How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?
I’ve been writing about twelve years with my first book published ten years ago.
What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?
Average word count is between 50-80K words. It typically take 2-6 weeks for the first draft.
What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)
My biggest write routine is just to write something every day. I journal every day, and make an effort to spend at least twenty minutes writing fiction and twenty minutes non fiction. If I can’t for some reason, I’ll try to write at least a few words.
How much do you research for a book before you start writing?
Not much. That usually just comes up when I need to confirm something or I’m in the editing process. I have a broad background and education, so usually I have enough to go on to get started, but may need to review something more technical if it arrises.
What do you find most difficult about writing a book?
That changes from book to book. Sometimes it’s the idea, other times it’s sitting down to write, other times it’s editing. It’s situational.
Which of your books are you most proud of and why?
All of them. Every book is something to be proud of.
Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?
The first book took the longest from start to finish, but when I decided to finish, it took three weeks. The other book was book five in the Everville series. I’m still sitting on the first draft after seven years. Mainly because I pivoted to nonfiction and also really wanted to start my sci-fi series.
Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?
Amazon. The Kindle Unlimited platform allows for greater reach.
Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?
It depends on the terms. I’ve had an agent in the past and transferred my Everville series to White Glove on Amazon for a short time while they ran the program. Recently, I just fulfilled a three book audiobook contract with Podium Audio for Seven Rules of Time Travel.
How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?
I have a space opera that’s partially written, and I’m in the process of writing book four in the Seven Rules of Time Travel Series. I’m also sitting on book five in the Everville Series, but I don’t have any plans to revisit that at the moment.
What does success as a writer look like for you?
For me, it’s just publishing the next book. If I can make a profit or break out a little more into the mainstream and reach more people, all the better. The main thing is that I keep going.
Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?
I’m almost always with my wife, so I’m never really alone. I get out and travel, and interact.
Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?
I get enough sleep. I exercise. I travel. I journal. I apply gratitude to everything in my life.
Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?
Yes. Every negative review is a read because it means enough people read the book to leave a negative review. It means you’re on the right track. If reviews are constructive, I glean what I can, but often it’s just a person’s mindset or other times they are not in my target demographic.
What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?
The Gap and the Gain.
Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?
Impossible to answer. I have so many.
Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?
A mix of both.
Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?
Impossible to answer.
Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?
I think all authors use real life to influence their characters, but I can’t say there was a particular person in real life I used as a character.
What’s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?
I’m a hybrid author and control my digital rights, but I do have an audiobook contract with Podium Audio. I think creative control and higher margins per sale is the best thing. The worst thing is you have to arrange things on your own to get the work out there.
Do you make a living selling your books?
I make a profit, but I also work.
What advice would you give to a new author?
Keep going. Give yourself permission to write badly. Seek a mentor, whether live or digital who’s accomplished what you hope to.
