How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I have been writing since I was a kid, but as a serious writer 20 years.<\/p>\n\n

What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

How much do you research for a book before you start writing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Alot.<\/p>\n\n

What do you find most difficult about writing a book?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Balancing what I want to write versus what I should write.<\/p>\n\n

Which of your books are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Passenger – because it is completely and utterly different than anything I have written.<\/p>\n\n

Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Amazon. They are easy. <\/p>\n\n

Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I do. I have a couple but one I love and they are a UK based publisher, Vulpine.<\/p>\n\n

How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

YIKES. Like 6 unpublished that I may released on Vella. Two unfinished.<\/p>\n\n

Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I prefer stand alone. But I have learned, it needs to be put in the synopsis because our genre is mostly series.<\/p>\n\n

What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Lucifer from the show lucifer. He’s so well rounded.<\/p>\n\n

What book do you wish you would have written? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

None, really.<\/p>\n\n

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?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

No.<\/p>\n\n

What does success as a writer look like for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

To be able to keep writing and have people read my work.<\/p>\n\n

Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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. \n<\/p>\n\n

Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I get up and move every 15 minutes. But that’s it.<\/p>\n\n

Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I used to. No more it’s depressing over bad ones. I still get nasty emails.<\/p>\n\n

What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Mist on how to NOT write an ending.<\/p>\n\n

Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Stephen King, The Stand, I read it once a year.<\/p>\n\n

Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

All are plotted, some chapters in advance, so just a quick plat over the night before.<\/p>\n\n

Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Frank.<\/p>\n\n

Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

What\u2019s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Freedom. Worst, no healthcare<\/p>\n\n

Do you make a living selling your books?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Yes.<\/p>\n\n

What advice would you give to a new author?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Don’t pay attention to how well or badly other authors are doing.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t