My little doggies wake me up to start the day. I live in the country, so plenty of chores.

I'm more of a paper person. I like to find books at the library and thrift stores.

Jill, my wife, and I are developing the follow up to Fort Jafra. I have Noodle Boy mysteries and the next Quinine Adventure in the works.

When I was a kid, first grade, I wrote a autobiography called "Me, Myself and I."

In the morning, I write before I'm fully awake so I don't think about it too much. I need to let the first draft fly. The time to think is during editing. Then I get into the day, try to stay active. Gardening, yard work. I write again in late afternoon before cocktails. I make mead. One important thing is to let the first draft sit for awhile. Remember, writing is rewriting.

Don't remember the first book. When I was a kid I started in on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. My mom was a reader and she passed on all kinds of books. I remember being shocked at some passages--my mom read this!

Try to create a scene that stands out and suggests what's in the book. Make sure the copy is readable. Not too busy.

First one that pops into mind is "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson. I've read it several times and always laugh. Funny book. Another is "Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. One of the best books I've read, with a great ending. Also pretty funny. "An Instance of the Fingerpost" by Iain Pears needs to be on the list. I read a lot of crime and murder mysteries. I like the Bosch character from Michael Connelly, and "The Alienist" by Caleb Carr. So many books, so little time.

Unfortunately, I've been one of those writers who writes and doesn't pay much attention to promotion and marketing. I'm trying to change that. Writing a book is hard. Marketing it is harder.

A clean desk is a sign of a sick mind.