When and why did you begin writing? I really began writing with serious intentions in 2003. That was when I wrote the original manuscript for Dissolution of Peace, though it had no title at the time. But it wasn’t until late 2010 that I really began to take getting published seriously. Why the sudden motivation? I’m not a hundred percent sure. But ever since writing in 2003, the idea of doing it called to me. I finally decided that I needed to do it. It was time I finally realized a dream after having several others not work out.
How long have you been writing? Altogether, I’ve been writing for sixteen years. But really writing passionately it has only been two years.
When did you first know you could be a writer? The day my first acceptance letter came from Liquid Imagination for the second short story I had ever written and the first flash fiction. That story, “Death Watch” came in my first year trying to be a “real” writer. It was a big boost and it made me feel like I could do this. Later, the fan reception to that story, including a second place finish in the Preditors and Editors readers’ poll, really ignited the flame.
What inspires you to write and why? Starting out my kids inspired me. Simply because I wanted them to see that they too should reach for their dreams. But now, the people who read what I write also inspire me to write more. I tell stories because I want others to hear (or in this case see) them. As long as there are people who like what I write, I’ll keep writing.
What genre are you most comfortable writing? Science Fiction. This is what I read, this is what I love, and I think that’s why it is so comfortable for me. I’ve recently found myself enjoying a lot more Fantasy, so who knows maybe I should try my hand at it. After all stretching our comfort zone is what growth is all about.
What inspired you to write your first book? Dissolution of Peace, my first novel, is largely inspired from the space operas and military science fiction that has come before it. The idea came to me in a passing thought. What if we had peace on Earth? What if the money the world spends on war was turned to science? That sparked the idea. Then I took it to the next level. Would we be able to abandon our “warrior ways” and if not, how long could we really stay unified and at peace? The idea snow balled from that.
What made you want to be a writer? I wanted others to enjoy the thoughts, worlds, and characters that reside in my head. See only a writer can say that without sounding like they need to go to the loony bin.
What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? The most challenging part is what those outside the writing world think is the easy part, coming up with an idea. People seem to think that everything that pops into their head is going to be the next novel. But taking that fleeting idea and growing it into a novel takes a lot of work. What keeps the reader turning pages? An idea is a spark. Just as a spark doesn’t warm a room, an idea doesn’t make a story.
Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Writing this book in particular taught me a lot about the revision process including the importance of an editor. I don’t hire editors for my short stories, it just isn’t cost effective. I wrote the original manuscript for Dissolution of Peace back in 2003. Back before I had self-studied in the art of writing Science Fiction. I’d also had a lot of life experiences since then. The manuscript wound up needing a full rewrite as well as two revisions and a final coat of polish.
I learned to be flexible. There are many things that I had to cut and rework to make that book what it is today. So many opinions came in from by beta readers, and it took a lot to make it work to what I liked. I was scared to change anything. One aspect in particular included the romantic tension in the novel. The original manuscript didn’t have it, I was skeptical about adding it. It is now one of the most praised parts of the book.
Do you intend to make writing a career? I would love to make writing my career. If I didn’t have a day job, I would easily spend eight hours a day writing novels and short stories. Someday I hope my readers enjoy my work enough that I can simply write more stuff for them to read. This is why it is important for those that enjoy a writer to say so. Tell a friend so that someday the writer can write more novels for you to read.
When Earth Navy Captain Christina Serenity is brutally attacked by a traitor, her life is saved by Security Forces Corporal Michael Carlson. On the heels of her recovery, her ship is attacked by terrorists, and she is thrown into a difficult assignment. She must chase after the only clue they have, a Martian ship called the Phobos, and find out what secrets it hides. To make matters worse, someone still wants her dead.
Her ship, E.S.S. Australia embarks on a mission that leads Serenity on journey of discovery, friendship, betrayal, and revenge. She quickly learns the only thing harder to prevent than war, is love.
Now Serenity must trust her protection crew to keep her alive long enough to solve this puzzle while trying to prevent an interplanetary war.
The line has been drawn. Who will cross first?
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Genre – Science Fiction
Rating – PG13 to R (Language)
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