What has been your most rewarding moment as an author?

The first time a beta reader read a draft of my novel and told me they loved it! Amazing feeling to have someone tell you they liked your story and the characters you have developed.

How do you find your ideas for a book?

For me, ideas for a book are triggered from current geo-political events and embellished with research and my own personal experience. I’m naturally curious and wide-ranging in my interests. I may not know a lot, but I know a little about a lot of things.

What kind of books do you read and how often do you read?

I usually have three to four books on my reading table or in my Kindle, ready to be picked up and read. I’ll go through two to three books a month. However, when I’m heavy into my own writing, I tend to not read many books. I find it easier to keep my own work flowing if I’m not adding too many other stories into my brain.

What genres appeal to you as an author?

I love commercial fiction, science fiction and historical novels. I’ve been a fan of these genres for years and have always loved good versus evil and the everyday man or woman who becomes the hero. It’s a timeless storyline that is rich in variety and characters.

Who is your favorite author and why?

My favorite author is like high school romances: every year it may change. I’ve always loved James Michener and David McCullough’s books. I met David McCullough in Austria just before John Adams was released. I’m really impressed by both the author’s ability to build a story and weave historical events with fictional conversations between characters. I become engrossed in those books. These days, I find myself always willing to pick up Michael Connelly, John Sandford, Lee Child, C.J. Box, Jeffrey Archer, Daniel Silva and Brandon Sanderson. I like well-developed characters that have a new challenge with each book in a series.

Does the idea of writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?

Writing captures my mind and demands my focus. It’s energizing to me to put together a character, a chapter and eventually a story. That being said, it’s easy to write for too long before a break. I find it good to get up and move every few pages.

AWARDS:
Honorable Mention Fiction Short Story: Buried in a Cotton Field, San Gabriel Writers League Fall 2023 Writing Contest