A little bit on how I write.
To start with, I dislike reading something with words you only find in a thesaurus. Don’t try to impress me with big words I don’t know. I want to have fun when I read, not work. If you have at least a sixth-grade education you will not be interrupted with a huge, unfamiliar word. On occasion there will be a word that works so much better than another, it has to be a keeper. When I write a story or read a story I want to have fun.
Next would be the ‘same old, same old’. I feel cheated when I invest my time into a story and I have to work at staying with it, hoping there will be a pay off and Bam! It turns out to the same as every other Who-done-it. I try to put an unusual and substantially different spin on everything I do. Take Born Dead for example, the hero is part Zombie with identity issues. In Alien Half, the hero is blown to pieces on the second page. Try pulling that rabbit of a hat and it make it work but it is vital to the storyline. I like surprises, not the same old thing.
I try to keep it moving as fast as possible but realize one has to set the groundwork for every story. You have to know this' about the character so that' makes sense later on. I don’t build lavish backdrops when I know the reader can do a better job with the right nudge. I don’t give many freebies either though. The reader and I build the back-story together; some baby steps and some all out grab your butt and hold on.
Finally, I like to have fun when I read not labor through page after page. (I won’t mention the books that I never finished for this reason.) Often when I am writing, it is the first time for me to see the words in just that way. I have an idea where the story is going and a vague idea on how to get there. Most times the stories take on a life of their own and it is a surprise for me also where they go. I’ve killed off a loved character because the story told me to, not because I intended it to go that way. Even so, I will never leave you hanging. I find a way to resolve the action with balance before the ending.
Places I've been and things I've done.
I have a few accolades scattered about the internet from a while back. I won a place with the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contest: Scroll down.
I was nominated for a Hugo Award in Art: Link
I did cover art and some interior art as a freelancer on a few projects
My novels, however, are my favorite works. I enjoy writing as much as art. Being a creative, in general, is what I am and what I enjoy doing. If I can share that with others and bring a smile to someone else's face also. Well, that's the best.
My professional background is very diverse. I have a medical background mixed with business experience. I approach my writing as a business model that I happen to truly enjoy.
The upcoming releases represent three years of continuous drafting, spanning four complete sketchbooks and countless erased margins. Each volume is designed as a physical artifact, celebrating the tactile heritage of print.
Two books in progress
Writers and Illustrators of the Future
I highly recommend every aspiring writer to apply to the Writers of the Future Contest. This was an inspiring experience. I truly enjoyed the week they offer you with talented people willing and wanting to 'show you the ropes' so to speak and they pay very well.
You spend a week at the Lowe, very nice digs, and meet other winners to learn and explore your craft. Galaxy Press is an incredible company that holds your hand as you learn from experienced pros. A tour of their printing press facility was very eye-opening. You watch the book your work is in being printed by the hundreds.
Before you leave this page, if you are a writer go to www.Writersofthefuture.com
Almost a Hugo.
I was nominated for a HUGO Award in SciFi Art Illustration.
Internet links to a few articles.
The 2015 Hugo Nominees - Electric Literature
The Nominees for the 2015 Hugo Awards
2015 Hugo and Campbell Award Finalists - Locus
I was chosen as one of five nominees, but two weeks later received a letter telling me a new rule had been implemented that year. I had not sold enough artwork commercially that year. So, I was dropped. So, close. Nice to have been selected out of over two thousand nominations.