Please tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Hawaii, which was pretty awesome. I spent the last twenty-two years in the advertising business, still in it by the way. It’s a fun way to make a living. I’ve been told I have no filter when I speak. I can agree with that. I love to travel and experience new cultures and the people that live there. I love eating and cooking but eating more. I like video games and music and reading and people watching. I like people who actually do things with their ideas. I like it when people aren’t afraid to put themselves out there and try something and then do it well. I like dogs, not so much cats.
What is your book about?
It’s about a salesman who sets out to become the first telecommunications consultant to the criminal underworld. Well, that’s what the Darby Stansfield thriller series is about. Each book is a different adventure. In STROGANOV, Darby is set on finding love, though he decides to do it in an unconventional way. Before he knows it, he’s caught up in sex trafficking war between the Ukrainian government and the Russian mob. Once again, Darby must untangle the mess without getting himself or anyone he knows killed. That’s the life of someone who consults with organized crime—always in the wrong place, at the wrong time, all of the time. The series has been liken to Tarantino meets The Office.
How long did it take you to write?
Probably five months stretched out over a year.
What inspired you to write this novel?
Well it’s the second book in the series. Not much inspiration was needed except I love the series and would like to keep it going for as long as possible.
When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Well, I’ve been a copywriter for over ten years, so writing is nothing new to me. Yeah, it’s different but there are a lot of similarities between copywriting and writing a book. I won’t bore you with them. Unless you’ve done the type of advertising I’ve done, you won’t understand. I decided to write a novel not long ago. I remember the time. It was the summer of 2009. I was on the set of a commercial I was making and having a conversation with the director. We were talking about side projects and other things we did, besides the day job. I had this idea about a consultant to the criminal underworld but didn’t quite know what to do with it. Should I turn it into screenplay? Maybe a book was better. I pitched him the idea and he laughed. He was probably the sixth person I told the idea to that responded favorly. That’s when I decided I was going to do something with it. It made complete sense to turn it into a book because it required less help from others and when I was done, it was done. Unlike writing a screenplay. When you finish the script, it’s still not done. Plus everything comes out of a book. So I started there.
What part of writing do you struggle with? Character, plot, description or dialogue?
Probably description. It doesn’t come natural to me. Sometimes I’ll forget to describe the restaurant or a room. I guess part of it is because I don’t like overly descriptive books. I like just enough to keep the story going. I’m a minimalist.
What made you decide on self-publishing?
Well in advertising, that’s what we do. We make stuff. We make commercials, we make radio spots, we make web films, and we make print ads and brochures. So coming up with an idea, flushing it out and seeing it through the production process is something I’ve always done. Once I realized I had the option to self-published. I immediately went this route and never gave the traditional route any thought.
Did you have a professional editor?
Ah, yes.
Do you edit as you write or wait until your book is finished?
I tend to get the story down first and then edit later. It’s how I’ve always worked. Get the idea flushed out and then work on polishing it.
Are you currently working on any projects?
When I first started writing books, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t understand why so many authors would start another book before finishing one or how they could have two or three in the works. Well, now I understand. A novel has various stages that require different commitments of time and energy from the author. So what I try to do is have a book at every stage. I have one in the outlining/research stage. I have another in the draft stage. And yet another in the production stage. It’s a way of keeping this very long pipeline full of work. Plus authors are always coming up with new ideas for books that they can’t wait to start, so they do. So yes, I have about three books that I’m working on.
Any advice for new authors?
Finish that first book. Don’t be afraid to have people read it. Now is the time to know if something about it sucks or doesn’t make people interested. It’s only words and you can fix it. Everything is fixable. If they didn’t laugh in one scene. Well, you go back to it and think of a funnier joke or situation. If they didn’t get the twist, go back and fix it. I think too many writers either let fear or their ego prevent them from making their book better before publishing.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what type of music?
Sometimes. I listen to all types. Lately it’s what I see others listening to on Spotify.
Best time of day to write?
For me, it’s the mornings.
Top 3 authors?
James Patterson. Peter Mayle. Terry Brooks.
Top 3 novels of all time?
The Sword of Shannara. A Year in Provence. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Top 3 movies of all time?
Goodfellas. Star Wars. Wizard of Oz.
What do you read the most? Fiction or non-fiction?
I read more fiction now because it’s what I write.
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
STROGANOV will be out soon. CHOP SUEY, the first book in the series is out now. It’s available in both print and ebook. It's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes. Now get your wallet out.
Where can your readers contact you? Links, etc.
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