Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In my early 20’s I went to college, earned an Associates in Psychology. I held many jobs throughout my life, some odd, some ordinary, but never quite found the right one. Over my lifetime I’ve raised my kids to adulthood, gotten married, and divorced, several times, bought a house and eventually settled down to live the life I’ve always wanted, as the ringleader in a madhouse of anarchy. I now write books, take in human strays in need of help, travel, and pretty much do whatever I want, and I’m quite happy about it.
I became an author in 2015 with my first book, a memoir about my life until my early 20’s. Since that time I have published 8 books, 2 memoirs from my Okay, Picture this… series, It’ll Feel Better when it Quits Hurting and Wine Comes in Six-Packs, a cookbook for people who hate to cook, I’d rather Starve than Cook!, 4 adult optical illusion coloring books, Visual Vertigo vol 1 – 4, and a political satire, If I were Dictator: a tongue-in-cheek guide to saving our democracy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book came out on April Fool’s Day 2018, a political satire, If I were Dictator: a tongue-in-cheek guide to saving our democracy.
Challenging the situation normal, all f**cked up narrative, I encourage readers to find their common ground. By stripping away the dividing labels we’ve been given, most people can agree on most things. We all want quality education for our children, good roads to drive on, safe water and food, accessible medicine and healthcare, clean cities, upward mobility, and a secure life for ourselves and our family. If I were Dictator takes away the Us vs. Them in these agreed upon needs of our country and presents a blueprint to begin doing just that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of, but authors are a solitary bunch when writing so I have no idea how others gather their thoughts and begin to write. So… who knows, I may be weird but I’ll probably never know.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read thousands of books in my lifetime, and I think a little of everything we read sticks with us, one way or another. I have my own unique writing style that works for me but I can’t say that here and there you won’t find a dash of someone who’s imprinted on me over the years.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the 3rd book of my memoirs from my Okay, Picture this… series, Good Friends bring Shovels. With luck, the book will be out spring of 2019. If life interferes, it may come out later than I hope, but if you visit my website I always keep my readers up to date with what is going on with my books, my current projects and my misadventures in living.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll let you know when I figure that out. So far, I have not found the golden ticket to fame and fortune. Nor have I even found the bronze ticket, but if I ever stumble across the perfect way to get out above the din of a million other authors vying for your attention I won’t keep it a secret.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is hard, marketing & promoting your book after you’ve published it is even harder. As a matter of fact, becoming a writer means large chunks of your time will be eaten by the thousands of distractions you’ll need to engage in if you’re going to be noticed by anyone that will have absolutely nothing to do with the actual writing of your book. It can be stressful, frustrating, and at times, make you feel very insignificant as you pursue your dreams of becoming a paid author. But, if you believe in what you have written and truly feel your words are worth the effort, then nothing should stop you from chasing your dreams. It will be hard, I won’t lie, but it can also be rewarding, and in ways you may never have thought of before you put pen to paper.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’ll feel better when it quits hurting. Nothing lasts forever, all things are temporary and can be overcome if given enough time. We just need to last long enough to make through to the other side.
What are you reading now?
The Game of Throne series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
For about a year now I have been considering taking all the knowledge I’ve gained from the last few years as an Indie and opening a small hybrid publishing house specifically for Indie authors. To let you in on a not so secret, being an Indie is a lot like being the unwanted stepchild of the publishing world. Yet, there are amazing Indies out there who don’t fit into the narrow guidelines of traditional publishing houses and languish in obscurity because of it. I would like to try and change that. So, with any luck within the next year, I am hoping to have this project go from concept to reality.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is. I love many authors, from multiple genres and I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one.
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