What was your favourite part about growing up in Massachusetts? Are you a fan of the New England Patriots?
I love the four seasons. I like watching my surroundings slowly change and the cool air sweep in during the fall and winter and the warm fresh air, which brings turbulent storms in the summer and fall. Of course I'm a Pat's fan! Go Brady!!!!
When and how did you get the of using a modern retelling of the Four Horsemen for your book "Addiction and Pestilence"?
I've always loved stories about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse but they always seemed outdated and hard to relate to so I wanted to take the Horsemen and make them current. I wanted to make them relatable to today's times.
How did you do the research for your book? Have you ever struggled with any addictions?
I read the Book of Revelation and looked into stories, even songs, like Johnny Cash's, "When the Man Comes Around". Great song. Unfortunately I have struggled with addiction. I had a drinking problem and the main character in Addiction & Pestilence is based off of my life. I was a Marine and an EMT. The scene in chapter 3 is actually plucked from my life. That Scene between Drew and Annabelle, is exactly what happened between my wife and myself. We worked through it and I received help, but i added it to the book to show what really happens and how sometimes things spirals out of our control.
What was the hardest part about writing your book? Did you edit anything OUT of the book?
I guess being honest about having a drinking problem and telling things about my childhood that happened to me that I never discussed before. I faced my past to make a better future. It's not easy saying you have a problem and getting people to listen to you. I feel if more people listened to why people do what they do some problems could be dealt with easier. There is such a stigma attached to it. I bet people will cringe when they read this.
Have you always wanted to be a writer since you were little or did the dream develop after a certain instance or experience?
I've always loved writing. I write better than I speak and I always felt understood through my writing versus speaking. I'm a very honest person and most people don't like that. They can't handle the truth. They need to hide behind a facade to feel safe. To be someone they're not. My writing sets me free. I hold no punches.
What is your favourite place to eat and what do you like to order when you go there?
I don't go to them anymore, but I love a grimy barroom. Draft beer and buffalo wings are the best. That place that's part biker bar and heavy metal club.Now I just eat buffalo wings at nice restaurants or cook them at home. I'm a family man now. I still remember though. Great memories!
Is there anything else that you're passionate about besides writing?
My family. I'll do anything for my wife and daughter. Read Addiction & Pestilence and you'll see it. They're my everything. They keep me grounded and alive.
Have your parents read your book? What do they think of your writing?
My father passed away back in 1999 and we had just started to talk again when he passed. My mom has read my book and loved it. She's always trying to promote it, even though it doesn't cast her having a great life. My dad was a prick. I have her approval and my wife's, so that's all I need.
Has a book ever made you cry? If so, which book was it?
My book made me cry. I wept like a little girl. I went back to some very dark times in my life and put them on paper. It was hard to relive but I came through it stronger. I cried while reading the Last Man Down, which is a book about a 9/11 firefighter. NYFD has big balls of steel.
Do you prefer writing really early in the morning or really late at night?
I actually prefer writing in the middle of the day. A summer day when it is warm out and the house is full of natural light. I tend to get up early and write before work and stay up late after work to write once the family has gone to bed.
Do you think a person can be a writer without having a somewhat overactive imagination?
Depends on what they're writing. For me, I've always had an overactive imagination. I remember day dreaming about different characters and my wife (girlfriend back then) asking me what I was thinking about. I told her about the scene I was thinking about for my book. She was floored. I don't think she actually understood it until she saw it on paper. It clicked and now she gets it. But telling someone about that little spark usually gets you a lot of furled eyebrows. Keep that stuff to yourself until you've worked it out.
If your house was burning down, what would you take and why?
My family. Nothing else is or could be or will be as important. End of story.
What are some things you wish you'd realised sooner when you started on the path to become a writer?
My wife pushed me to follow my dream. I wish I had met her earlier in life. But if I had met her earlier in life she might have given up on me. I guess it's a fine line.
What is the hardest part about promoting your books? Has AllAuthor been able to help in this aspect and would you recommend this platform to other authors?
I always thought promoting and marketing the book was going to be the easiest part and writing the hardest. Boy was I wrong. Promoting and marketing is a swift kick to the teeth and it really sucks. I hate it. It's a lot of hard work and a ton of money spent with little to gain. AllAuthor (QuotesRain) has been awesome. Mady has been great. I remember emailing back and forth with him and he took the time to answer all of my questions. He even honored a discount from a few months before. I have nothing but great things to say about AllAuthor and highly recommend them to any author, indie or traditional. AllAuthor is just a great bunch of people trying to help authors achieve their dream.
Again, I wanted to say thank you for this opportunity. I greatly appreciate it!
