Getting to Know The Author

In a recent interview, the host asked me some of these unique questions that I thought were fun enough to pass on to readers…enjoy.

What kind of writing do I do? 

Mostly non-fiction, but I’m diving into fiction too. I’ve authored or co-authored fourteen books. I’m currently working on a survival guide for young adults just leaving home.

What about me might surprise you? 

Many folks think I’m just a big teddy bear, but I used to work as a sergeant at a maximum-security prison. I don’t talk much about it but I have a lot of stories. And I’m pretty good with a gun. Oh, and one time I ate a rat and a tarantula….but that wasn’t while working at the prison. It was on a mission trip.  

What’s my favorite book on writing?

Currently, Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need (Blake Snyder). He writes down to earth rather than academically. I love what I’m learning. 

Do I have a favorite or signature Bible verse? 

Phil 3:12 “I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward the day when I will finally everything he saved me for and wants me to be.” 

What is my least favorite chore?

Weeds. So much work with no lasting reward. They are back in a week. So fruitless.

What is my writing routine?

You’re funny. 

What do I do when I’m not writing?

I watch movies and think about how I should be writing instead of being a couch potato. I also work as the Director of Journalism for a mission organization where I get the privilege of traveling the world to collect stories of changed lives. 

Am I a night or morning person?

Mornings for sure. I spring out of bed happy to be alive. It’s very annoying to my family. 

When I was little, what did I want to grow up to be? 

Wait, when did I grow up? 

What is my favorite smell? Sight? Sound?

Okay don’t laugh. Even though I don’t smoke I love the smell of a freshly lit cigarette outside. Not inside, that’s awful—but outside in the open air on a crisp fall day. It smells great to me…that and car exhaust. I know, I need counseling. 

Favorite sight? Probably the Rocky Mountains and surrounding area. It never gets old. I live in Colorado and every morning it’s a gluttony for the eyes.

My favorite sound is Australian songbirds. As a missionary, I used to live near in Melbourne, Victoria and I so miss waking up to the sound of cockatoos, lorikeets, lyrebirds, and kookaburras greeting the day.

The best part of waking up is…

Jesus and coffee, and not necessarily in that order.