If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

I would tell my younger-writing self to be ready for all the various “hats” that an indie writer in today’s market has to wear.  Indie authors have to be their own publicists, marketers, sales representatives, graphic designers, social media managers, website developers, and so many other roles beyond the actual writing itself.  Today’s book market is a very difficult market to work in that demands constant attention.  I would warn my younger self to brace and prepare for the mountain of non-writing tasks involved.

What book do you feel is under-appreciated?

Most everything by David Gemmell is, in my opinion, underappreciated.  He was such an outstanding writer who could entertain while also including a lot of great depth in his writing.  Inspirational, edifying, and thought-provoking, Gemmell’s writing really connected with me in addition to being a lot of fun to read.  In my opinion he is a master of writing heroic characters.

Favorite childhood memory involving books?

My mother coming to my room every night to read me a chapter or more from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the Hobbit.  Without question, her reading the books to me at about 7 years of age had an enormous impact on me and the path I took in life.

If you could dine with any literary character, who would it be and why?

I would definitely have to say Rayden Valkyrie for sure, as she is my favorite character to write and it would be amazing to have an in-person conversation with her.  In addition, she loves to eat and drink, so I imagine that the meal and beverages would be exceptional.

What fantastical fictional world would you want to live in (if any) given the chance?

Of the fictional worlds I have described in my work, I would definitely say Faraway, which is shown in my YA/Dystopian novel Dream of the Navigator, the first book in my Faraway Saga.  It is a spectacular non-physical realm of astounding beauty.  It is a place that is not governed by time, where colors exist that we have not even beheld in this world.  Everyone there can have the kind of environment that they would love.  For me, it would be a cabin by a lake side, though the surroundings would flow with light like a Thomas Kinkaid painting.  Good spirits that have departed this world can visit there too, so I would be able to see many that I have love and lost in this life.   It is as close as you can get to heaven without being in heaven itself.

Did you want to be an author when you grew up?

I did want to be an author by the time I was in high school.  I had already developed a love of storytelling, writing, and reading by then, but as I neared my college years I began to get more serious thoughts about pursuing a career as an author.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Onward and Upward! (This phrase reflecting a drive to always grow, improve, become a better person in every way.  Those three words encompass a lot for me).

What is your most unusual writing quirk?

I have to be alone when I write, and I do best when I am on a specific computer that I have that is solely dedicated to writing and nothing else whatsoever.  That computer is in a space I also use only for writing. I must have music on when I write, as it helps deflect outside distractions.  This approach, while seeming quirky, has helped me avoid writers block as every time I sit down in my writing space my brain switches into a writing mode.

What is the first book that made you cry?

Maple Hill Farm children’s book.  I cannot remember the exact title, but in the book, they showed all kinds of animals that inhabited a farm, from the dogs, to the cats, to the various other kinds of creatures.  At the end they had a tribute to some dogs and cats and others that had passed away, and that part of the book struck me really hard as a kid. I still remember feeling so sad that the lovable animals shown on the page had died and were no longer frolicking in Maple Hill Farm.  To my recollection, this is the first book that caused me to cry.

How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?

For a novella, it takes a about a month or so to get through a first draft on a manuscript.  For a novel like When Shadows Fall, I would estimate about six months.  For an installment in one of my epic-scale series, I would say about eight months or so.  At times I can get slowed a little by needing to do additional research, so things can shift a bit, but those are the general estimates.

What creature do you consider your "spirit animal" to be?

I would definitely say a lion.  I have a real affinity for cats and lions serve as representations for so many things that I hold dear, such as loyalty to family, courage in the face of adversity, and the need to be strong even when you are feeling otherwise inside.

What fictional character would you want to be friends with in real life?

Rayden Valkyrie.  She is steadfast in her loyalty to those who become her friends.  Rayden will stand strong when the going gets tough, defend you, and be there in your darkest hour.  She would be the best friend you could possibly have in this world, the kind that is there for you when others fade away, turn out to be fickle, or even do wrong by you.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write regularly.  In my view, it is much more important to write on a regular basis than it is to write sporadically in sessions with high word counts.  Writing regularly keeps your mind in a creative zone and results in a better rhythm and more efficient sessions.

If you could live in any time period, what would it be and why?

The 1980’s.  I think the 1980’s had a nice balance when it came to daily life and technology.  There were plenty of modern conveniences, but people still interacted with each other in a healthier and friendlier manner, and they were not glued to mobile devices and screens all the time.  There was much less angst and anxiety in the overall population, and the general atmosphere was upbeat. It was an age far less polarized and you could agree to disagree with someone and still be genuine friends. The positive nature of the 1980’s is reflected in the art of the decade, from movies, to music, to books, and other creative realms.  No decade is perfect and there are always flaws in this world, but in general, the 1980’s really were fantastic and flowing with a positive vibe.  I’d go back and experience it in a heartbeat.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I love to read all genres, but if I had to pick one it would be fantasy (and by fantasy, I am including the various sub genres like epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, high fantasy, etc.).  Fantasy was my foundation when young, when I was introduced to J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and their books definitely lit the spark in me for speculative fiction.