What is your writing process?
It is very organic. I try not to push the characters too much, rather I listen to where they would like to go. Then, once I have a good idea of what the scene is, it’s up to me to add the details to make it interesting for the reader. Sometimes I am writing full-on just as it appears on the page. Other times I will do an outline of plot points and dialogue, then color it in after.
How do you approach cover design?
For my first cover, for “The Room”, I was actually working on a logo for the companion website I had created that revolved around a plot point between two characters, bdsmplayroom.com, and had a fairly spontaneous idea that popped into my head that the two “O’s” could be represented with handcuffs. Visually, it was such a simple thing, but brought with it many layers and implied meanings that the reader/viewer would project onto it, while also connecting with the theme of the story. Once I had that basic concept, it was so evident to me that it should also be used as a visual for the book cover.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
That would be when I’m reading back a chapter and the emotions of the scene hit me, be it laughter or tears. All I can do is hope that the reader has a similar experience, but when it happens to me, I feel as though I’ve tapped into something special. There are still points of the story that start poking at my emotions while I’m reading up to them, because I know what is coming. There are several parts that make me laugh, and a few that still bring me to tears, both happy and sad.
What are you working on next?
At the risk of jinxing it, I’m hoping to write a series of stories that revolve around this fictional town I created for the first book. We’ll have to wait and see how that plays out.
Who are your favorite authors?
In no particular order : Anne Rice, Chuck Palahniuk, Clive Barker, Douglas Adams, Isaac Asimov, J. K. Rowling, Robert Kirkman, Stephen King, J. R. R. Tolkien, and a dear friend that writes under the name Bix Meister.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Having another chance to be creative. I try to focus on being positive, so even if I’m not actually writing, I’m observing and filing away details to draw upon later. Meeting someone new can trigger a character detail and set me off on a jaunt of creativity. Conversing with a dear friend might recall a memory that can feed a plot point. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so for me, it is about watching for those things that will fuel the journey when I’m in that place where the words want to come out and play.
Describe your desk
Comfy chair, laptop, water, snacks. I try to keep it uncluttered to minimize distractions.
When did you first start writing?
After a few failed attempts over the years, something finally clicked in December 2015. My first day i wrote just over 5,500 words. The next day, another 5,000. Once the concept of characters, plots, and chapters started to make sense, the rest sort of fell into place.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
It is set in a fictional New England town and revolves around several characters that enjoy exploring elements of BDSM. But it’s not just about sex and kink. There are character arcs, interweaving plot lines, time jumps and flashbacks, all presented in a non-linear fashion. By the end, i believe it all ties together nicely, while leaving the story open for new adventures in the future.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the suburbs of Boston. There’s a lot of history and interesting architecture, but the thing I like the most are the people. They range from gentle to very brash and everything in between. Plus, all the things you might have heard about the unpredictable nature of the weather are quite true.
What do your fans mean to you?
Being a new author, i don’t really have fans just yet. But, when I do, I’ll hope they enjoy reading the stories as much as I’m enjoying writing them.
