1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm a man who has been fortunate enough to have experienced many things in life, and most by choice. My wife considers me a renaissance man while others refer to me as a "Jack of all Trades" kind of guy. I'm not sure I can really attest to either of those labels, but I'll gladly accept its intent.
I have a BS in Music business with emphasis in publishing and copyright law, an English degree that I never intended getting, and a music education degree to which I will forever embrace.
I spent two years studying for the LSAT, then decided to attend culinary school hoping to become an aspiring chef in a five star restaurant, but didn't care for the fourteen hour days in a kitchen. So what did I do? Met my wife in college, got married, and after hearing the news of our first child, I decided to skip the idea of attending law school. It was the best choice I ever made.
I spent my years in Nashville working in the music industry for companies like RCA, Sony, Zomba, and Dreamworks, all of which gave me a bitter taste in my mouth. Aside from working directly with many famous artists, the industry is a tainted cesspool of filth.
From Austin, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee, I worked a small time in the film industry, as a PA, extra in a few films, and a various of other uninspiring, uneventful jobs. I dedicated my carpentry skills for a while creating custom fine furniture, manned a press for a print shop, was a studio musician, played drums for a few famous artists, taught high school band for a year, giving IT support for the Texas Legislature, and now an aspiring author. I have no claim to fame, nor do I want any. I'm quite content.
2. Describe your book Last Light Falling: The Covenant, Book I in 30 words or less.
Twins born into a world of cruel and relentless tragedy must accept their fate, and survive a fallen nation that's brewing an international war of unspeakable things.
3. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Developing the characters gradually without giving away all their secrets. The plot was the least of my worries. It became essential early on in the book that the protagonists had to be loved, but imperfect. Since it's the characters that drive this story, they have to stretch the boundaries creating plot twists.
4. What books have had the greatest influence on you?
"The Lord of The Rings" Trilogy without a doubt, but it's classics like "To Kill A Mocking Bird" that inspired me to create characters battling real problems
5. Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?
I believe it's important to take the grass roots campaign approach first. I started at the local book spots pitching my book. Austin, Texas embraces local authors like no other city. From there it's all about social media, unfortunately. Technology rules the roost. It was the same way in the music industry. While Facebook is okay to market to friends and family, Twitter, and Google is where I tend to get the most out of my marketing strategy. Giveaways are absolutely essential. They create potential reviewers, and without reviews, your book is as good as dead. Whatever you put in is what you get out of it. You have to spend money to make money.
6. How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
I spend as much time with my family as possible. Writing can be fun and a drag at the same time. I'll play my drums until my fingers bleed, unless my wife tells me to stop. I love archery, and exploring the world outside of my house with my 10 year old son and nine year old daughter. Hiking and the great outdoors is a part of me that will never go away.
7. What are you working on next?
I'm about two thirds done with "Kingdoms of The Ten" Book III in the "Last Light Falling" series. Book II "Into The Darkness" will launch around January 2015
