Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Dear readers. First and foremost, I want to say I treasure you all wherever you are. Readers like you are special: Lofty intelligence, voracious appetite for interesting stories, and articulate.
I live in Northern Colorado, USA. In a small town north of Denver. I just recently retired from career counseling as an executive recruiter, (headhunter) for large companies needing senior executives. Texas was my birthplace. Growing up in a military family, I’ve moved around from many states, to London to the Philippines. Being an outdoor type, Colorado offers everything I want: beautiful mountains, lakes and streams, for hiking, biking and fishing. I play pickleball, and play golf when not snow skiing in the winter. I’m a good cook, especially Mexican food. But writing fills most of my time these days.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Natalie’s Way”?
A2. I had just finished and published my debut novel BLOODLINE RUN which was a six-year endeavor. Without any experience in writing, I had to learn on the fly with that first book. Beginning NATALIE’S WAY I assumed I had learned so much with the first book, I assumed NW would be easier. Maybe I had figured out so many of the basics like the tools to use, I had studied the 3 Act structure and other craft basics. My own writing voice (especially narrative) was becoming easier to lay down. But the structure, the architecture of the plotline needed help. That was the biggest issue. With a development editor’s advice, I completely rearranged chapters, plot reveals, backstory, and character arc into a finished plotline. A big deviation from the first book.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Cormac McCarthy mesmerized me with every one of his books. Then Falukner, Dennis LeHane, Stephen King, Patricia Highsmith, Dean Koontz, Patricia Highsmith, Margaret Atwood, Michael Connelly, Sarah Pinborough, and newer writers like Gillian Flynn, and Kelly Braffet.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Colorado spots: Vail, Steamboat, Telluride. And towns along the Gulf Coast to Florida.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Natalie’s Way’?
A5. The MC in Natalie’s way was a character in BLOODLINE RUN. I had so much fun writing her then that it was easy to craft a story around her for the 2nd novel. There will be a follow up to Natalie’s Way after the book I have in development now.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Natalie’s Way’?
A6. About two and a half years.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Currently only the Amazon platforms.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Natalie’s Way’?
A8. The cover and title are hard for me. BLOODLINE was my creation. Maybe not the best to sell the book. I have design ability and the application to create it. But it’s like why a lawyer doesn’t defend himself in a lawsuit. You need someone at arms length to look at it as a reader. And it’s what they do day in and day out. They constantly watch the market and know what’s trending and how to design the market. Not something I’ve fallen in love with. So I went to a professional group for NATALIE—DAMONZA. Great group.
Titles might even be harder. What to say in three words, that hasn’t already been taken. I’ve made the mistake of settling on a title too soon. Big mistake b/c I might change my mind later after I’ve mentioned the first title in promos. As I write the story there are always bits of narrative or dialogue that makes for a good title. From now on, I’ll wait until the final stages of the writing to finalize a cover and title.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. If I find that I’m in a scene and it’s hard to write. I stop and walk away. B/c I’m not writing creatively. All I’m doing is laying down ink. If I’m getting bored, then I know for sure the reader will feel the same. Generally, I will go back and start over with a fresh approach to keeping the story moving with something new in that scene. I quickly read the last couple chapters (my chapters are short) and familiarize myself with the story from high above, like I’m a reader. It generally energizes me to replace an exposition heavy narrative, with action. Or find that I’ve been telling instead of showing. This always works!
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. There are a few worth mentioning: ‘Write Without Fear, Edit Without Mercy’; Write every day; read, read, read. Somewhat quoting Stephen King: “Writers are Readers.”
Buy Natalie’s Way on Amazon
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