How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?

I have been writing since I was a kid, but as a serious writer 20 years.

What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?

It used to be (Ten years ago), big books were in, then it switched to smaller 200 page books that are series. I average 60-70k word books that take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to write.

What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)

I write every day, but I’m also a filmmaker and composer so my day is spent between the three. But the majority is writing unless I have a project that consumes all time. But I still write every day.

How much do you research for a book before you start writing?

Alot.

What do you find most difficult about writing a book?

Balancing what I want to write versus what I should write.

Which of your books are you most proud of and why?

The Passenger – because it is completely and utterly different than anything I have written.

Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?

If a book becomes difficult, I set it aside, usually 6 months later I’ll finish it with ease. But it’s never really the book, it’s the circumstances of life that get in the way.

Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?

Amazon. They are easy.

Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?

I do. I have a couple but one I love and they are a UK based publisher, Vulpine.

How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?

YIKES. Like 6 unpublished that I may released on Vella. Two unfinished.

Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?

I prefer stand alone. But I have learned, it needs to be put in the synopsis because our genre is mostly series.

What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?

Lucifer from the show lucifer. He’s so well rounded.

What book do you wish you would have written? Why?

None, really.

Do you find it challenging to write characters of a different gender, race, or culture than you? Do you do any special research for these characters?

No.

What does success as a writer look like for you?

To be able to keep writing and have people read my work.

Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?

LOl, I have four kids, four inlaw children, 8 grandchildren. At any given time you can find at least one adult kid of mine and 2 grands at my house. No lie, it has been one time in a year that I had my house completely to myself.

Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?

I get up and move every 15 minutes. But that’s it.

Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?

I used to. No more it’s depressing over bad ones. I still get nasty emails.

What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?

The Mist on how to NOT write an ending.

Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?

Stephen King, The Stand, I read it once a year.

Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?

All are plotted, some chapters in advance, so just a quick plat over the night before.

Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?

Frank.

Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?

Yes, my book/movie DUST. Every character is based on someone I know in how they would handle the end of the world. MOST hated me.

What’s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?

Freedom. Worst, no healthcare

Do you make a living selling your books?

Yes.

What advice would you give to a new author?

Don’t pay attention to how well or badly other authors are doing.