INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1.Tell us about yourself:

1. Where do you live? In Maryland.
2. How long have you lived there? Nearly all of my life.
3. Are you married? Yep. I have a wonderful wife.
4. Kids? Yes, 4.
5. Full time job? Two (writing is my second full time job 😊)
6. Education? Bachelor’s degree in computer science.

2. Who is your favorite author and book? Tolkien. Lord of the Rings trilogy.
3. What is your preferred genre? I currently write Fantasy, but actually prefer to read Science Fiction.
4. How did you start this journey to become a writer?

When my children were little, I told them bedtime stories every night. One day I started a story that stretched out for about a year. My wife said, “You should write that down one day.” So, I started, and it’s turned into four novels so far.

5. What have you written so far?

Four books in The McGunnegal Chronicles, an allegorical Irish fantasy series for middle-grade to young adult.

• Book 1: Into a Strange Land
• Book 2: Taming the Goblin
• Book 3: The Witch and the Waking Tree
• Books 1-3 in a single volume: The Strange Land Trilogy
• Book 4: Hidden Worlds

6. Tell us about your current book.

I’m currently working on book #5 in The McGunnegal Chronicles series. Its tentative title is The Knocker’s Secret. This book is a continuation of book #4, and in it I plan to have tons of fantastic adventure and fun with dwarves, trolls, giants, and other creatures of legend, but also gently explore some deep and thought-provoking subjects, such as the classical view of time, personhood, suffering, obsession and madness, and a few other light topics. Yep, all wrapped in an allegory appropriate for a younger reading audience. Should be a ton of fun!

7. What is the inspiration for your current book?

My readers. They keep encouraging me to write more. Plus, I just really need to finish this trilogy of trilogies!

8. Who was your favorite character to write and why?

So far, the goblin named Nous has been my favorite, although the dwarf, Fafnir, is catching up. I really had fun exploring Nous’ character in the first three books. Nous’ journey from being an ugly, despicable goblin to being… well, I won’t give it away… was a thoughtful adventure of redemption, change, and in the end, personal sacrifice.

9. Is there anything of you in that character? I hope so!
10. What sets your book apart?

There aren’t too many allegorical Irish fantasy book series out there for a general audience (ages 8 to 108!). As the book series is expanding, I’m also treading into a wider Celtic and Nordic mythology/legendary exploration.

11. What’s your favorite part in the book? (read it)

That’s a tough one. In book 3, after many, many struggles and adventures, the goblin, Nous, has sacrificed himself to save the people he once cared nothing for, nor could understand. Readers have told me that they cried at this point. I doubt that a small quote from the book will do the scene justice, but here goes:

Adol laid Nous down on the shore, readied his hammer, and turned to face their enemies, but Colleen and Frederick knelt down beside the goblin.

“Nous,” cried Colleen. “Don’t die. Please don’t die.”

Nous’ burned eyelids fluttered open, and his gaze found hers.

“Nous… wishes…” he began, but his breathing became ragged and he could not speak further.

“Don’t talk, Nous,” said Colleen. “You saved us. Now we’re going to save you.”

With great effort, he raised a hand and reached out to touch her face.

“Never said it …” he began, but his face twisted in agony, and his hand dropped. “Nous loves ….”

He glanced at Frederick, his eyes grew distant and, with his final breath, he whispered, “Forgive me….”

Then his eyes closed, and he grew still.

“No, no!” cried Colleen. “Nous, don’t go!”

She shut her eyes, ignoring the rising clamor around them, and she willed herself to find him – to find the life force of his spirit within the Great Song, to listen for the pulse of his being. And there he was. She watched as his heart beat one last note in perfect harmony with the Music, and then the song of his life began to lift away.

With all the power that was in her, she pursued him, trying to catch the fleeting notes that he played, willing them to stay. They paused for a moment, echoing in the chamber, then with a sound that seemed to smile, they flew upward into unfathomable heights and vanished away.

Colleen sat on her knees and sobbed. Frederick put his arm around her, and tears fell down his own face.

“He’s gone, Frederick,” she said. “He’s gone.”

But their sorrow was interrupted by Adol’s voice.

“Prepare yourselves, children,” he said. “They are coming.”

12. What was the most difficult part to write?

 I’d say trying to keep an allegorical consistency amid many adventures and characters was a challenge. I hope I did justice to the idea.

13. What was your favorite book to write?

Probably book #3 so far, since it wraps up the first trilogy. Although book #4 (as the beginning of a second trilogy) comes close.

14. How do you write? Do you have a set time or place? How many hours a day?

It really depends on my schedule. Working another full-time job where overtime is sometimes needed makes writing a bit of a challenge. But I try to stop by the library on my way home from work at least a few days a week to have a quiet place to write. I try to do something for the writing business every day, even if it’s not writing. There’s the business side of the business to take care of too (editing, marketing, social media, film exploration, book keeping, networking, setting up signings, etc., etc.)

15. Why did you want to be a writer?

I guess it’s just a part of who I am. I need to do it. There are stories inside me that need to find their way to the page.

16. How do you get your ideas?

Sometimes they just come. Sometimes I’m inspired by the world around me. Hiking in the mountains, sitting under starry skies, listening to the sound of deep forest – things like that – are inspiring to me. But reading and listening to audio books by spiritual writers is also inspiring. I do my best to take all of those experiences and whisper them in my tales.

17. What do you have planned next?

Book #5 is on the way. Plus I’ve contracted with my narrator to do the audio book for book #4. That should be done around the end of October 2018. I’m also poking around to see what the possibilities are for a short film or another book trailer. It should all be great fun!