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

I’ve been writing since the age of ten, but my first published work was CONTAMINATION in 2012. Since then I’ve authored five complete series and am working on a sixth. I’ve also contributed a guest blog for the Bookbub partners website on the topic of collaboration.<\/p>

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>

The typical word count for my books is 50-100K. However, I’ve also written a fair number of novellas at around 20-25K, as well as a short story collection called BETTER GUNS & GARDENS.<\/p>

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

These days, I aim for 1500-2500 words a day if I’m in drafting mode.<\/p>

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

Depends on the project. For some, a lot.<\/p>

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

The mucky middle.<\/p>

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

Probably The Ruins series. It contains my favorite characters and I often find myself thinking about them.<\/p>

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

The Ruins. This was a follow-up series to a collaboration called The Last Survivors, and I wanted to make sure I did the characters and the world justice. Thankfully, the reader feedback has been great!<\/p>

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

One of my science fiction series, SANDSTORM, is currently with a traditional publisher on audiobook. I’m always open to discussion.<\/p>

How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?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

Too many to count. If only I had enough time to finish them all!<\/p>

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

Readers seem to prefer series. However, I’d love to try my hand at a standalone at some point.<\/p>

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

Dexter. Somehow, they have you rooting for a serial killer (!)<\/p>

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

Stephen King’s “Misery”<\/p>

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

Entertaining people with my words, and having the freedom to spend time with my family and friends.<\/p>

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

The indie author community is amazing. My author buddies (and all my friends outside the business) keep me grounded.<\/p>

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

A mid-day hike does wonders!<\/p>

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

I used to read them in my early days, but now, I find I’m better off focusing on the next book.<\/p>

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

Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy<\/p>

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

Favorite authors dating back to childhood: Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Christopher Pike. Favorite current authors: Blake Crouch and Jeff Strand.<\/p>

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

I use a combination of those methods, depending on the project. I guess you could say I’m a “plantser”.<\/p>

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

Bray from The Ruins<\/p>

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

I definitely have. Usually they’re a combination of several people, or disguised so well that people will never find out. However, I’ve based a few on people I know, and they’ve been psyched.<\/p>

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

The freedom. The worst is burnout.<\/p>

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

Yes, and I’m thankful every day!<\/p>

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

Keep writing, and finish the book. You’ll get there!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t