FAQ
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always been artistic in some way. In my teens and early 20’s, I sang in original rock and roll bands that I put together growing up in Southern California, writing most of the music. It wasn’t until 1999, when I attempted to write my first book, which as it turns out, was my second book published, Meth War: Lost in Felony Flats. After the first 50 pages, I got sidetracked and shelved it, vowing to someday finish it.
Fast forward to the summer of 2021, during the pandemic. I had a lot of time on my hands, as most of us did, so I thought I would take another stab at writing, and that’s when I wrote Hunting for the Lamb of God.
Feeling accomplished, I decided to finish the book I started 20 years prior, and finished Meth War. I’ve written 2 more books since, which I have yet to publish.
If I wanted to write a book, what advice would you give me?
First and foremost, I would tell you to write about what you know, things you have experience in, things that interest you. A lot of research goes into your subject matter, regardless of how much you know about the subject you’re writing about, but there is no substitute for firsthand experience, which will be evident to the reader.
What inspired you to write Hunting for the Lamb of God?
Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in politics to some degree and have kept myself informed to what is happening in the world, both domestic and foreign. I first learned about EMP’s quite a few years ago, then I read a great book by Dr. William Forstchen titled One Second After, which tracks the story of a man and his daughters in the mountains of North Carolina surviving an EMP attack. After reading the book, I couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like in a major urban area, as opposed to a little mountain town where everyone knew each other. I imagined the dynamics would be quite a bit different, so I decided to write about it.
Are you planning on writing a sequel to Hunting for the Lamb of God?
It’s already written and ready to go to print. I finished it last fall and finally wrapped up the editing part of the process. I plan to publish it this summer. The title is Living for the Lamb of God. The few I’ve let read it have told me they were very moved by how the story had progressed and were satisfied with the outcome.
Meth War: Lost in Felony Flats reads and feels like a true story. Is it true? Did some of the things you talk about in the book really happen?
When I began writing Meth War 20 years ago, it was right before I got clean from meth. I had used meth from the time I was 13 until I was 45. In the book, I incorporated every myth, rumor, and half-truth I’d ever heard while homeless and addicted in Fontana and San Bernardino. I know what it feels like to be invisible, less than zero, with nothing but the clothes on my back and the dope in my pocket.
I know what it feels like to stop feeling.
Some of the characters in the book are real, and some are fictitious, but the insanity of that lifestyle is all too real, and I feel like I captured it in the book.
What will you write about next?
I’ve written a book of short stories, mostly horror. The title is Campfire Stories for Adults, and I’m hoping to also publish it this year. My next novel may be political, but it will also be horror. I am still brainstorming until I discover how to write the great American novel.
