Where's the place with the best view in the city of Birmingham, Alabama?
The best view of the city of Birmingham, Alabama is Vulcan Park and Museum.
How did you discover that you wanted to be a writer when you were fifteen years old?
I discovered I wanted to be a writer when I was fifteen years old after I wrote my first story. I had created characters and stories before then but hadn't written any of them, instead I acted out the stories in my room.
What are your favorite science fiction novels, and what is it that makes them so good?
I haven't read any science fiction novels in over twenty years, so I can't say what my favorite science fiction novels are.
What are some interesting facts about Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer?
There are many interesting facts about Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer. I found it interesting to find out Henry had written three other books before, but it was only when living in Paris and writing Tropic of Cancer, that he found his voice as an author.
How did the story of Bobbie Lamont start?
In one of the earlier drafts of my first novel, In the Middle, I included the fate of all of the characters in the epilogue. I was inspired by one of my favorite movies, Goodfellas. Bobbie's section was the longest and I realized I wanted to write more about her, to tell her story.
Why did you decide to title your book, Billie Carver after the name of the main character?
I plan on writing more novels with Billie Carver as the main character and I thought using her name as the title for the first novel in her series was the best idea.
What made you realize that you could use your own life as the basis or inspiration for a story?
I thought about using my life as the basis or inspiration in my early days of being an aspiring writer, but it was only after I read Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer I realized I could.
What challenges did you face while writing your debut novel, In the Middle?
I was working a full-time job when I wrote the first draft of my debut novel. I was on second shift and after working nine or ten hours a day, I would eat first and then write for an hour to two hours, almost every night. There was a writing contest I wanted to enter and since I had a deadline, I was motivated to write. Though I didn't win the contest, I'm grateful for it, because, without it, I'm not sure if I would have ever written my debut novel.
If you ever get writer’s block, where do you go to overcome it, or what activities help you overcome it?
Yes, I get writer's block. I have done many things to overcome it. Sometimes, listening to music works, and sometimes reading helps.
What is the most effective way to promote your writing as an independent author?
I wish I knew the most effective way of promoting my writing as an independent author.
What is the sweetest fan-mail that you have ever received?
I haven't received any fan-mail.
What is the best writing tip you ever received and who gave it to you?
All of the writing tips I have learned or come across, have been from books. When I was trying to write my first novel, over twenty years ago, I wrote a letter to one of my favorite authors, Sandra Kitt, and sent her a sample of my writing. While she didn't give me any tips, she did encourage me, which meant a lot to me. I needed someone to tell me I wasn't wasting my time trying to become a writer.
What sort of cultural, spiritual, or social value do you think reading and books hold?
I believe reading and books are the most important part of our society. Civilization began with the written word.
What are you currently working on? May we know when we can expect a new book?
I'm writing a rough outline for a new novel now. I also have the first draft of another novel started. I hope to have a new novel by this time next year.
