How did you start writing?
I had the story for In Dreams in my head for over 10
years (since I first had a dream about it). I basically got to a point
where I literally could.not.stop. thinking about this book.
The nagging inside my mind was relentless. So I bought a laptop and immediately
started writing the opening chapter with the dream in it. I went to visit my gf
in New Jersey (who helped inspire parts of the book), and I wrote a bunch
of ideas on the plane. When I got back from seeing her, I started seriously
writing and didn't stop until the first draft was finished. Once I started
writing the characters and the story took on a life of their own. I was
consumed and I could barely think of anything else. It took me 2 months to
write a complete first version- which has since grown, changed, been updated
and edited about a billion and a half times.
To be honest, I had no idea that there were multiple stories living inside my head until I cracked it open and started writing that first one. And here we are... :)
What is your writing process like?
When I first started writing, I wrote all out of order. I found
myself writing all of the "exciting" scenes first and then I went
back and attempted to connect the dots. It made things harder on me, but it was
how I had to write in the beginning. I couldn't have written things in order if
you paid me too. Wait.. lol.. Anyway, that's what worked for me at
the time.
Since then, my style has completely changed. Now I write in order from the first chapter to the last. I might make a few notes here and there, but I don't write in the chaotic way that I did in the beginning. It's totally okay for your writing style to evolve and adapt to whatever suits your creativity and flow. There is no right or wrong way to write. There is only writing and not writing.
Who designs your book covers, they're gorgeous?
Thank you! I think they're beautiful too!!! :) I have a graphic
designer
http://www.facebook.com/IndieBookCovers who does all the hard work and turns my covers into a literal work of art. They would be nowhere near as eye-catching and pretty without her. She is incredibly talented and I highly recommend her services.
http://www.facebook.com/IndieBookCovers who does all the hard work and turns my covers into a literal work of art. They would be nowhere near as eye-catching and pretty without her. She is incredibly talented and I highly recommend her services.
Do you have an editor? Will they edit my book?
I do have an editor. She polishes up my stories and makes them
shine. My simplest advice to you would be to find out who edited the
Indie/Self-Published books that you've enjoyed reading and see if
they are taking on clients. There are so many editors who now have Facebook
pages for you to contact them through. And don't be afraid to ask around! Make friends with your fellow authors!
Will there be a follow up to "this book" or "that book".. please say yes!
I know this is crazy of me, but I don't usually write my books
with the intention of writing another one, but sometimes it happens. The
Perfect Game is a prime example of that. It was only supposed to be one book,
but you guys demanded more and I had a really hard time letting the characters
go. It's since become a 4-book Best Selling series published in multiple
countries and languages that I'm so in love with and proud of. :)
The other series that I've written are complete stand-alone novels
set in the same world. For example, The Fisher Brothers and The Celebrity
Series - the books can either be read on their own, or in series order; it
doesn't matter! :)
I want to write a book! or I've written a book! How do I do it? How do I self publish? How do I sell books? How do you sell books?
I've written a fairly extensive blog post on
everything I know up to this point about self publishing. It should answer a
lot of your questions. If you have more, there is such a wealth of information
online about all things self publishing, you just have to search for
it. That's what I did. I google'd and yahoo'ed my eyeballs out and read
everything I could on how to do it. It's super time consuming, but worth
it. You can also make friends online, join writer groups, and interact
with people who are trying to do what you're doing.
I also wrote a series of blog posts here that you should read-
just click on each one:
Good luck! You can do it... you just have to start. :)
Can I get a signed paperback of one of your books?
Please click the STORE button at the top of this page to see if my
store is currently open and accepting orders. You can always email me if you
have any questions or special requests.
Will you be in my state for a book signing?
It's been a hectic six or so years and all of the constant
traveling has taken a toll. I want to focus more on my writing and watch my son
play D-1 college level baseball. In order to do that, I have to cut down on all
the traveling. But please check my APPEARANCES page to see when and if I'll be
in your neck of the woods for an in person signing. I post all of my upcoming
appearances there.
