Tell us about yourself.
I have been writing most of my life, including high school and college papers, but not fiction. Writing was a part of my twenty-eight-year police career. Report writing is stating the facts, nothing more. I started writing fiction in my 20s to unwind after work. I am an avid history reader, and my minor in history is part of my Bachelor's Degree. My father served in the US Navy from 1959-1970 and the Army National Guard from 1976-1992, so I gravitated to writing military fiction. Having spent years on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the complexities and high-stakes nature of law enforcement, I felt compelled to bring these realities to life through fiction. I aim to provide an authentic glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by those in the military. My background allows me to infuse my stories with realism and depth, creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers seeking excitement and authenticity.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in a small town where we could walk downtown in ten minutes to visit my grandmother at work. Next door was a movie theater. My mother moved us to a large city after she lost her job. That was a humbling experience for an 11-year-old used to knowing everyone in town to have no friends. Eventually, things settled down. I am sure that influenced my life in so many ways.
What was your journey to getting published like?
It was long and hard. I spent four years writing the first three books of the series. Finding an editor who didn't want to change my writing style to match theirs was difficult. I looked at a local publisher, but they just wanted my money and shut me out of the editing process. Because of the advice of my editor/best-selling author, I decided to self-publish, as I retained all the rights and had the ability to change things when needed.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
That would be on my book The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm. Dr. Gus Kappler, a trauma surgeon at the 85th Evacuation Hospital (Phu Bai) during the Vietnam War, gave me a five-star review titled "True to life Vietnam warrior's experience."
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Work hard, do your research, and find a good editor.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
I love to cook.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
I love spy and military thrillers and…cookbooks as I love to cook. I even wrote one based on old family recipes.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
{“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” – Louis L’Amour
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I have a garden and raise tomatoes. I also have three small dogs that I spend a lot of time with. I do a lot of reading and research to help my writing process. I also support veterans organizations.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
As a child, I was an avid fan of the Laura Ingalls Wilder "Little House on the Prairie " series, any books about horses, Black Beauty, The Black Stallion series, and all Margaret Henry's books.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My experiences significantly enhance the authenticity and depth of my storytelling. Each job provided unique insights into different aspects of life, contributing to the tapestry of experiences and feelings intertwined in my writing. That gives me the ability to write with realism.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I haven't had many of those. And those that I received were biased, so I took them with a grain of salt, knowing the person writing them.
How do you connect with your readers?
Connecting with readers involves several strategies that blend personal engagement, content quality, and active interaction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing, moving forward, and finding my audience.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes, you have to know history to find them.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
My background had a significant influence on my characters and plot. The character of Jackson was based on several people, including one by happy accident, as I didn’t learn how much a friend’s journey to West Point was nearly identical to Jackson’s until after In the Eye of the Storm was published. The first person to enter Jackson’s development was Lt. General Hal Moore. Another would be Colonel James Nicholas “Nick” Rowe. Those two men went through the same kind of hell that I placed Jackson. Writing allowed me to contribute to the conversation about the sacrifices and heroism of those in uniform. It offers a platform to honor their service and explore the intricate dynamics of duty, honor, and camaraderie.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Be true to yourselves.
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