Please
start by telling us a little about yourself, including things like education,
jobs, spouse, children, pets, etc.
I just turned 45 and have lived in MI, KY, VA, and
TN. I’ve lived the majority of my life in Michigan, though; I’m a Wolverine
through and through. As a junior in college at the University of Michigan, I
was in an auto accident which left me on death’s doorstep, sure to die from a
Traumatic Brain Injury. Doctors told my parents I’d die, and there was nothing
more they could do. Then, two weeks into my month-long coma, I was taken off of
life support, finally. Docs warned that I’d be a vegetable “IFFFF” I ever
regained consciousness. Well, I had to relearn to walk, talk, everything. I
returned to college and graduated w/my B.A., then went to grad school and
earned my M.A. (Central Michigan University). As a former sportswriter and
college English professor, I’ve dabbled in jobs but never settled on a career.
So, as of late-2011, Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying . . . Those was published
by Modern History Press. Today, I’m going the Indie route, and working on a few
different projects. My first, Violent Vows: A Newlywed’s Nightmare, should be
out before this summer; it’s inspired by actual events.
Tell
us about your latest book and what inspired you to write it.
Padman, my first release, is an inspirational
comedy, 100% true. The collection of short stories is both hilarious and
tear-jerking.
Which
authors have been the greatest inspiration to your writing?
My personal favorite, cheesy moment, The
Bard—William Shakespeare. Modern day, I love John Feinstein.
Do
you outline before you write or just dive head-first into a manuscript? Do you
maintain a schedule for writing, or is it more haphazard?
I try to outline, but usually I begin ad libbing and
go way off the course. I find it nicer to have an outline to keep me on a
semi-course.
Where
do you do your best writing? (Ex: desk in your office, public library, under a
tree in the park, in front of a Real Housewives TV marathon, etc.) Do you like
music or some other background noise, or do you need quiet?
Actually, I hate the silence. I do my best writing
at my coffee shop—McDonalds. There are McDonalds on every corner, basically.
Therefore, it’s not uncommon for me to pop in and spend four hours or so off in
the corner, writing.
What
are the best and worst parts of writing a book?
The best part of writing a book is seeing the
finished product because all my hard work is evident. The worst part of writing
a book is seeing the finished product because it’s time to start another.
When
you're driving and you have a sudden, brilliant idea for the new manuscript
you're working on, what do you do? (Ex: pull over and fire up the laptop, keep
driving while scribbling on a McDonald's bag, tell Siri, etc.)
O man, that’s an awesome question because there have
been many times that I had a brilliant idea. (Those happen a LOT, but I have no
proof so no one believes me. DANGIT! Haha) I try to record them in my phone so
I have them for later. But, “many times,” I forget or can’t do it.
When
you go to the zoo, which animals do you visit first?
I haven’t been to the zoo in a long time. However,
the monkeys are hilarious. Which would I bypass…snakes.. I HATE snakes. I’m not
ashamed to admit…I’ll run.
Do
you prefer to read ebooks or print?
I like the feel of turning pages. I realize they’re
taking over, but I’m just not into ebooks. To each his or her own, though.
What
do you enjoy doing, apart from writing?
I love sports and country music, TX country,
specifically. If I could have Fox Sports, the 4-Letter Network, and Country
Music Videos, I’d be set. As far as out and about, I love hanging w/friends,
movies, and dinner.
Do
you have any advice for people who want to write a book?
Whatever you expect, whether it’s fame, fortune, or
notoriety, WASH THAT FROM YOUR BRAIN. Odds are, it’s going to take time and
work, with little notoriety. IF you’re a hopeful person who believes in your
dreams and isn’t afraid to work for it, then this writing gig is for you.
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