What kind of child would you say you were like?
The same as I am now. I was curious and questioned everything. The only difference now is I research everything I question. It's amazing how much you don't know how ignorant you are until you read and research.
Do you remember the first book you read?
I did not read much as a child. The first book I read that I enjoyed was for a college course, which I do not remember the title. From starting in 2007 most of the books I read were self-help books (finances, investing, marketing, publishing, etc.). Starting in 2014/2015ish I joined a book club so I could be introduced to an array of books. The first book that made me realize reading was indeed fun was "And Then There Were None," by Agatha Christie.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
Music, Theater, and Dance.
Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?
I don't know if any of them died. I am still alive so I might end up being everything I wanted to be. However, the one thing I wanted to be that I do not have much passion for anymore is being a chef.
What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?
The first story I wrote and completed was inspired by my high school years. More so of my fellow classmates then me.
Where did you get the idea for the intelligence unit "A Family of Strangers"? Who are some actors you would love to see portray the characters of the Murphy Family?
"A Family of Strangers," was the first book I started to write in 2003, but was not the first I published. I had procrastination along with writer's block. It was finally published in 2015. It was inspired by a Lifetime film I was watching. I thought to myself, what if "this" happened instead. I decided to write "this." I have no clue who I would want to see playing the roles in a film. If anything I would want it to be filled with newcomers to get those starving artists fed.
How much did you research while writing?
Not much. I had to research mostly foster care and adoption as the boy the story centers around is adopted.
Is it harder to write a fictional novel or a non-fictional piece?
It is more difficult for me to write fiction because I have to bring into existence what does not exist, whereas non-fiction is just writing what already is.
We know that all of a writer's books are like their children, but if you had to choose, which one would you say is your favourite?
I do not have a favorite. They all hold a special place in my heart. However, "Essays from Dysfunctional Families: Literary Betrayal" is the only book of mine that is technically two books in one.
What is your main objective when you write a book in terms of how you want the reader to feel?
I do not write for the reader to feel, but to think. Feelings come and go and sometimes can be false, but when you think in a different light you can control your feelings.
Would you ever write or publish a book that you didn't feel emotionally connected to if you knew it would sell well?
Probably not. I am not the kind of writer that can pretend. If I do not have some kind of connection I will not be able to write it.
What is the most encouraging message you've ever gotten from a reader?
"I like the way he writes." I always wrote uniquely and it was never received well by my English teachers. It just goes to show there is no "wrong way" to do art. only a different way.
How would you describe your experience of being a fashion designer?
It is not as serious as actual fashion designers. I am more of a digital fashion designer. I upload my artwork to a type of clothing and the company, when they sell it, give me a commission.
What common writing advice do you disagree with?
There is a wrong way to write. Every writer is unique and the writer's world needs to stop thinking the world revolves around one kind of writing. The reader is who is important. If they like it, it is right. Writing has never been about us, the writers. It has always been about the readers. And as writers we need to focus on the readers, not ourselves.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
I have a few short stories, but I'd rather not share any at the moment.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I am not sure I have an opinion as of yet. I do not utilize it much and not sure how to make it work for me.
