I've been writing since I was 10, and writing seriously for more than 20 years. When I was ten, a writer came to my school and did a 3 day workshop. Students were chosen to participate based on a writing sample. I didn't expect to get chosen; I wasn't the brightest star, or the most popular. I tended to hide in the back of the classroom and draw pictures or read books behind my textbook, or scribble little stories. I was a dreamy kid. When I wrote the short sample, my only real motivation was that I the workshop would take place during the same period that I had science class, and I hated my science teacher. 

When I was chosen, I learned the first lesson of writing: it beats working for a living.

How long does it take you to write a book? 

Depends. Each one is different. Some of them come together easier than others. 

Have any favorite must-read books or authors?

Whitman, Bukowski, Nathanael West, Conrad, Twain, James Thurber 

Can you please tell us about your book 'In The Great World' and why you wrote it?

It's a book about living in America in the 21st century; growing up at the end of the 20th century, we had such high hopes for the new millennium. Even when the end of the world paranoia worked its way into the cultural conversation ... which happens at the end of every century, by the way ... down deep I think we figured that if the grid didn't go down on 1.1.2000 that everything would be okay. Well, the grid didn't fall. But everything still isn't okay.

Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?

I post links on Facebook and Twitter. I'm in the process of getting reviews. 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your book?

I wake up in the morning and open my eyes. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

I love spectator sports: football and baseball in particular. I used to go to the track, but we moved. 

What are you working on next?

I'm working on a novel called The Muckraker's Chronicle. It's a farce.