Where were you born? Since how long have you been living in Maine?
I was born in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. It’s in the middle of the state and I now live in Southern Maine.
How would you describe your childhood?
Simple. I was born prior to the influx of technology. It was occurring but hadn’t been so prominent in life. I grew up in a small town with family and friends and we just found things to do. I think it made me appreciate all the things I’ve had later in life.
What are the challenges of writing in multiple genres?
I don’t find the writing itself challenging. I work on whatever is inspiring me at the time. Being open to so many genres definitely accommodates that desire to write a particular way on any given day. I think the harder part is marketing because not everyone likes every genre so transferring a fan from one book to the other books doesn’t always happen. I have to be in all markets at all times to keep interest. I also have to have a style that I feel is unique to me so that the readers that are transferring from one genre to another don’t feel like they’ve lost me in the transition.
Who all are a part of your family? Do they give you any story ideas to write on?
I am an only child but I grew up closely with my outer family, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. Even though the main unit is just my parents and I, we definitely have a lot of people in my life who are family by blood as well as my chosen family, my close friends. They don’t give me ideas typically. Most things come from my own wandering mind.
Where did you go to college and what was your major? What interested you in it?
I went to the University of Maine at Farmington and double majored in English and creative writing. I chose that because I’ve always been a book worm and wanted to perfect my craft.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
I think the most important thing is character building. Without interesting characters to entice the reader to continue reading, there is no story. I think well thought out characters should have believability and make a reader react in some one.
The Blackbird's Song is a dark tale containing themes of abuse, murder, and psychological trauma. What things do you keep in mind when you deal with some scenes of violence and the use of explicit language in your books?
With violence and explicit language one has to always be aware of it. I think writers should be cautious and I try to use it where I think it needs to be in the book but feel you don’t have to describe every gruesome scene to make your point. I feel the same way about sexual content. If it doesn’t enhance or advance the story then it doesn’t need to be there.
How did you come up with the idea of your book, The Writer?
After writing Tears Against the Windowpane I still had more ideas for poems. I started with a couple at a time and eventually I had another collections worth. My poetry is the closest pieces to me because I write about life, my thoughts, and what inspires me.
What challenges did you face while writing your poetry book, Tears Against the Windowpane?
Tears Against the Windowpane was the first book I published by myself. I had to learn about formatting and how to present a poetry collection. I had a lot of the poems already from work I had done in college but knowing how I wanted to present it was challenging.
Which is your favorite short story in "A System of the Chaotic Mind"?
I would day Rose Garden is my favorite story in A System of the Chaotic Mind. It challenged me to create something shorter. I tend to have too many ideas for such small pieces. It’s about a man going about his daily routine and finding ways to keep his wife’s memory alive. It’s a sweet and sentimental piece.
Who inspired the character of Aphrodite Miller in "The Other Half of the Moon"?
I don’t have just one person that inspired Aphrodite but, like all my characters, I do see elements of myself in her. I think she has a similar sarcastic humor about things where it can be misinterpreted for her benefit. This is shown a lot with Mrs. Simon, who assumes everyone is always thrilled to see her when, in reality, she can be quite overbearing.
When researching for a book, do you prefer to talk to people or read books or articles for research? Or a combination of both?
I’m not opposed to talking to people but so far my research has led me to more books and articles.
Are you learning anything new during the lock-down (COVID-19)?
I’m working on a new fantasy book that involves so Irish words so I’m in the process of learning some basics in Irish.
Which is the next book you are writing? What is its genre?
I’m actually in the process of writing 2 books right now. One is the fantasy book that I mentioned about with a coven of Irish elemental guardians. The other is another thriller novel in the perspective of a female serial killer.
