As far back as I can remember, I've loved to write stories. Starting out with poetry, I quickly transitioned into short stories. When I started college, my creativity went wild!

I have many factors that go into writing a story. Most of the time, something in my own life spurs the premise but sometimes simply watching a new TV show may spawn an idea. The story I'm currently working on came to me while watching a reality show about Alaskan pilots.

I had been watching the rising numbers of people turning away from traditional publishing. Since I'd focused on academic coursework while keeping a finger on the pulse of publishing, I submitted a chapter of a full-length novel (which I'm still editing) for my capstone. The professor's encouragement and my high grade (99 because she 'never gives a hundred percent on capstones') boosted my confidence enough to seek out freelancing as a ghostwriter.

Yes. Although I don't have many shorts under BS Dolphin, my works are also published under Langley's Lovelies (B.S. Dolphin). My success lies within learning as I get my works out there.

Finishing with the knowledge that I have lead the reader on a memorable journey.

Feedback from my fans allow me to learn about weak areas and strengthen them. Without this marriage of sorts, my writing would grow stagnant.

I'm currently working on a full-length novel broken into four parts for a client. In addition, I continually construct shorts to publish under my own name and edit previous works which I intend to publish under BS Dolphin.

I have to name Brian Lumley as my all-time favorite. At one time (before the market became drenched with vampires), I was devouring vampire novels. Lumley stepped outside the norm, taking his vampires on a cosmic and rather nasty treatment. If I'm going to read a vampire novel for the sake of horror, I want those creatures rolling in wickedness and nasty.

Family and writing. Many times, I wake up with dialogue between characters streaming through my mind. I hit the ground running on those days.

Watching favored shows with family.

Most often, a fellow author will point me to their book. Many times, I have simply searched a genre. Quality writing is important to me as well as plot and character development. I usually gauge strength and quality within the first few pages (regardless of hooks).

Yes. It's a trilogy that still resides on my hard drive, waiting for me to tear it apart and edit.

I flesh out my idea with freewriting. Whatever comes to mind, I write it down. Then, I begin developing the characters and expand whatever plot I have down. By the time I'm finished with the second brainstorm, I read through and alter or add whatever is written to strengthen. I will end normally end the book at this time. Next, the editing process begins.

It wasn't the first story I read, but Steven King's 'Gerald's Game' (if memory serves me correctly), painted a picture that I will never forget.

After writing the book and carefully choosing a title, I note elements within the story that would accurately portray the work. Once those elements are gathered, I start searching for just the right image. Sometimes, I have to blend them and tweak the cover. All the same, I enjoy the process because I always learn something new.

Fiction: Horror, romance, and sci-fi. Non-fiction: Biographies