Q: Why do you write?

A: I'm a creative. Writing is part of who I am.

Q: Where do your ideas come from?

A: They come from the dark recesses of my mind, reaching out with tendrils of shadow, pulling me in and turning my world into a constantly shifting whirlwind of reality ranging from space exploration and alien worlds to teleporting cats, time travel and mind reading. You know, the usual places.

Q: What is the best thing about writing your book?

A: The best thing about being a writer is sitting down at the keyboard, opening that inner door to incredible worlds, unique lives and amazing adventures... and walking in.

Q: What do you do when you get writer's block?

A: Read new books, watch shows that are engaging and see movies that draw you in. If any of the above are similar to what you write, all the better. Spark new ideas and fuel your creativity. Best of luck!

Q: What’s one thing that’s stopped you from finishing your novel so far?

A: The powerful Nation Of Procrasti. No one can escape its clutches without a fight.

Q: When did you first decide to become a writer?

A: It all began on the day I was born when a rip in space/time nearly destroyed all of humanity. The event piqued my interest and I decided then and there to seek out the strange and surreal fantasy/scifi stories around me. I suppose that day may have happened a bit differently but I was newborn and hadn't thought to keep a pad and pen handy yet.

Q: What is the latest age a person can try to be a writer?

A: There is no time too late or too early to do the things that bring you joy.

Q: Do you intend to follow trends in your writing, like zombie stories or wizards?

A: Those are trends? How long have I had my head down? Egads! Do books still come in paper? Is there a colony on Mars? What of iPads? Can I buy one in the dollar store? Can I log into the Matrix and learn Kung-Fu? Oh, I'm so behind the times... Actually, I write whatever piques my interest. If zombie wizards take shape in my noggin, I'm in!

Q: What author inspired you to write?

A: Ray Bradbury. I attended a lecture of his many years ago and was stunned by the passion and energy he had for storytelling and creative works. He was already in a wheelchair at that time but had more fire in him than the vast majority of attendees.

Q: Do you have a pen name?

A: I named my pen Phil The Third. I named him after explaining how Phil the first and second fell out of my shirt pocket only to get chewed up by the neighbor dogs. Coincidentally, Phil The Third has never fallen out of my pocket.

Q: Did you hate the first draft you ever wrote?

A: I don’t know what you mean. My first draft was just fine. Well, except for that opening line. Well, maybe that third sentence too. That whole chapter in the middle was really bad and then there was the descriptions, scenes, repetitive use of “and”, not to mention the characters, turning point and climax. Egads! I can’t look anymore. Make it stop! Make it stop!!!

Q: Do you speak multiple languages?

A: I speak English, bad English, Spanish, Spanglish, Pig-Latin, Gibberish, Mumbling, Double-speak, Sub-text, Body Language and significant glances no one ever sees. Once in a blue moon, I can understand the opposite sex and manage open communication for a while but by the next moon-rise I'm back to being clueless.

Q: Where do you find book covers for your books?

A: I go to the book cover tree in the forest of doom. I trek out there a couple of times a year and snatch a cover or two for my works in progress. The dragonflies that guard the forest are enormous but at least they don't breathe fire. Well, they do spit acid but they're slow and have terrible aim. The zombie fairies are the thing to look for. They glow a deep crimson and try to make nests in your ears. Thankfully, as long as you listen for their high-pitched rendition of Thriller, you can get a few covers and depart before the Vincent Price fairy wraps up the number.

Q: Do you ever talk to yourself?

A: I never talk to myself. I talk to the voices in my head, the characters in my stories and, of course, the other-dimensional beings who sometimes swing by on their way to another reality. You know, like all normal folks on this rational and calm blue orb. Wait...

Q: Where do you come from?

A: I'm originally from Massol, a small town on the moon. No, not this one. Around Saturn. Nice little place but pricey. I like it here more. Better sunsets, interesting people. Plus, the air is free!

Q: Have you ever had someone make fun of your writing? If so, what did you do?

A: I ignored them for a few years then gave up on writing altogether. Fast forward two decades and I picked up writing again, realizing it is the only passion in my life that made me feel right with my path. I now ignore all criticism and advise others to do the same. We all have something that brings us joy. Never give anyone else the ability to take it away.

