About “Once Upon A Life”

1. What was your motivation for writing “Once Upon A Life”?

For me, the story is a blessing from God. It actually began as I realized a thriller I was writing wasn’t thrilling or ready to move forward. I decided to try something different, and recycled characters from the thriller into a new storyline that didn’t work either until I added song lyrics. The lyrics are my own—they are from a song I started to write a long time ago when I was in high school and never finished.

2. What challenges—if any—did you have writing your story?

I found it hard to get the setting right. I tried the story in a lot of different locations, and I hope the one presented comes across well. 

3. What is your favourite line—if any—in “Once Upon A Life”?

I am partial to the lyrics. As noted before, I started writing them a very long time ago. It’s good to see them kinda all grown up, so to speak. 

4. What do you want people to walk away with after reading “Once Upon A Life”?

Two things: I want them to feel happy, and hopeful for the characters. 

5. Is there anything else you would like to talk about regarding “Once Upon A Life” that hasn’t been asked?

I would love reader feedback on whether song lyrics work in the context of a story. 

Reading

1. What are you currently reading?

I am working my way through Ford County by John Grisham and Sputnik Caledonia by Andrew Crumey. 

2. Do you have a favourite book? If so, what is it?

I grew up on Verne, Wells, and Camus; my most favorite work of fiction is currently The Last Verse by Caroline Frost. 

3. What is your favourite poet or author, if any?

Very hard question. I find a lot of poetry in song lyrics, and I consume a lot of music. If I had to name a few artists: Johnny Cash, Public Enemy, and Bob Dylan would come close. 

4. Do you gravitate towards reading genres outside the ones you write?

Yes. One of my favorite things is to read outside my usual. Doing so has helped me grow as a writer. 

Writing

1. Why do you write?

Because I love stringing words together in ways that hopefully appeal and entertain people. 

2. What do you love about being a writer?

The rush of getting a line, dialogue, or something so right in a story I can feel it. 

3. What time of the day do you write, and do you have a writing routine?

Sadly, I grab what time I can when I can—though I find afternoons and evenings work better for me. 

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

Everywhere. A lot come[s] while running in the mornings here in Maryland. I’m the kind of person that can go to the grocery store and find an idea wedged between the canned soups and pasta on aisle 3. Anything can be an inspiration, and I consider all to be blessings. 

5. How long does it take you to write your projects?

It varies. I have a massive “back catalog” of unfinished items. I’ve been known to complete a story over a weekend, and to take years to complete others. 

6. What advice would you give to other authors/writers/poets?

Keep learning, trying, and always remember, write for the reader. 

7. What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am trying to move from short stories into longer works with the eventual goal of mastering the novel format.