When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was probably ten when I first decided I wanted to write. That’s when I wrote my first short story, and started thinking of ideas for full length books. I’ve never really put down the pen since. At least, not for a long enough period of time to really consider anything else.
How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends. Some books practically write themselves. I wrote the first half of The Art of Feeling in two weeks. It kept me up at night, and I couldn’t stop writing it. Until You and Not Your Type on the other hand have been big challenges for me, and I think it’s because these two books are so personal. I’m so caught up in making them perfect. But, if I’m honest, I think I could write a decent first draft in 4-6 weeks.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I tend to write for a couple hours a day, more if I can. When I was writing the script for Cursed as a web series, I genuinely wrote for hours on end. I think it really just depends on what life is like. I have to put my wife and pets first.
What is your interesting writing quirk?
I can’t write if I don’t have something to munch on. As odd as that is. I also can’t write if it’s too quiet. I need music or ambient noise.
How do your books get published?
This is honestly such an interesting question for me because I’ve not yet met very many writers who dive into the publishing process the way that I do.
I tackle the covers, interior design, format, everything. The only thing I don’t do is edit. I know better than to do that myself. But, I took the time to learn about formatting, and creative things like cover design were just already in my wheelhouse.
Where do you get information or ideas for your books?
I don’t think I can honestly say I get inspiration from any one place. All of the books I’ve released so far have been very different. But, for the most part, I get my inspiration from my life. Character inspiration more often than not comes from people I know personally. My wife is definitely my muse, so any and all romance plots are based off of us loosely.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I published my first novel in 2015. I was twenty at the time, but I started writing it when I was eighteen. Due to a divorce, I had put off publishing. I think it took me about six months to write.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m a homebody. I like cuddling on the couch and watching a good movie. When we find the right book, I read to my wife at night–it’s sort of our couple time. I love babysitting my nephews and spending time with my pets.
What does your family think of your writing?
I’m lucky to have an incredibly supportive family. They attend my events, and have purchased every book I’ve released so far. My family’s support makes me feel so incredibly blessed. I know not everyone has family like that, and I’m sure my family knows that, too. So, knowing they’re on my side is pretty great.
What is one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I learned how unifying writing can be. Seeing the support from other writers, making friends with them, and pushing each other to keep going, it’s an incredible bond that writers have. I’ll never understand why a writer would try to bring someone down when they could build one another instead. Writing isn’t really a competition. It’s more like a family.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written six books and one novella. While, I don’t want to say that the book I’m working on now is my favorite, it’s pretty great. I would say Cursed if I had to pick one that is already published. I normally have trouble putting humor onto the page, but with that book it was so easy.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just write. Even if you think it sucks. Get that first draft done. Go back and edit it later. Avoid the delete button, and don’t be so focused on how fast you’re writing. It’s not a race.
What do you think makes a good story?
Good is such a subjective word. For me? Tension, mystery, questions I want answered, a little (a lot of) romance. But, that’s all preference, right? I think any story is good to someone. It’s all about what you’re looking for and what you prefer to read. I think everyone’s story deserves to be told because someone out there needs to hear it.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I definitely wanted to be a princess, but Disney set me up for failure. I had this thought in my head that animals had to like you. And, I’ve never once met a bird that actually wanted anything to do with me. So, that dream was crushed pretty early on. All because I’m apparently not a bird person.
That and monarchs aren’t really prominent in the U.S.