An Interview With the Author about his writing style and goals
Question: How would you describe your writing style?
Answer: I strive for realism in every book. There are no “super heroes” dodging a hail of bullets without getting hit while knocking off bad guys by the dozens with a single shot weapon. Everything that happens in my novels can actually happen in everyday life. In as much as is possible, I also refrain from using profanity, (except in the case of someone being under stress or in an excitable situation). Lately, for a reason I can’t comprehend, I’ve noticed many authors tend to overuse this type of language. (I must admit that in my first novel, “Signs of Our Times”, I did much the same, but since then, I’ve realized that type of language adds very little to the plot of a good tale, and may offend my readers – something I do not wish to do).
Q. When did you start writing?
A. Nine years ago. I’ve always loved to write, and created several short stories for fun. But I never got serious about the art until I turned 65. I would have begun writing sooner, but thought I couldn’t write dialogue. Now I find it’s easy – I just put myself in the situation of the person I am writing about and say what I think they would. It works; and to my amazement, many of my readers consider the dialogue I use as one of the best features of my novels. Go figure!
Q. Where do you get your inspiration?
A. Strange as it may seem, from dreams most of the time. I’m a borderline insomniac and don’t sleep much, but when I do, my mind runs wild. A wise man once told me; “If inspiration strikes early in the morning; get out of bed and begin typing, or by the time sunrise arrives, you will have lost those thoughts.” His message was true.
Q. Can you give me an example?
A. In my first book, I woke up with the thought of a man lying on a hillside waiting to assassinate someone – who or why, I didn’t have a clue. But, I got out of bed and started pounding the computer keys. At the end of that session, I had determined the victim was a young college girl named Katie who was driving a car. Then, at the last minute, my mind said, “One of Katie’s passengers is a chimpanzee.” I shook my head, but still put that thought down on paper. Later, I realized that without that line, the entire book wouldn’t have gone anywhere.
Why? (You’ll have to purchase the book to discover the answer!)
Q. Have you earned any awards from your writing?
A. Last year I joined the Military Writers’ Association of America. In December of 2009, I was selected as “Author of the Month” for my second novel, “The Nearly Perfect Plan”. I was also selected to address a gathering of veterans on Veteran’s Day in Houston, TX. Several reviews of my novels can be found in the Reviews Section of this website.
Q. Say you do have one or two best sellers on your hands, or one of them gets picked up and made into a movie. What will you do with the profits?
A. As you might have noticed in my first book, “Signs of Our Times”, I and my wife, Carol, are both retired Master Sergeants. Early on, we decided to donate most of the proceeds from that novel to The Wounded Warrior Project – A transition program to assist our brave servicemen and women who have lost limbs in Iraq or Afghanistan.
In March of 2008, we sponsored a bike ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi for fifteen of these brave men and at the end of the ride we presented them with a check for $5,000. There were many tears of happiness shared with these wounded warriors. It made the long hours of sitting in BXs throughout Texas and Starbucks coffee shops for book signings all worthwhile. We continue to donate $2.00 for each book sold to this worthy organization.
If we are lucky enough to have one or more of my novels made into movies, half the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Our brave troops deserve much more than lip service. God bless them!
Q. Where can your readers learn more about this program?
A. Go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org to view their website and several videos available there. Have a large box of tissues on hand. You will shed some tears.
Q. Any future plans for publicizing your books?
A. In 2009, I was selected by Princess Cruise Lines to lecture on writing and hold book signings on several cruises. By the end of the year, we had done four cruises and many lectures/book signings. This has helped spread the word about my novels throughout the globe. I am happy to report my novels were received with great reviews, and my website continues to receive “hits” from all over the world.
Q. Where can readers purchase your books?
A. They can order a signed first edition of any of my seven published novels directly from the author.
Be sure to include which novel(s) you want, the name of the person you’d like each book signed to, and any personal message(s) you wish the author to add. I guarantee you will enjoy the plots and unexpected conclusions of each.
Order one of these books directly from the author and receive a signed first edition. Click here for a secure shopping experience with PayPal.
