How long does it take you to write a novel?

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The entire process—blank slate to publication—is about 18 months. Approximately 6 months to research and outline, 6 months to write, and another 6 months to do structural/line edits, submit the manuscript to my editor, and work with my graphic designer on the cover, maps, and formatting. Working concurrently I can publish one novel a year. 

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Are your novels part of a series?   

 

Yes, the novels are a series, all set on a fixed timeline and within the same universe, however they are not published chronologically. The books can be read standalone in any order, wherever a reader finds themselves jumping in. The series crisscrosses back and forth, with each book connected to and woven into the others, all layered upon real-world locations. Once complete, the series will compile a single storyline of characters that spans more than a century.

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Who are some of your favorite authors? 

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Wilbur Smith, James A. Michener, Clive Cussler, Ross Macdonald, Agatha Christie, Donald E. Westlake, Thomas Harris, Stephen King, Lawrence Block, John. D. MacDonald, Sidney Sheldon, Lee Child. 

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Favorite movies?

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Although I am a writer and avid reader I am heavily inspired by film, notably: 
 

Dead Calm, No Country for Old Men, The Silence of the Lambs, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Shawshank Redemption, Sorcerer, Carlito's Way, Thief, The Shining, Jaws, Scarface, Heat, Miami Vice, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Palmetto, Fargo, Night Moves, Blood Simple, China Moon, True Romance, Blue Ruin, Reservoir Dogs, The Deep, Body Heat, Into the Blue, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, L.A. Confidential, Dirty Harry, Key Largo, Chinatown, Cold in July, Bad Lieutenant, and The Long, Hot Summer. 

 

I owe a special nod and a great deal of gratitude to the 1982 cult classic masterpiece The Thing. I have paid tribute, studied, and vowed for decades to this near perfect film, and it has given back in spades.  

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What does your typical writing day look like? 

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Unless I'm traveling, I keep a somewhat structured daily routine. I work first thing in the mornings—either writing, editing, or outlining—for about 6 hours. In the afternoons I like to spend some time outside. More often than not, most days now I will come back in the early evening for a couple of hours to review the morning’s writing or work on plot outlines. Again, working concurrently like this I can complete a novel a year.  

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Are you a plotter or pantser? 

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I’m definitely a hardcore plotter—I have a novel fully outlined before I begin writing. That said, a book truly comes into its own during the writing process.

 

What are you currently working on? 

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I have started writing my fourth novel; Twisted Straits publishes Dec. 3, 2024.  

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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

 

Since my daughter came into my life—an unplanned and unexpected bundle of absolute love and joy—I cherish spending time with her, watching her smile, laugh, and experience everything for the first time. I enjoy traveling, especially to destinations and locales that are settings in future novels. My wife and I have a goal to see all 175 of Florida’s state parks. I love being on the water and head out as often as I can. We’re incredibly fortunate to have some of the best shark diving in the world right in our backyard.

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Any tips for those starting out? 

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Without question, writing a novel is a challenging and lengthy endeavor that requires serious dedication, commitment, and consistency. For many, including myself, the blank page of "Day 1" can be the toughest part. You're going to be spending months alone at a keyboard engaged in a world and characters of your own design. Fortunately I find the daily creative progress of working on and completing a novel a ton of fun and extremely rewarding—if not, this would be a tough game. 

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1. Read voraciously. 
2. Write consistently. Get started—and then keep the ball rolling. 
3. Write for yourself first. Write the book you want to read. 

4. Always have a pen and notepad nearby—you never know when a fantastic idea is going to hit. 

5. Keep lots of snacks close by—I love cold brew coffee and dark chocolate!