The first thing I ever wrote was a poem for a contest entry. I was ten years old and in 5th grade. The poem was entitled, "The Moon is Made of Green Cheese" Al I remember about it is the title. It was kind of corny but I won second place.

My latest book is entitled, "Land of Eternally Tranquil Light." It is a memoir that explores my experiences growing up as a black male child in West Tennessee during the 1950s and 1960s. This period saw the gradual dissolution of the "Jim Crow Laws" that segregated white and black socially, economically, and psychologically. This was a time when my self-worth was at its lowest. I came to doubt my own value as a human being.

Later, I was introduced to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism and began view my life within the context of eternity. I learned that any suffering that I experience in this lifetime is the result of negative causes that I made in the past. Viewing life from this perspective enabled me to accept that every hurt, anger, and frustration that happens t me is my responsibility. My karma caused that to happen.

I have submitted short stories, novels and poems to print magazines and publishers since 1980. It was very expensive even then to mail a manuscript with return envelope and postage. At that time, a 250 page novel cost about $25 in shipping, each way. With the advent of word processors, e-mail and the internet, I saw that I could increase my production exponentially. The possibility of churning out novel after novel or article after article, excited me--thrilled me. I started to write more. I often have three of four projects going at the same time so that if I get "stuck" or "lost," I can just switch over to work on something else. Writing is my life. It's what I do. I can't "not" write something every day. Now that I self-publish, there is no limit to what I can produce, be it novel, short stories or non-fiction books. I enjoy and truly appreciate the freedom to make my own decisions about publishing my own works.

Yes. definitely.Smashwords helps build my confidence. I have the basics of grammar and composition covered. I paid attention as much as I could in school. I also learned a lot about writing by reading a lot of fiction and nonfiction. Smashwords gave me the chance to prove myself and to improve my writing, formatting, and proofreading skills. For this, I will be forever grateful.

My readers are what drives me to continue writing. I have something to say, and what I have to say can help to improve the lives of others. Without readers and fans, I would not have an audience.

I am currently working on a nonfiction book about starting a cleaning service business. Its working title is, "Start a Janitorial or Cleaning Service Business." Most people are dependent upon a company for a job. I feel that the average person has the intelligence and determination to start and run their own business. Having you own business makes you the boss. It also makes you responsible for the decisions that determine the success or failure of your company. Most people have what it takes to be successful in a cleaning service business. They just need guidance and encouragement. That's the intent of this upcoming book. I enjoy my independence as a writer and I want others to enjoy the benefits of starting and successfully running their own cleaning business.

My favorite authors include John Steinbeck, James Michener and Jesse Hill Ford. I chose these as but a few of my favorites because they explore the "human condition." These authors effectively made me think more about humanity as a whole and about how terribly we sometimes treat each other, often for financial gain which often grows into outright greed.

The wonders of life are what inspire me to get up each day. There is so much to see and do each day. There is so much variety in nature and in humanity that I am forever amazed at how it all comes together to make for a world filled with interesting and amazing life.

When I'm not writing, I'm usually read a novel or short story. I enjoy reading for enjoyment and pleasure. Reading is like traveling, only cheaper. I also like to read about writing techniques and, of course, I often review grammar and composition.

I discover most of the ebooks that I read from the Smashwords website. Not only am I a contributor, but I am also an avid reader of books published by others on Smashwords. There is such a wide variety of fiction genres and nonfiction ebooks, both free and for sale, that I never run out of things to read. I have also discovered some interesting jewels in fiction and some very talented up-and-coming authors just starting their writing careers, right here at Smashwords.

Yes. I wrote a short story entitled, "The Brave and the Bold" for my tenth grade English class. The theme basically addressed the issue of when bravery ends and recklessness begins. Young people often feel that they have to always prove themselves. As a result, they often place themselves and others in positions that could have deadly consequences.