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 edit and work with my graphic designer on the cover, maps, and interior 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 inside the same universe and timeline, with layered and interconnecting characters, embedded within real world locations and events. They are published in a chosen sequence that reveals the most engaging storyline, but can be read in any order, as standalone stories, wherever a reader finds themselves jumping in. I wanted to do something a little different—something that takes some intensive advance planning and plotting—where the series all together chronicles and completes one story. 

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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: 
 

No Country for Old Men, The Silence of the Lambs, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Shawshank Redemption, Dead Calm, Carlito's Way, Thief, The Shining, Jaws, Scarface, Heat, Miami Vice, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Night Moves, Blue Ruin, Rope, The Thing, Body Heat, Cold in July, The Deep, State of Grace, Dark Passage, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, L.A. Confidential, Dirty Harry, Key Largo, Chinatown, Bad Lieutenant . . . 

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Favorite genres to read and watch?

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Adventure, mystery, crime, thriller. 

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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 in the mornings—either writing, editing, or outlining future projects—for about 5 or 6 hours. After lunch I like to spend time outside, get in a workout, dunk in the pool, or head out on the water. Most days I will come back in the late afternoon for 2 to 3 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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Definitely a hardcore plotter—all the way! I have a novel fully outlined before I begin writing. 
 

What are you currently working on? 

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I have almost completed writing my third novel; Devilfish Key is targeting to publish Dec. 5, 2023. 

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

 

I love traveling to new places, both local and abroad, especially destinations and locales that are settings in future novels. Shark diving! I’m incredibly fortunate to live in South Florida where we have year-round opportunity for world-class shark encounters 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, lengthy, nerve-racking endeavor that requires serious 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 really tough game. 

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1. Read voraciously. 
2. Write consistently. 
3. Just get started—and then keep the ball rolling. 

4. Always have a notepad with you—you never know when a fantastic idea or line of dialogue is going to hit! 

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