Tell us about yourself.:
I have authored both fiction and nonfiction books in a variety of genres, from true crime to romance. As a freelance writer, I often collaborate with people to help them write and publish their biographies, memoirs, or to tell of a particularly compelling personal experience.
I studied filmmaking / screenwriting at Columbia College – Hollywood. I earned an A.S. (Mortuary Science) from Mount Ida College and a B.A. (English) from the University of Rhode Island.
I live in Lincoln, RI with my wife and son.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I'm a New Englander, raised in Rhode Island. I read a ton growing up. Being the late 1970’s and early 80’s, horror was king, and Stephen King was Overlord. So, one of his books was never far from me. I liked the horror masters, Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, but I also read many other contemporary authors of fright and the macabre, such as Clive Barker, Dean Koontz, Joe R. Lonsdale, Ramsey Campbell and Robert McCammon, to name a few. I still read a lot today, perhaps not as much, but certainly from a much more diversified field of writers, hence my penchant for writing across genres.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do prefer the night, the later the better. I feel I am at my most creative in the evening, and late at night. When everything is quiet and the day is done, I can focus better on a creative project. The daytime hours I usually spend doing promotional work and research, as well as reading.
What authors have influenced you?
I'm a New Englander, raised in Rhode Island. I read a ton growing up. Being the late 1970’s and early 80’s, horror was king, and Stephen King was Overlord. So, one of his books was never far from me. I liked the horror masters, Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, but I also read many other contemporary authors of fright and the macabre, such as Clive Barker, Dean Koontz, Joe R. Lonsdale, Ramsey Campbell and Robert McCammon, to name a few. I still read a lot today, perhaps not as much, but certainly from a much more diversified field of writers, hence my penchant for writing across genres.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If writing is something you really enjoy, don’t let anything stop you, no matter how little time you have to devote to it. Always write for you first, write what interests you, and the readers who find you will be lucky they did.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
It may be cliched, but so true: Write what you know. I've always adhered to that credo, and as I learn more, I am able to write more. That holds true for all writers.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a couple of books right now, one is a middle grade novel and the other is a sports book. With the recent passing of baseball legend, Hank Aaron, I picked up a biography on Hammering Hank. I alternate between chapters of that book and a middle grade adventure, titled “Took: A Ghost Story” by Mary Downing Hahn.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Pecan pie. Nothing comes close.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is one of my favorite books, and one of the few that I have read more than once. Why I like this book so much is because of the perspective the author offers the reader in the telling of this story. Capote does not sensationalize the crimes or make the murderers out to be rock stars. It is an approach that works on so many levels, and you see the approach emulated in true crime books today, but never surpassed by Capote’s signature work.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I have always loved baseball, and played in summer adult leagues for many years. When I had my son, I taught him the game and helped coach his various teams. It was this experience that inspired me to write new book, THE GOBLIN PITCHER. We watch a lot of professional baseball, but nothing compares to practicing and playing the game, which offers many life lessons and is a great way for a father and son to bond.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
It must have have been 1st or 2nd grade when I first read the children's classic, Where the Wild Things Are. I don't know if that book influenced my love – and fear – of scary book, horror novels and movies, but it certainly hit a nerve with me. And now all these years later, I have written my own children's book that has a spooky quality of its own.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
As evidenced from my list of books, there are numerous genres represented, both fiction and nonfiction. I really enjoy the challenge of writing in a genre that is new to me. It keeps me feeling fresh and eager to learn different styles of writing and approaches to a topic or subject matter. This also ensures that I continue reading, because you have to read in the genre you are writing. That being said, as far as inspiration, I think that curiosity is what continues to drive me to pursue writing projects of one kind or another.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a middle grade book series involving the secret realm of cryptids and how they are being contained by a global agency.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I really enjoy doing book talks and store signings. While this is something that has to be put on hold for a while, I look forward to the time when I can meet and interact with readers again. The virtual events are just not the same.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue writing fiction for young people, and I am anxious to collaborate on some future nonfiction book opportunities as they present themselves.
How well do you work under pressure?
I work best with deadline. It sounds strange, but I tend to focus more when I am "under the gun" so to speak. It makes you sharp, thinking on your feet this way.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
That's a great question. And a book's tone is something that I generally decide early on, and stick with because to change it during the course of the book changes the book that originally drew you to the project in the first place. For me, they inspiration for a story line and tone occur simultaneously, and cannot be separated, lest you want to write a different story.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
With advancing technology providing instant access to so much of our entertainment, it’s great to know that there are still some people who prefer some quiet time with a good book and a cup of coffee or tea. As long as they are out there, I will be doing what I love to do. And I hank you.
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