Age: 28
Birth Date: July 26th
Location: Southern California
Things I Don't Do: There isn't much I don't do, I'm pretty much game for anything. Unless, of course, it involves a drop, I don't do falling or high places very well. Oh yeah... Blood, fake Hollywood blood is okay, real 60 minutes / Forensic files blood, hell no!
Things I Love: Music, architecture, photography, thrill rides, camping... and the list goes on.
Favorite Places Online: GayAuthors, of course. Other than that, I frequent Nerve, DeviantArt, Wikipedia, and various other shopping/ browsing type sites.
Interview:
Where are you from?
I was born a full two months early at UCI. So that makes me a 1st generation native Californian on both my mom and dad's side. They hail from Phillidelphia, and Buffalo, respectively. Lived in Southern California all of my life, jostling back and forth between a few of the cities there.
Tell us your latest news?
I got Hosted!
When and why did you begin writing?
I've always written, it's sort of a stress reliever / hobby of mine. From 2nd grade when I wrote my first story that didn't involve a bad stick figure picture of some sort, to scribbles on college ruled paper all through my schooling years, right up to playing in online play by email writing games. Like many writers in this genre, I started writing because I wanted to read a particular type of story and couldn't find it. Still haven't found it, though the closest thing so far is Gone From Daylight by Comicality. That, and as I read, I kept telling myself I could do better than this, so I decided to try my hand at writing myself. Some five years later, here I am. I dunno if I actually did better, just did it my way.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Funny you ask, because in reality I really don't. To actually call myself a writer, I'd have to receive a check for it, wouldn't I? Writing is just a great hobby for the time being.
What inspired you to write your first story?
The actual first one? The Movie, Labyrinth. You know, David Bowie, leather pants, and teased hair. Twirling little crystal balls around in his hand like... well anyway. It was the second grade assignment I mentioned earlier. The story was titled, Behind the Grey Door, and I wrote twice as much as any other student in my class. No, it didn't need a disclaimer for content.
Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
That's a big question. Most simply answered by life. The experiences I've had and the ones I yearn for. It's hard not to be influenced by your experiences, after all, it's what you know.
How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
Most definitely. My mom argues naturally, and I think I get some of my writing from her. Instead of arguing with a person, I sit down and have it out with characters. I give them a viewpoint that differs from my own, and struggle to understand and express it.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I'm going to go with American Gothic. I use the setting as a character in most of my stories and pour as much detail into a conversation's surroundings as I do the conversation itself. Sometimes it works and readers pick up on it. Other times, it fades into the background seemingly unnoticed, just like any good supporting character should.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Living in Surreality and A Shot of Bourbon are both teenage, but my anthology offerings differ and take on two separate topics. Love lost, and the nasty effects of too much pride. I've also tinkered with some Sci-fi stuff, and even tried my hand at poetry. I'm just comfortable writing and I would love to challenge myself in every genre to see if I'm still as effective.
How did you come up with the title for your story(s)?
Some titles just come to you. That was the case for Bourbon. I had been razzed by a few IRC friends over the way I named my characters. So, in true 'don't get mad, get even' style, I decided I was going to give them a character name they would have to make fun of. Thus Bourbon, and the title, A Shot of Bourbon, were born, and yes, they loved the character and didn't even razz me about the name. Others are a lot more difficult and usually it's best to knock ideas off of outside help. Such was the case for both LiS and Destiny of Time.
Is there a message in your story that you want readers to grasp?
Carpe Scrotum... Seriously, I think one message shines through in everything I've offered so far. When it comes to love, don't fear. There are so many other things in life we have to be afraid of, why sully something that has the opportunity to grow and flourish like nothing you have ever known before.
How much of your story is realistic?
Like I said, all of my writing is somewhat based on experiences I've had or yearn to have. Exactly which is which, I'll let you all try and figure that one out. Okay, I'll give you one, the scene in Bourbon where Bourbon tells Rusty, "Dude your hands go any lower and you'll be cupping my jock," yeah, that one really happened to me.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
Again, yes... More so in some stories than others, but, some iota of my experiences sneaks into them all.
What books/stories have most influenced your life?
I don't really read published books that much, but if you're looking for a definite answer, I'll go with the bible, and its influence hasn't always been good.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
There are so many. JustinCase, SaraBell, Viv... just to name a few.
What new author has grasped your interest?
Definitely C James, he has a 'tongue in cheek' writing style that can, and will, keep you on your toes from one chapter to the next. Then there is Colinian. He has only offered two pieces so far, A Christmas Story, in eFiction and, The Tale of Snow White; a Fairy Tales anthology submission. I'm really eager to read anything else he has to offer, when he does.
What are your current projects?
Living in Surreality, then the last Shot of Bourbon. Beyond that, I have a few things brewing, including Destiny of Time. Other than those, there is a Sci-fi I mess with on occasion and a thriller/ whodunnit that takes place on a night club's opening night.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Viv for sure, along C James, who claims that he referenced some of my older work for help on some of his. That PM was awesome. I came back into the game having gone on hiatus a full three years later, and he remembered me from Bourbon. Other than those two, Sara Bell and Michael Phillips have always been two of my cheerleaders, offering advice and war stories of their own.
Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?
Getting paid to sit in front of my computer and chat with friends all day? Sign me up! Space is full? Well, in the meantime, I'll just call it a hobby then.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?
There is only one thing in general I would change. Stay in school kiddies, it may not seem important at the time, but it is.
Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
My readers rock! I don't think I tell them that often enough. Their comments and criticisms drive me to write better. A lot of them are great in their own right as well, and I enjoy reading whatever they choose to share with me.
