Where did you grow up, and what was your childhood like?
I grew up on several different dairy farms. My dad rented until he finally bought one. We never had close neighbors, so I played alone. I was nine when my only sibling was born. Growing up, I always had a dog, and playing alone is why I have such a vivid imagination. In the later years, there was much work to do.
Were you an avid reader as a child? Do you still read books?
I always had books growing up. I do not read that much anymore as far as books go. But I still read many articles and commentaries.
What books do you remember reading during your childhood?
My favorite author was Mark Twain. I read and reread the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Growing up, I must have read them a dozen times. They have to be read in order to get the fullest from them. With my imagination, I was at their side through the whole story. In high school, I discovered the library and books like Robin Hood, the Three Musketeers, and many books like that.
Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?
That would have to be my grandkids. They loved Archomai and are after me to finish the series.
Why did you decide to set the novel, Evergreen Forevermore around the holiday season?
The holiday season is a time of happiness and joy for most people. Also, it can be a time of healing. With that mindset, the story would unfold naturally and happily. And I totally love Christmas.
Christmas For Victoria is such a heartwarming read. What is something every reader can learn from the book?
Some of the important things in life. Faith, family, friends, forgiveness, and doing what is right. I believe that true love mostly cannot be denied.
Who inspired the character of Maureen Miller in "The First Snowflake"?
No one. When I write, I trust my imagination to produce my characters. I start a story, and then I daydream about the storyline for days. Many times I will then write the ending. I then fill in the middle and let characters come to me as I write. It sounds sort of off the wall, but that is how I write. Maybe I encountered someone by the name of Maureen, and the name just popped in there.
What was the hardest part about writing your book, Archomai: The Prince, The Scepter, And The Shield? Did you edit anything OUT of the book?
There is something in this book that only a handful of people know. I am a Christian writer. Many of the names and places are Greek and Hebrew that have meanings. Some names are plainly made up. I hid some biblical truths in the story. I encouraged my grandkids to see if they could find them. They did mostly. It took a lot of reference work to get these items lined up. I did not edit anything out.
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?
The positive reviews I read and reread for encouragement. The negative I read once and learn from it and move on. Some people will give you a one-star review for outlandish reasons. They bother me because it drags down the ratings on Amazon. One lady gave me a one-star review for the Christmas Gate. She said it needed an editor, and she was right. I had converted the file from PDF to Word and uploaded the wrong file. I thanked her for her comments and fixed the problem.
Which option do you prefer, reading some books or watching movies adapted from them?
I prefer movies. It is easier to drink my coffee.
Have you ever considered writing under a pen name? If so, what would your pen name be?
At one time in my younger years, before I took writing seriously, I was going to use the name Alan O’Hill. But I decided my own name was what I started with, so I might as well finish with it.
Do you think it is possible for someone to be a good author without first having a lot of imagination?
It is slightly possible, I guess, but writing without a good imagination would be very hard work. A vivid imagination makes the story flow. It might be hard to believe, but I can see, smell, and taste what is happening in the story. I get so close to the characters in my stories that it is hard to let go and finish the story. Sounds strange, but it is true.
What's something on your bucket list that you think is unique?
Well, I always wanted to sit down and have dinner with Angela Lansbury. I see that one is not going to happen. I really cannot think of anything. God has blessed me very well.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
I have three stand-alone books started. But I am back trying to finish the Archomai series. Have to keep my grandkids happy.
When did you first come across the AllAuthor website, and what were your expectations coming in? What are your thoughts now?
I heard about it on Twitter from another author. I thought it was another website to make money and leave the author behind. I was wrong. AllAuthor has done more to market my books than any other website. I am well pleased and would recommend it to any author out there.
