Tell us about yourself.:
I was born in Florida, growing up as a Navy Brat. My families travels ended in Albuquerque, NM, in 1971. I’m still living in the Land of Enchantment enjoying the local cuisine and wide variety of wilderness available here. I consider myself a native and have no plans or desire to move anywhere else.
My dog, Crock, is a husky Basset/Dachshund mix. I call him my whack-a-do. He is very stubborn with a big heart. As far as training goes we’ve come to an understanding we both are happy with. But Crock is a great dog and my best friend, after my wife of course.
I enjoy my time with my wife, children, and Crock. When I am not camping or writing, I enjoy playing board games in the evenings with my wife and daughter. Every few weeks, I play Dungeons and Dragons with my son, younger brother, and friends. When the extended family gets together we make delicious food, play cards, enjoying each other’s company and catch up with our busy lives.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Land of Enchantment influenced my writing by being the state most of my camping experiences come from. I fell into a great Boy Scout Troop when younger, and it continued on with my son and I when he joined. We had a blast camping all over New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start around nine in the morning and write until lunch. After lunch, I write until three or four in the afternoon, with at least two breaks in between taking a short five to fifteen-minute walk to refresh and renew my perspective. I use a very rough outline when starting a new book, keeping me on track. On the desk next to me is water, sometimes coffee, and a snack to eat. Keeping me at the computer longer, researching, writing, and finally editing.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Land of Enchantment influenced my writing by being the state most of my camping experiences come from. I fell into a great Boy Scout Troop when younger, and it continued on with my son and I when he joined. We had a blast camping all over New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give to new writers is to schedule dedicated time for writing. Let the ideas flow without editing. You can go back and edit later, which is where the book really comes together. Learn from your mistakes and never ever stop the quest to improve your writing. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”- Henry Ford
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If it's to be, it's up to me. I heard this many years ago, and it’s always stuck with me. The next best advice is the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
I've been given so much advice in my life it's tricky to pick out the best. I'll write my own advice I repeat to myself everyday. You can do it and today is a good to have a good day.
What are you reading now?
I am reading two books right now. One is nonfiction, Unbroken Brain by Maia Szalavitz, which keeps me thinking and learning how to write nonfiction. One is fiction, The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin, book 1 of a three-book series. This book inspires my imagination. Both are fantastic.
What’s your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness by far is procrastination. I can rationalize putting things off until tomorrow and not even know I did. My brain is wired to blow things off. To combat the procrastination I have a schedule with dedicated work hours and time carved out for house chores. Complete with a task list and honey-do's.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Any fiction book by Issac Asimov is my favorite. He is by far my favorite author. Next would be JRR Tolkien and any of his books. They both include the imagination to make their books come alive and their writing styles are smooth reading.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
In my free time, I write adventures for the Dungeons and Dragons group I'm in. I've had many cooking jobs and learned quite a bit. Now I share my cooking skills with others. At night when I'm relaxing on the couch, I share popcorn with my dog Crock and enjoy some ice cream before going to bed. Sometimes I'll play board games with my wife and daughter, to get a break from the TV.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I remember reading was a Hardy Boys book. This had the impact of being the first book I read all the way through. I remember a sense of accomplishment and gaining the interest in reading more.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
Maia Szalavitz who wrote Unbroken Brain. Her attention to detail and unrelenting style of writing inspired me to always do more research and provide my readers with comprehensive information. I picked up her book to do research on addiction, and was drawn in by her writing and format of information.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m focused on marketing the two books I’ve published. I’m on social media, Facebook, and Instagram, also involved with book promos.
I’m in the process of researching and getting my outline in order for my next book. Which is about campers you can pull behind your vehicle or drive to go camping in. Including Travel Trailers, Pop-Ups, Vans, and RV’s. Vehicles for pulling those trailers, including motorcycles. With types of trucks used for pulling the heavy trailers and fifth wheels. This book will be out early next year.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I am a new writer with absolutely no following. I'm trying all of the ideas I can get my hands on. I started with word of mouth to family and friends, book promos, and social media. Following up, I’m planning giveaways for free audiobooks as soon as possible on my Facebook fan page, Campground Hound.
What’s next for you as a writer?
In the future I'd like to publish a fiction book. It's a labor of love right now with a lot of trial and error. My time constraints right now are hindering my production. When I get my next Campground Hound book published I'll devote more of my time to writing fiction.
How well do you work under pressure?
Jerry B. Jenkins says, keep your deadlines sacred. I didn't do very well being a new writer with the first book. Writing the second book I met my goal after gaining a benchmark with the first book. Keeping my deadline was a challenge and required working longer some days. I do my own editing and proofreading adding more time to finish a book. Luckily I can write most of the day with just few breaks. And when I edit I get lost in the book with longer working hours.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
The tone I have for my nonfiction books is to give solutions to the problems my readers have. I accomplish this by laying out, in the simplest form, process steps to follow. Those steps I used in my first book ring true for both of my books, which ever style of camping you do.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Never stop educating yourself. Learn something new every day. Whether it’s simple or complex, use your brain and let it flex.
M. E. Nash’s Author Websites and Profiles
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