Q: Is it possible to work on two projects at the same time?

A: We are creatives. Pushing the boundaries of what is possible runs through our veins.

Q: Why are some writers so sensitive?

A: The same can be asked of photographers, singers, painters, dancers and every other creative outlet in the world. The answer is simple. Sensitive or cold, angry or kind, happy or sad, all of us have qualities that shape the art we create. It takes all kinds.

Q: Do you ever compare yourself to other writers who are more successful?

A: Never compare yourself to others. Some people will write faster/better and others slower/worse. The only goal you should have is to write your own story and try to get it finished. That's what matters in the end. Follow the story and capture the excitement. I can watch every season of my favorite show in an hour, fast-forwarding it all without understanding anything but if I take my time and stop to cherish every action and hear every spoken word, it won't matter if I'm done in a day, a week or a month, I'll enjoy the ride.

Q: What themes do you prefer to write about?

Answer: The theme I use is (mostly) the same with each novel. The seen and unseen connections of each character, their choices, repercussions and experiences good and bad are dealt with in short and long term events. (With bullies, killers and psychic teleporting cats thrown in.)

Q: What does the term “Plot Hole” mean to you?

Answer: It's what I call someone in my story who doesn't do what I told them three chapters ago and now I have to go back and rewrite so it all makes sense. (Stupid plot-hole.)

Q: Why would anyone choose to read a book as opposed to traveling?

A: Possibly because reading is cheaper than a plane ticket, you get no lost luggage, no TSA groping scandal or having to endure naked body scans. No worries about bad weather conditions, missing flights, sick people on the same flight, hours of packing only to forget your phone charger. No unpacking in a rush when you check in late, no overpriced hotels or rude waiters. Plus, with a book you can travel through time, to other worlds or alternate dimensions. Best of all, you know whichever journey you take, you'll be back in time for lunch. Winning!

Q: When you are writing a first draft, does your inner editor ever stop you with blatant errors or unfinished descriptions?

A: While writing a first draft, I keep my inner editor tied up in the closet where he doesn't get any say in my work until I'm done. We've got an understanding. He stays quiet in there and I keep away from the baseball bat. We all have a process.

Q: What do you do to edit your own work before sharing with Beta Readers or forwarding to an editor?

A: Four things. One: Read it out loud. The story sounds very different when you get to hear it as opposed to imagining the words in your head. Two: Pick out the purpose of each chapter or section, re-read carefully, and decide if it was met. Three: Find memorable quotes you can use to highlight the story. (You'll be amazed at what stands out) Four: Once you have gone through it several times, go ahead and enlist some Beta Readers to tell you if there is anything that doesn't work or needs clarification. (The more eyes, the better)

Also, make sure the Beta Readers you enlist are actually readers. Some people like to ask friends or family to be their Beta Readers only to get poor advice because they are not readers. Find people who like to read books similar to yours and you will get the greatest value from their feedback. Best of luck!

Q: What can I do if I hate everything I write?

A: Always squash those ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) They are constant companions for creatives. Caution is a good thing as we advance in our craft but negativity will hamper even the best of us. Find your favorite music, watch uplifting shows/movies and don't let a bad thought linger. Focus on what will lead you to your hopes, dreams and passions then tackle your work with renewed passion and inspiration. Best of luck!

Q: Has anyone else had family members or close friends not be supportive or be mean about their work??

A: I quit writing due to the endless negativity from friends, family and others. It took me two decades before returning to my creative efforts and realized it was my greatest passion. Giving it up was like draining the color from the world or never breathing deep again. I also realized every naysayer was not a reader, writer or creative of any kind. Once I understood that, I began interacting with other creatives and now know who to listen to and who to ignore. Follow your passion and don't take opinions from those who do not share your creative nature even if they are friends or family. Never let someone else control your happiness. It is yours. Make it a key part of your life.

Q: I want to self publish my book but at a writer's conference I attended, one of the speakers said I should have at least three books written before putting the first one out.

A: I disagree with that advice. Go through the process. Write the book, polish, edit and publish. Promote when done and write another. By the time you are on the third book, you will be far better than if you sat still for three books before taking a single step towards publication. Nothing teaches us how to succeed like experience.

