How do you think your childhood and background have shaped your ability as a writer?
I grew up on a wheat and cattle farm in western Kansas in the 1940’s. We were poor, but I was unaware of this. As a family we regularly attended church and these Christian values of work and integrity have remained with me and influence my writing.
Is there one period in your life you would love to go back to?
This may sound trite, but I have lived a “Charmed Life.” I married a high school sweetheart and have been married to her for 66 years. I put myself through college and worked in the oil and gas exploration industry for over 40 years and have retired comfortably. Almost every decision that I have made has turned out well for me. I sometimes almost feel ashamed and cheated that I was never called upon to make any sacrifices for my country. Many men have died defending the freedom which we enjoy here in America. However, to answer your question. After I retired, we purchased a 40’ diesel powered motorhome and toured a good bit of the USA. I would love to go back and do that again.
At what age did you begin writing? Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I never undertook any serious writing until I was about 60 years of age, although I did write many contracts and agreements during my career in the oil and gas industry. My first book was Northern Lights.
How did you come up with the story of “Northern Lights”?
Northern Lights is a novel, however, it is loosely based on the experience of my own family in 1939-1940, near the end of the Great Depression, when my father took his family and traveled to northern Minnesota in hopes of finding a well-paying job.
Why did you choose the title, Superstition Mountain Dreams for your book?
We can see the Superstition Mountains from our home and my wife suggested that I write a novel set in the area of these imposing mountains. I can’t recall just how the exact title came to me, but it seemed to fit the plot and the legends associated with these haunting mountains.
Have you ever written a character that you hate?
No. There are some villains in my novels, but I avoid sadistic characters. I attempt to write stories that tell of mostly ordinary people, their challenges, loves, and triumphs, which will leave the reader feeling satisfied and happy.
What is the best response you have ever received for the book, Shadows of the Past?
A reader e-mailed me: “I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was like medicine for the soul.”
Among all your characters, who do you think had the best character development in a story?
Probably Dan Walker in, The Man from Wyoming. He is the dominant character, who matures from a drifter into a responsible man as the plot unfolds. The second would be, Isaiah Bowdrie, in The Prairie Wind, as his life goes from tragedy, at the murder of his wife, to a new love.
Who designs your book covers?
The covers for the first few books were designed by the publisher, Create Space. They did a good job for a modest amount of money. I used KDP’s Cover Creator for a couple of books, and Starboat LLC has designed the covers for my last few books. They do a great job.
What is the best money you’ve ever spent as an author?
A hard question to answer. The worst money I ever spent was to pay a well-known, publisher to publish, Shadows of the Past. I had been publishing through Create Space and assumed, from their long list of the good things this company said they would do for me, that the book would sell well. What I got was very little beyond what I was getting at Create Space. Advertising dollars at Amazon KDP is necessary but a real challenge. I do feel I got my money’s worth with All Authors.
Which of your books took the longest to write and why?
Probably, Northern Lights. It was my first book and I labored over it for nearly a year.
What do you like to do to kick back and relax?
I love to read good books. Good novels are hard to find as I don’t care for books that are filled with gore, sadism, and sex. I have a library of over a hundred books of biographies, history, and novels. Two great novel writers of the past are D. E. Stevenson and Elizabeth Cadell, both English writers of the 40’s and 50’s. Also A. J. Cronin, Zane Grey, and Harold Bell Wright. I also have most of Louis Lamour’s western books.
Where would you like to see yourself five years from now?
I’m 86 years old, so I hope that I’m still alive and my mind is still sharp. I hope my books are still selling well and that I have written a few more.
What has your experience with AllAuthors been like?
My experience has been very positive. All of my books are displayed on my AllAuthor, Author Page, and you have done a good job of promoting two of my books. I would definitely recommend AllAuthor to other authors.
