Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Nebraska. Wherever you live affects your viewpoints. It was clear to me that there was good and bad, and bad was the villain. Only late did I learn about grey. Good people do bad things, and bad people do good things. Nebraska influenced my writing by being a farming and ranching area full of good people in, perhaps, a more innocent time.
I did learn about myself, girls, and stupidity. I also learned about corruption, betrayal, and responsibility. I left Nebraska at 18 to go to college and follow my sixth grade plan to teach history and a foreign language.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Frustration and lack of money. The opportunity of the internet made it possible. I've published in html on my site for years, but a book? Distributed? Sounded good. Originally I sought publication through traditional means. I got an opportunity to pitch to and editor at a writers conference. She asked me to send her the completed novel. i did. I got back excellent extensive notes and "we don't think this is your breakout novel". It was a thanks, no thanks. I was not asked to resubmit after editing. I was silly and banked on a sale to propel me through the next year of writing and research. I also learned I didn't want to play that publishing game any more. Don't get me wrong. If I was loaded with money, I would play! I like conferences and meeting people, and pitching novels.
I'll worry about that later. Paying the bills is real life.
Read more of this interview.