WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
About ten years ago. I got a story in my head and I knew I had to tell it.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
An illustrator or Darth Vader. They seemed pretty comparable then. I chose Darth Vader after high school, but then the prequels happened and well, here I am.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
Missing was originally written as a Christmas gift for my nineteen nieces and nephews as a way for me to be in their lives without geographically being there.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
"Now is the time to change your tomorrow." I chose that line because it has taken me years of work and personal growth to finally be able to live in the moment. Living in the future is a waste of the present and will usually lead to a much dimmer reality when that future finally arrives. Focusing my energy on whatever is immediately in front of me has allowed me to live a richer and more rewarding life. I mean, I won an award. Something's working, right?
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
He's a surprise for the reader, so I cannot say here. But if you read the book, you'll know when you meet him.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK? Many things, but mostly I hope Crime Cats books help readers develop a sense of empathy. The world is in dire need of it.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
I meet a lot of readers who are convinced I am a werewolf. I am blessed with a very astute readership.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
John Bellairs. His Lewis Barnavelt series left a deep impression on me. It's a shame his books aren't more widely read.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The ChocolateWar by Robert Cormier.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Beginning and finishing three novels.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WRITING RITUALS?
I'm superstitious about many things (Lycanthropy, remember), but writing isn't one of them.
HOW DID YOU GET PUBLISHED? I self-publish. Agents hate werewolves.
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
Pizza. It's always pizza.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Beginning isn't enough. Only a finished work can be published. Don't wait around to be inspired.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Be nice and be persistent.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
I'll be working on the fourth volume of the Crime Cats series later this year, so it should come out in 2017. It will be available on Amazon and at one of the many book signings I'll be doing next year.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
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