TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK.

Saving a Life, is very different than the Young Adult Paranormal genre I usually write. The idea came as a way to express, and release the sadness that had been building up inside of me over headlines that started several years ago, and escalated for me in 2016.

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HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE FOR THIS BOOK?

Funny story. I had torn my right rotator cuff and was awaiting surgery. I couldn't perform any upper body exercise. A friend suggested a boogie board and paddling across the pool at the community center. While I was doing just that, I noticed the words, not a life saving device, written across the board. They resonated in my head and the end result was, Saving a Life.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK? IS IT PART OF A SERIES?

One little boy inspired me, Jacob Hall. In September 2016, 6 year old Jacob was in school. His class was let out to the playground for recess. There, a 14 year old gunman opened fire. Jacob was shot in the leg, but the bullet hit an artery. Despite efforts to control the bleeding, Jacob passed away a few days later. An innocent child just going outside to play, and he never saw home again. This cut me deeper than I can express.

This is not a series. I couldn't make it through if it were.

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HOW MUCH OF YOUR BOOK IS BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES OR THOSE OF SOMEONE YOU KNOW?

The book is an accumulation of the anger I've felt over all the children who've died at the hands of a gunman at school. A place that's supposed to be safe.

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WHAT KIND OF RESEARCH WENT INTO WRITING YOUR BOOK?

The research was more life experiences around me. However, the pool scenes were based off of the seniors I met when I was attending the community center in the morning hours.

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WHAT CRITERIA DID YOU USE WHEN SELECTING THE COVER FOR YOUR BOOK?

The love of a grandfather and grandson.

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WAS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR BOOK THAT YOU WERE TRYING TO CONVEY?

Yes. Guilt can be life altering to the point of alienating loved ones, and friends. Getting help, in whatever manner that comes, bares no shame. We all need a little extra from time to time. For Walter, it was the community pool and the thought he was helping someone else. But in reality, he was the one being saved.

 

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR BOOK?

Yes. Not to have had the material to write it.

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IF YOUR BOOK WOULD BE MADE INTO A FILM, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY THE LEADS?

An actor who understands Walter's pain.

 

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU BEGIN WRITING?

I began at an early age, writing poetry and short stories. But, when I was thirteen, I participated in a school contest. We had to write a story and construct the book. It solidified my love for writing.

 

WHEN DID YOU FIRST CONSIDER YOURSELF A WRITER?

When I signed my first contract with Salt of the Earth Press, for my childrens book, Winslow Willow the Woodland Fairy. Which, has just been re-released with a few little additions from the original version.

 

DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING STYLE.

I'm told my style has a commercial appeal, and has been compared to Stephenie Meyer, with a sprinkle of Twilight Zone.

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WHAT IS THE HARDEST LESSON YOU HAD TO LEARN AS A WRITER?

Obtaining an agent is an extremely difficult path to walk.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A WRITER?

There is a huge selection of authors and books with todays exposure to on line shopping. It's difficult to get your voice heard and get noticed.

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NOT INCLUDING FAMILY, WHO SUPPORTED YOUR EFFORTS TO BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR?

Co-workers. When I was still working in an office, others at my job encouraged me to keep going with my writing career.

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WHO WAS YOUR FIRST PUBLISHER AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THEM?

Salt of the Earth Press was my first publisher for my childrens books. They are the ones who suggested I try writing young adult. I was hooked after my first novella.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW WRITERS?

No one ever said this is an easy business to be in, but if it's in your heart, then keep going. Learn to better your work, and develop a shell strong enough to weather the difficult times, without losing your connection to the emotions that drive you.

 

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS?

Dean Koontz, Ann Rice, Robin Cook, and Stephen King.

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WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?

77 Shadow Street by, Koontz.

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WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Love that spans across time.

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IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE WHO EVER LIVED, PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD THAT BE?

Roddy McDowall

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WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOWS AND MOVIES?

I enjoy a variety of television, from AHS, to Schitt's Creek. And for movies, Somewhere in Time, to Galaxy Quest. My mood reflects my choices, but I'm a sucker for any type of time travel.

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WHAT KIND OF MUSIC TOUCHES YOUR SOUL?

I grew up in house filled with all types of music. My dad was a musician and played guitar and piano. My tastes are very eclectic. I enjoy Big Band, Rock and Roll, Blues, Jazz, Pop, etc. But, if I had to to pick, I'd have to say something with a blues influence usually gets me, or a strong ballad.

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WHAT DO YOU WANT WRITTEN ON YOUR HEADSTONE?

Vicki-Ann Guidice Bush, she was a kind person.