Q. HOW DO YOU BECOME A WRITER?

A. First of all you don't become a writer, you are born one. What you have to do is nurture that talent into the expression of a novel, short story, poem, script -- whatever is living inside you and wants to break out. The best way to do that is to write everyday, discipline yourself, give yourself a deadline and then keep at it until the project is finished. Do not fear your talents, they are a gift from God and what you do with that talent is your gift back to him.

Q. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?

A. I never seek them out, I trust that they will find me through random circumstances. I feel as though I'm channeling a higher power. Most of my best ideas come to me at odd moments...like when I'm in the shower ;)

Q. OK, I'VE WRITTEN THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL, NOW WHAT?

A. Define your genre (i.e. Romance, Thriller, etc.) then get yourself a copy of Novel and Short Story Writer's Market and begin researching agents, publishing houses, or literary magazines that are seeking your type of work. Always follow the guidelines listed for author submissions. Get comfortable with rejection. It isn't a personal reflection on your work, there are alot of factors that go into a story finding its home. Gone with the Wind was rejected over 2,000 times!

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?

A. READ. WRITE. FINE TUNE YOUR CRAFT. FIND YOUR WRITING VOICE. BE PERSISTANT. LIVE YOUR DREAMS!

The Following Interview Originally Posted At: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MYSPACE_AUTHORS

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING AND WHAT INFLUENCED YOU?

I have been a writer for over 12 years. I've always loved creating fictional worlds/characters. One of my biggest influences was reading Dean Koontz.

HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

The Crescent (2005; Medieval Fiction; iUniverse)

Theater of Pain (2006; Thriller; Lulu Press)

Life Extension (2006; Thriller; Lulu Press)

WHAT CURRENT BOOK/BOOKS ARE YOU PROMOTING?

The Crescent is still going strong. It has been described as an engaging, action-packed, and descriptive read.

WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE COMING UP IN THE FUTURE?

Currently working on a new novel. A dark fantasy...that's all I can tell you. The rest is top secret.

Feature film version of The Crescent is in pre-production.

WHAT AUTHORS INFLUENCED YOU TO START WRITING?

Dean Koontz

ARE YOU A MEMBER OR A WRITING GROUP/ORGINIZATION?

Fiction Writer's Guild

The League of Published Authors

Myspace Book Club

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen...ok, that's a lie but I couldn't resist.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES OTHER THAN WRITING?

Competing in Women's Tri Fitness; Martial Arts; Weight Training; Cooking; Movies

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR BEGINNING WRITERS?

Read alot of diverse authors. Write alot to develop your craft/voice. Get a copy of Writer's Market and study it. Get comfortable with rejection. Never give up trying.

Live your dreams.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Thank you for all the support. Check out The Crescent Book trailer on my website. Follow your passion.