Growing up in a family of readers, and being the 5th born, I had the pleasure of older brothers and sisters that constantly read to me. I can also remember my mom taking me to the public library every couple of weeks and how mad I was when I could only take out 5 books at a time! That was nothing for me to read in 2 weeks!
I actually started writing in the 6th grade, although back then it was mostly pencil and paper! My older brother taught me how to type on an old manual typewriter and that made it much easier. High school included 4 years of English, 4 years of Journalism, and some advanced classes, including Creative Writing. I actually used a story that I wrote when I was 13 for an assignment in Creative Writing, and was not only given an A+ but the teacher read the story to the class, stating that it was “the best she had seen in a long time”.
After high school I dove into the work force, following my brother into the steel fabrication business, and have been there ever since. The writing beast slept for many years, but finally was awoken with the filming of the trilogy Lord of the Rings. Even then, it took me another 12 years to finish my first book The Legends of Arth: The Summoner. The writing beast is now alive and well, and I am currently working on the next three books in the series.
Did you get nervous the first time you put your work out there?
Who wouldn’t be nervous? Even though I have to believe that my writing is of high quality, you really are unsure what the reading public will think. Hope springs eternal, especially for us new authors!
What is your favorite genre to write?
Without a doubt it is and will always be science fantasy. The great blessing of our imagination that we have been given can take us to so many wonderful and inspiring places-all of them in our mind’s eye. There is no limit to what we can conceive of in the make believe world, whether it’s in the past, the present, or the future.
What is your favorite genre to read?
Reading has always been a passion of mine, following such favorites as: Tolkien, Lewis, Asimov, Herbert, and, more recently, Riordan and Collins. I love all types of literature, with Fantasy and Science Fiction being my favorites.
Do you have a favorite author?
Without a doubt it is J R R Tolkien. The intricate in-depth build out of his world and its history still astounds me to this day! I was introduced to The Hobbit at age ten, and followed with the LOTR trilogy. I have read and reread them at least twenty times over the years.
One superpower you would want above all others.
I would have to say super speed, like the Flash. That way I could write more stories in a much shorter time lol!
Is there something you want to write about, that you haven’t yet?
As a beginning author, I have many more story lines for my Legends of Arth series. So, for now, that is really all that I have planned at this time.
What is one silly fact about you?
Not afraid to act goofy, especially around my grandkids.
Do you have a favorite character you have written so far?
That would have to be the heroine Raven. She is in my first four books (of which I have only written #1 so far).
Does that reflect anyone you know?
No, actually she doesn’t. She is just a part of my imaginary world of Arth.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?
Lasagna of course! Love the meat / cheeses / pasta mix along with garlic bread!
How do you feel about Zombies?
I don’t know. I haven’t explored that area of the imaginary world!
You are going on a picnic with a character from any novel who would it be, and what would you bring?
Gandalf from the LOTR, and I would bring a camera to prove that I had been with him on a picnic!
Anything you want to say to the aspiring writers reading the blog?
Believe in yourself and your ability to put thoughts into words that others will love.
Great interview! I wish you all the best in your endeavours in the wonderful world of writing! Although I haven’t yet read your first book, I intend to and this interview makes me want to pick it up all the more.
Great interview! I wish you all the best in your endeavours in the wonderful world of writing! Although I haven’t yet read your first book, I intend to and this interview makes me want to pick it up all the more.