What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
My most recent book is THE MISBIRTH.
It starts with two high school seniors being forced into a blind date. They attend the dance. However, at intermission, they cut out. The couple ends up on ‘Lovers Lane’, drunk, and pregnant. The mores of 50’s Americana mandate they drop out of school, marry, and raise the baby girl they conceived. The guy already has deeply embedded mental issues. A lousy marriage ignites inner rage that results in him sexually violating the then eleven-year-old daughter. She’s pregnant! Wife finds out! Now, scared to death of her ‘husband’, she arranges to ‘remedy’ the situation. However, doctor induces birth and presents the baby boy to his infertile wife. They raise him as their own. At sixteen, he receives an athletic scholarship to a prestigious prep school. One of the inducements is a personal tutor to help him prep for the SATs. That twenty-seven-year-old post-grad also happens to be the eleven year old little girl so violated sixteen years earlier.
Tell us something about yourself.
About myself? I spent my younger years in a very wealthy town with a family that had no money. Need I say more?
What inspired you to write this book?
Money! Half way through my first book, Beltway Justice: A Tale of Political Civility, I was informed by the ‘Powers to Be’ that political satire wouldn’t sell. They were right!
How did you celebrate when you finished writing the book? When was it published?
THE MISBIRTH was published in May of 2018. How did I celebrate when the book was finished? I imbibed in a cocktail. Actually, more than one. But, please, don’t tell anyone.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
How did I get started? By starting to write! Some are born with a knack for math and science. Others for music and the arts. Some can skate or toss a football. Me? Not to sound conceited, but writing has always come quite easily.
Are you a pantser or a plotter? (i.e. Do you outline and plan your story or do you just sit down and write?)
Great question! No doubt, a plotter. In fact, I have 69% written before I sit down and misspell words! Never passed a high school class.
Do you have a daily or weekly writing schedule, or do you write only when you are inspired? How many words or pages do you complete in a typical day?
Typical day? I’ve never experienced one. But, to answer your question, I walk about the house verbally exchanging dialogue with any given character in any given chapter. At first, this routine used to freak Cynthia (my wife) and daughters (Ashley and Kimberly). Now, once they throw me out of the house, I walk the street imitating Hamlet’s soliloquy (neighbors with fingers ready to press 911).
How many drafts did you write before publishing your most recent book?
More Buds than I want Cindy to know about.
What software do you use to write? Or do you prefer to write longhand or dictate your work? What made you choose the method that you use?
Another great question! I wrote my first book, Beltway Justice in longhand. Swore to Karen (Legal Zoom copyright attorney) that it would always be longhand. I lied. Took a C.E. in computers. Will never venture back into the 20th Century (you have my WORD).”
If you were to it all over again, what would you differently?
Absolutely everything. But then again, I’m only human.
Do you read reviews?
Never.
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
Writing? Stand up and walk away when you know you’re not on your game. Publishing? Never forget, it only takes one ‘yes’ to nullify all the ‘I pass.’
Do you have any friends who are writers? How do you help each other become better writers?
When legit writers socialize, the last thing they talk about is writing.
Who is the perfect reader for your book? (Please do not say “everyone” ;o) )
Anyone into a fast-paced and provocatively entertaining read.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
