What is your writing process like?
I try to knock out 500 to 2000 words a day with little or no editing. Next day might edit previous days entry before going on to another 500 to 2000 words a day.
How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?
They just come to me ... probably with inspiration from movies. A plot line will often come to me after seeing a movie I liked. The characters develop as the plot is smoothed out, but they become the focal point ... characters are the most important element.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
Not being able to come up with anything for a few days. Best remedy for me is to just relax and let things go until inspiration kicks in again.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
I look for useful information that I can learn from. Other than that, they don't affect me much.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
Sticking to the process. It's easy to get lazy and suddenly days go by with no production. Again, I don't worry too much ... just relax and wait for inspiration to return.
How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
Well, I've been writing most of my life, but much of my adult life was in marketing, writing stuff I had no real attachment to. It wasn't until I retired that I began to write for myself.
What advice would you give writers working on their first book?
Just plow ahead ... don't spend too much editing and reviewing, there is time for that after the bulk of the work is done ... just push through until you get 'er done.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
As I said earlier, plot and characters are usually inspired by some movie I've liked ... the basic idea will morph into something that is original to me.
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
I have two published books and a third that is close to being finished. What is my favorite? That is like asking a parent who is there favorite child.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
The ending ... always the ending. It is hard for me to wrap things up.
What inspired the idea for your book?
Movies I've liked ... Headwind was inspired by "Midnight Run" ... my latest was inspired by "Out of the Past."
What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
As I mentioned earlier, the ending scenes ... just hard to get closure.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Just peace and quiet.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Mark Twain.
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
I have never Googled myself.