Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired Transportation Manager, having worked for several transportation and logistics companies for the past 30 years. I wrote my first book in 1998, but since the manuscript is on a floppy disk, I've lost it. Now, I like to spend time traveling, fishing, and, of course, writing. My favorite place to write is on our covered back porch. I have a pond and multiple bird feeders, so I enjoy watching them as I write. Sometimes, they inspire me when nothing else did. Plundering the Past is my debut novel. I love it because it started as a Christmas present to my daughter, who loves pirates, and morphed into much more. I have since published another, The Spartan Initiative, and I'm working on the sequels of both books. With luck, I'll have them published by this summer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Black Flag, White Death, uses some characters from the Plundering the Past series in a new setting. I enjoy a good creature feature, and I especially like stories involving sharks and sea monsters. What inspired me to begin BFWD is I read a story about great white sharks and a swimming contest, and it was so bad I thought, I can write a shark story better than this one. So, the genesis for BFWD was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write late at night after my wife goes to bed, sometimes until 3 or 4 am.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors I love include Alistair McClean, Michael Crichton, Dale Brown, Tom Clancy, and Steven Koons. Books that influenced me include Steve Alten's Meg series, Pirate Latitudes, Cachalot, Red Storm Rising, The Golden Gate, Last of the Breed, and Into Thin Air.
What are you working on now?
As I stated above, I'm working on two sequels plus two other books in each series, and a children's book. I'm hoping to get clearance from Time-Warner to write three books based on Saturday morning cartoons.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I've had the best luck selling books in person, but Book Raid and Facebook ads produce the most activity for me online.
Which Websites you like most to promote your book
I haven't done a ton of advertising, mainly Facebook. I did run a promo on WhizBuzz, but I don't think that had much traction.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how bad your writing sounds to you, keep writing. Then get a good editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It's better to show your readers than tell them.
What are you reading now?
Monster by Frank Peretti
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, at least three more published books in 2023.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Jurassic Park, Red Storm Rising, and Day of the Dragonstar.