Written Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
I’m a single dad originally from Cleveland, Ohio who now resides in Southern California. Outside of writing, I have a full-time career that I’ve had for about 16 years. If I’m not spending time with my son or amazing girlfriend, I do things for my own personal sanity. I workout regularly and walk and read for an hour. I used to read a lot of leadership and self-help books. I’ve been reading comic books regularly for the last few years. My day typically starts at 3:30 a.m. with a workout followed by 10 hours at work. Then I drive an hour home and take my son, who is a Muay Thai fighter, to the gym to train. I also love to dance salsa and bachata. My days are full but worth every moment.
What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
The book of Job is my favorite book in the Bible. I always felt that it was a great foundation for a superhero story. I used to play with my action figures when I was little and had my own stories with them. At one point, I decided to write them down. I had to be about 10 years old. From then on, I’ve been writing in some form ever sense.
How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
Some of my characters were created when I was younger. More than a few are spontaneous. I’ve been fortunate enough to have interactions with many people that have opened my eyes to different perspectives. Many of those interactions have stayed with me and play out in my stories at times. There are some who are meticulously planned, especially when I have greater intentions for them.
What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
I’ve been reading Captain America comics for the last few years. Outside of comics, my favorite book is a Christian book title Way of the Warrior by Erwin Raphael McManus. His insight has been transformative and it’s one of the only books I’ve read multiple times.
What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
The most difficult thing is writing when I don’t have the urge. It’s important to keep on writing because it can be fixed in the editing process. It’s tough because it feels like I am short-changing the process but I know it is important to keep writing no matter what.
What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
I get up and write first thing in the morning on my days off. I have my initial outline of the story and stick to it as I’m going. It lets me know how far I have to go before I’m done. The outline is a living document and there are always new additions as a result of what I wrote for the day. It takes a while but the consistency helps me complete the story. Otherwise, I would still be hoping to finish the first novel.
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
In the rough draft for my first novel, I had a guy do something truly despicable to one of the main characters. She had been through a lot by that point. It was meant to show her toughness in a way. As I thought more about it, it was excessive and I felt embarrassed by it. I know you don’t judge but it’s still hard to comprehend that I wrote it.
What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
The editing process. The editing process is a necessary evil but it makes everything seem never-ending. I start to get new ideas and continually find spots to extend or shorten. Sometimes I simply want to be done. Editing is a matter of discipline and I’m grateful that I’m focusing on it more for my second book.
What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
Success is all in the eye of the beholder. I’ve sold a very small number of books yet I still feel successful. My book, Slaying Paradise, has won two awards and is on a recommended reading list. It has been critically well received, minus one bad review. I hope my book reaches people. I tell myself that it is God’s story and not mine. I pray that it reaches the people he wants it to reach. I’m trying to be obedient to that voice inside my soul. Hopefully everything will pan out the way it is supposed to. I already have a career. Once I retire, I hope that I can focus on writing more stories and live comfortably.
Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
Check out my Legend of The Iron Warrior series. My intention was to always write stories about myself and transition them into a fictional world. Volume 1 is, in spirit, volume 3. I took the Star Wars route and started in the middle. Maybe, someday, I’ll go back to the first two, which were titled The Ghost Who Walks and Crossroads, and release them. By the time this series is done, my journey will be complete for everyone to see.
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