me. I turned to alcohol and drugs very young and quickly was dependent on them.
Since how long have you been living in Santa Fe, NM?
Since May of 2004.
What do you love the most about writing?
Writing is actually very difficult for me. I have A.D.D. and it is very hard for me to focus for log periods of time and get distracted frequently. I have learned not to judge that and when I get distracted, I just run with it and go back to the project I am working on. I have learned the most about myself through writing. I have learned to get in touch with my emotions and my fears. The thing I like most about it is it helps me to overcome the story I have about myself as someone who is not good enough to succeed.
Why did you decide to write the book, "Self-Help Sucks!"?
I had written the first draft of a personal memoir style addiction story and sent it off to an editor for an editorial review. While it was there I received a message to write this book. It was very loud, telling me the title and that I needed to write this book. I got up that morning and started writing the first draft of Self-Help Sucks. I had no idea where it was going or where it would end up. I just spent time everyday, writing. At the end of the day, I really hope that it helps someone break free of whatever habit or behavior they want to stop. It is hard work, but it works if you will do it.
What is your advice for a teen spiritual seeker?
Start meditating. Start today. Do it everyday, no matter what, no matter how you feel, no matter what your appointments are, no matter what. Find a practice that makes sense to you and do it. There is no such thing as good meditation or bad meditation, there is only doing it or not doing it. Trust your intuition. It was put there for a reason.
How long did it take you to put together the twelve-step program?
I did not put it together, I merely had a situation that I could not overcome and worked the steps and it worked.
Why do many people who read self-help books fail to get results?
99% of the people who read a self-help book, study a self-help program, or attend a self-help seminar fail to see any real tangible results or change.
I think the majority of self-help is B.S. It is a motivational gimmick to make people feel empowered and energetic but really provides no real help. I think real change takes hard work and in my case, the reliance on a higher power and working the steps. I think a lot of people fantasize about change but when it comes time to look at themselves or do the work, they either can’t do it or quit when it becomes hard.
When can someone deem themselves a cyclist? Can someone say that they’re officially a cyclist after riding for a year?
You can call yourself a cyclist anytime you want. There are several levels of cycling, starting with a person who likes to ride to work to the professional. Just like anything, it takes time and commitment and miles on the trail or the road. There is no quick fix. Just enjoy the time you have to do it and have fun.
How influential has a dog been in your life?
Having a dog has taught me what unconditional love looks and feels like.
From a professional chef's viewpoint, what are the main mistakes made by amateur cooks?
Amateurs want to rush the process. You have to learn the basics first, you have to do your time in all the potions in the kitchen to gain experience. Most amateurs want to run out and be famous and on reality TV. That’s not the real life of a cook or chef. Find a mentor and learn from them. Do the work.
Who is the greatest punk rocker of all time?
There are so many to count. The greatest didn’t try to be punk, they just lived that way. Mostly tragically. Sid Vicious, G.G. Allen, Joan Jett and The Ani-Nowhere League are some tht come to mind.
Is there anything new that you're working on? When can we expect the next book to come out?
I have book in the works now, we will see where it goes. Hopefully in the next few months.
When did you join AllAuthor? What do you think of the experience so far? Do you have any feedback?
I think I joined in August of 2021. I frankly probably don’t use it in the way it would be the most helpful. This is really awesome that you are asking me these questions. I hope they are helpful to people and if I can be helpful to anyone out there, I am happy to help.