Q: Do you recommend writing away from home to avoid distractions?

A: Writing away from home is good when you lean towards procrastination. It is easy to stop and think how dishes should be done, laundry isn't put away or your desktop needs re-organizing. Going elsewhere eliminates all excuses and forces you to focus. Decide for yourself. It works for many.

Q: I was told "You are never going to be a successful writer." What do I say to that? Need some encouragement please.

A: We are creatives. "Never" is what we say when someone asks if we will ever stop trying. Limits are for the unimaginative. We begin at zero and find infinite possibilities with every day that comes. Onwards!

Q: If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go?

A: Saturn first. Just to visit the old homestead and catch up with the gang. Then to the far end of the universe. I heard there's a restaurant worth checking out there. Finally, if I have time, a brief stop at Gallifrey. That is, if it's still where I left it.

Q: What is the one thing you need most?

A: Time. It just won't slow down long enough for me to do everything I'm working on. Writing, Editing, Illustrating, Posting to social media including daily Instagrams, Weekly IGTV shorts, updates, monthly comic vids and prepping for the coming months with trailers, new books and preparing revisions. Anyone have a spare flux capacitor, time-stopping watch or a Tardis? Any of those would be super helpful.

Q: What one piece of advise would you offer a new writer?

A: Finish every story no matter how bad you think it may be. In the end, you can't edit a blank page.

Q: Have you read books by an author of a different race or culture?

A: I only read books with words on the pages. I'm picky like that..

Q: What do you believe in. Do you follow a religion or higher power?

A: I believe in many things. It doesn't matter if others do as well, only that I do. So long as I find peace in my life and actions, help others and work towards a brighter future, I'm good.

Q: You mentioned that you work at a regular job. What is a typical workday for you?

A: I am no longer working a steady job. When I did, I would describe it as follows: I work in a dark and confined realm that traps the inhabitants for 12 hours at a time, forcing them to interact in cruel, senseless gatherings, participate in nonsensical conversations and subject them to rants that make everyone tremble. Although we attempt to escape our confinement from time to time, we continue to find ourselves back day after day, facing a never-ending cycle of monotonous torture, mine-numbing routine and occasional mental breakdowns. Thankfully, I possess an escape hatch to reality. (Yay, creative living!)

Q: What do you love about writing?

A: I love writing for allowing me travel to alternate realities, fighting monsters, saving lives and having conversations with time traveling cats. All while waiting in line for my Venti Caramel Macchiato. Mmm...

Q: Memory lane. What does it look like and how do I get there?

A: In order to get to Memory Lane, you must take the train of thought past the stream of consciousness and then make your way to the writer's block. (Don't linger or they'll talk your ears off.) From there, you take a sharp left and it will be straight ahead. I find the walk pleasant and worth the occasional trip. Just steer clear of the mental blocks to the right. They're like a hedge maze. Once you go in, it's a heck of a challenge to get back out.

Q: Is writing for market like selling your soul?

A: No. Selling your soul requires a contract with great returns and eventual damnation. Writing to market is like trying to put on a show for the world while everyone is busy playing Angry Birds on their phones.

Q: Are you single or married?

A: I’m single. Well, no. I’m a writer so I am one person with many others always running around my noggin, so I guess I’m a... plural?

Q: Why do you write?

A: Because if I don't, the voices in my head get ornery.

Q: If you could choose only one, what would you be: a reader, or a writer?

A: Writer. Reading was the original spark that ignited my imagination but writing fanned the flames that lit a universe of stories for me to discover, enjoy, and share.

Q: Anyone else struggling to believe in their story? With everything going on in the world right now, my desire to write feels so foolish...

A: In a word: Never. The worlds we have inside are far larger than the one outside. What we write has the potential to live far beyond the current era, the life of an author and beyond generations. Write your story. Share it with the world. It matters more than you will ever know.

Q: Is it too late to start writing?

A: I've always seen NaNoWriMo as a way of making writing a habit. Regardless of meeting the word count, if we write every day, we can develop our craft, finish a book and follow our passions. Use it as inspiration. Finishing is just one goal. Making writing a habit is the real reward..