Yes, it was my first book called Aftermath. I had no way to publish it. I sent several copies to the major book publishers, but new authors like myself have very little chance of success. I had none, only rejection letters with little hope to publish. Then I was lucky enough to land on Smashwords. I reworked the book, published on Smashwords. Later I changed the name to "Blood Grip Against The Land" and reworked the cover. I had written the first copy on an old IBM used electric typewriter, for those of you who remember. This was long before even Star Wars. I enjoy writing science fiction and some horror.

At first I could just sit and write from my imagination. When I had things on my mind I tracked events, people, and other issues I wanted to refer to quickly. With this approach I use a table with titles like Book Title and Author and under that a table with headings like, you can use any you like:
Chapter, Names, Places, Vocabulary Words - regular or invented - and Character Traits. Sometimes I will color code items depending on need. For example, I might decide to color code all character names in green, red, or favorite color. This approach can help if you use speicific details that carry across many chapters. Nevertheless, I start out with a simple concept for the book or story, write a simple outline and add to it if I need to later, but this comes after I plot out what I call the skeleton of the plot with some idea of what the beginning, middle and end might read like. Sometimes I will ask mysel, What would I do if I were the character or what would that "character" do, etc.

I had a hard time learning to read, but once I learned I read everything from easy stuff to the full encylcopaedia, one brand my older sister had bought. The first stories I read were elementary level stories, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and then several written about Sherlock Holmes and by Mark Twain.

I enjoy designing and use more of a commercial arts approach. I look for copyright free material and work it to reflect my story. I use the paint program which I find flexible to manipulate and a serif program. If I had deeper pockets I would check out the more "sophisticated" design programs.

Obviously, my books and stories are my favorites. I prefer reading magazine with current material. I just completed reading a book by Barbara Rockerfeller called "Technical Analysis for Dummies" on stock trading. I was curious about the stock market? I will probably review it more than once!

Usually science related magazines, mainly on new events and discoveries.

Usually science related magazines, mainly on new events and discoveries.

None at this time. Too expensive or spam related overtones.

My desk holds my pc. My real desk is a simple pad. I write at a coffee shop that I frequent and I'm there, at times, late at night. First draft. Computer after that, many hours. I print material and work it; print material and work it; print material ....

Where I grew up did not influence my writing. I do have relatives that work in the arts, from painting houses to painting on canvas.

As a need to make money. I never did make "money". But, I did enjoy writing - creating an adventure, excitement, and action. I found writing time -consuming, emotionally draining, and completely absorbing!

I wanted to write an action story with a hero type character with common sense, living, and earning a living, in a possilbe future.

Finding the good support that Smashwords provided.

Smashwords has provided the opportunity to publish sucessfully. That I have done. I hoped to make some money, however, that may come later if Sci-Fi reader like my work.

Plotting out, planning the story, events, action, scenarios, etc. Being creative and creating.

Without fans, or readers, your writing remains only your own.

I am taking a break as my sales are flat. Should there be a positive interest I have dozens of plots, ideas, and material for printing, including horror stories.