I'm generally an early riser but I must confess that my two Chorkies, Bailey and Belle, are the biggest inspiration for getting out of bed. They make me! But I also write in the pre-dawn hours since I find it rather quiet, especially after the dogs do their business and eat. I try to write two to three hours, and longer if I don't run out of mental energy.

I enjoy spending time outdoors, usually hiking or walking. I also like family time since I have a supportive wife, two wonderful sons and daughters-in-law and three beautiful granddaughters. And then I have my two Chorkies (a mix of Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier), Bailey and Belle, who also demand some of my time. Other than that, you'll usually find me reading, both fiction and nonfiction.

I generally read synopsis on Smashwords, Amazon, Facebook and other sites. Many ebooks are in print editions so I'll read reviews in magazines and newspapers as well. Also, I have several friends who are authors who tell me about ebooks they've read or recommend.

I wrote an awful short story in college that I submitted at a creative writing conference during a summer session. I don't even have a copy of it now. Yes, it was rather bad.

I usually rise early in the morning, put on a pot of coffee and feed the dogs before I get settled in at my computer. After the dogs go back to sleep, I read the last page or so of my work in progress and then proceed to write. I will probably write 2,000 to 3,000 words. I finish for the day when I feel I've written a chapter, or at least some passage that will provide the spark to continue the next morning.

For my novels, the covers were designed by a graphic artist at Wings ePress. I tell them what the book is about and provide a few ideas in which they can proceed. They usually show me several of their ideas, and then we go from there until we reach agreement on a cover. For my short story collection, Laments, I hired Tugboat Design for the cover.

I read all sorts of genres for pleasure. I like variety. However, when I'm working on a novel, I read nonfiction because I don't want to be influenced by other fiction. When I'm not writing, I read all sorts of fiction, from the old classics to the new books that will someday be classics.

I own a Kindle. I like its size and weight. It's also great for travel; simply carry it around rather than toting a lot of print books.

I try various marketing techniques, from snail mail (postcards, news releases) to Twitter to Facebook. I've done giveaways on Goodreads and Amazon. I think exposure is key. However, I believe the most effective marketing is word of mouth. I always encourage readers to tell others about books they've read and to try to leave reviews in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and other places.

A mess. It has notes, notebooks, reference books, printer, scanner, everything except a kitchen sink.