What other genres do you enjoy reading?

Documentaries and biographies

­Have you ever destroyed any of your drafts?

Yes.

Fiction or non-fiction? Which is easier?

Fiction.

How many children do you have? Do you see any young writers in any of them?

I have one and yes. He’s shown interest. From what he has shared with me I think is good for a beginner. It wasn’t anything I ever forced on him. I make it very clear to him he doesn’t have to like it or be into it the way I am, for him to be into what he likes.

What advice would you like to pass on to young writers of today?

If your dream is to be published one day work toward that. You won’t always find the support you need so you need to be your own support in that situation. Don’t give up.

Is privacy an issue for you?

I once was super worried about privacy, but it’s not an issue mostly for me. If it’s something I don’t want online, I don’t put it online.

Were you a troublemaker as a child?

I wasn’t perfect, but wasn’t out to cause trouble either.

What time of the day do you usually write?

Nighttime, I’m usually up anyway so I make the most of it.

Describe a typical writing day.

This can change depending. Mostly I handle my responsibilities to my family, grab a cup of coffee, and start working on writing. Whether it’s setting up a draft, purging out my ideas, organizing, or writing. I take breaks and handle chores on those and then get back to writing if I’m able to.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Yes. Best I can say is breathe. If you’re becoming stressed step away. If you’re becoming emotionally drained step away. Self-care is important and if you’re not taking care of yourself, it will affect your work and those around you.