Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. I am from Louisville, KY and now live in Virginia Beach, VA with my wife and four children. Most of my children are adults now and one still in high school. I’m a veteran of thr US military and work full time as an IT professional contractor with the US military. D&D, dark fantasy, horror movies, and odd history are things I enjoy.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Shadows of the Past”?
A2. I write my books with pen and paper, so one challenge is when I begin to type them out I have to decipher my own handwriting. Also, I tend to have a lot of ideas for the next book while writing and have to refocus myself on the current book.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Edgar Allan Poe, Topher Metcalf, and Stephen King
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Louisville, KY. It is home and no matter how far I traveledor how long I have been gone, my foundation is always there. A specialspot in Louisvilleis Zachary Taylor cemetery. I grew up playing in the cemetery and had a lot of supernatural experiences there.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Shadows of the Past’?
A5. I was actually working on a D&D based novel and was stuck at one point. The idea of Damien came to me as I sort of see myself, not a demon slayer, but with inner demons to battle.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Shadows of the Past’?
A6. From pen to paper and typed out it was about ten months. Hopefully book two is quicker.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and it is coming to Target and Apple. It should be available world wide on mist platforms soon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Shadows of the Past’?
A8. I wanted something simple and defining of the book. I came up with a basic idea and my editor, Em , helped with some ideas also. We had three ideas and I asked my familyand close friends to tell me thier favorite, which matched my favorite, so Damien with hos back to us made Sadows of the Past feel like it was behind him.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I do whatever I can took keep the story moving and introduce new characters and leave small openings for the characters to reveal more about themselves as I go.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. My friend and mentor, Chris M., told me my opening paragraph sucked the first time he read my writing. He explained the old used up, it was a dark amd stormy night, type of writing was not what people wanted anymore. Make that opening paint a picture of the story not just the scene. I have taken that to heart and appreciate his bluntness very much.
Buy Shadows of the Past on Amazon
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