Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born on the beach (not literally on the beach per se) in the oldest city in America, St. Augustine, Florida but I really grew up all across the southwest in places like Tucson, El Paso, and many other towns in Texas. My father was a wandering soul and was able to raise a family of six kids where ever he laid his hat. Being self employed (a TV repairman) and maybe a bit of a renegade allowed him the liberty to seek whatever lay over the horizon.
I think this influenced my writing style early on. I had the distinct impression that we were the only family that lived on the road in that way and I often felt like we were some sort of gypsy clan. Although I had siblings close to my age and we were the best of friends (when we weren't busy being enemies), I relied heavily on my imagination to keep entertained.
Even as a kid, writing and drawing were ways to connect something deep inside to the world around me. I learned to relate and communicate to others-- even those I might never meet-- through the imaginative expression that flowed from my mind to my hands.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
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