What has inspired you to become a writer? 

I used to write many little stories as a teenager and have always been told I had a vivid imagination. I began in film school writing screenplays and realized that writing novels did not require big Hollywood budgets to see your thoughts come to life. That is when I began writing books instead.

Is there anyone in particular that you would attribute to having played a role in your success?

I can only say that I am successful because of the people around me. My writing would never be possible if not for the support of my wife and my family. They re-arranged their lives to facilitate my writing times. My friends are extremely encouraging and have blessed me with their honesty and enthusiasm.

What type of writing do you enjoy the most? 

I am actually a huge fan of history and historical fiction. Many times I have tried to sit down and write a historical, but too many facts on history seem to limit my ability to dream up stuff. Since I like to dream big, I would say that Science Fiction is my favorite genre, because I feel empowered to create any world I wish.

Do you have a style that resembles any famous writers? If so who.

There are two writers that I must say have truly influenced my style. Whether my writing resembles their styles is another matter.  Lol.  I have been recently influenced by D.J. Mac Hale who pens his stories in the first person. He is the author of the Pendragon Adventures.  Another author I have admired for years is Timothy Zahn. He is the author of several Science Fiction novels as well as the acclaimed Star Wars Expanded Universe novels.

What are the names of any books, articles, short stories or poems that you have in print or coming up to be published?

I have written an ebook on magic, Dirty Little Secrets of Magic.  My first print book will be Center Moon: Stone of Cordova coming this October. In June my second young adult novel arrives, Warlocks of the Revolution. Both are published by Wings ePress and available in paperback.

Do you belong to any writer's forums or workshops? If so which ones and do you feel they have been helpful. Please give some details as to why or why not.

I currently belong to a few author groups online. I was a member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators for about a year, but did not think it was worth continuing. I find that I learn quite a bit about improving my craft in the online groups. The writers always seem so willing to share ideas and comments that I have learned much more than any seminar I have been to.

What are your writing goals?

I am currently finishing the third novel in the Center Moon Trilogy. I am hoping to create a few more worlds and develop them to my liking.  Lol  I usually wait for a story to jump out at me so I can write it. With Center Moon, the trilogy was in my head waiting to come out. I can only write what I am meant to. So I hopefully I will have something pop into my brain once the trilogy is completed and polished.

Where do you think you will be in one year, five years or 10 years?

The future is tough to predict. I am praying that I can have the opportunity to write full time. There is not a better dream in the world for me. I close my eyes often trying to answer this same question.

Where do you get your writing ideas and inspiration?

I love astronomy and all things related to history. Every project that comes into my mind is usually some blending of the two. My inspiration comes from my reading addiction as well as my enjoyment in sharing stories with my students and my son.

What do you find to be the most difficult part of writing? For instance, character development, scene setting, plot etc.

I would have to say that character development is the most difficult for me. Since I have a screen writing background, I tend to focus more settings and plots. In screen plays characters usually come from actors who bring your ideas to life. Now that I am creating stories that do not require living people, I find my biggest challenge in building living characters.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I never went into writing with a goal to become rich and famous. The only thing I would say is devise a schedule and write everyday. You just need to write to the best of your ability. I think if you write what is in your heart and have an opportunity to share your work with anyone, you are successful.

Would you like some advice from other writers and if so on what area?

I would love to tap as many brains as possible. I would take advice from someone as green as myself to a seasoned writer. I feel I have so much to learn about my craft. The area I would ask the most questions would be about character development. There are many master writers out there that I feel I could learn from.