Frequently Asked Questions
When and where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California in 1958 which makes me 66 years young.
Please tell us about your family.
My mother and father both worked full time so I had a living housekeeper, nanny, cook for most of my child tears. I have both a brother and a sister 5 and 6 years younger than myself.
How were you as a child? Are there any childhood memories you'd like to share?
As I look back, I had a very easy childhood. Even though my parents divorced when I was about 9 years old, I was able to spend time with my father every weekend until I left for college at the age of 17.
What are your educational and professional qualifications?
I graduated from college in 1980 with degrees in Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Planning.
What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
I consider myself to be a “creator” and someone who can see a need and figure out how to best meet that need. I have started two national non-profits, the Cohousing Association of the United States and the National Hemp Association. I also consider the books I have published more recently to be impressive accomplishments.
Which writers inspire you?
Earnest Callenback, James Kuntsler, Hugh Howey, Kim Stanley Robinson
What books do you really enjoy reading? What are you currently into?
I love mysteries, crime thrillers and of course dystopian end-of-world novels.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
That is a very hard question. I would have to say “A Pattern Language” as it documented how humans have historically build homes, neighborhoods and towns to support human growth.
What made you finally start writing?
My journey began as a desire to offer a wide audience a realistic and positive vision of the future. My initial novel started as a screenplay to give viewers and powerful visual experience of how the future could be. Eventually that screenplay was converted into a novel and I have been writing ever since.
Do you have a specific time to write, or does your day just naturally fit around it?
Creating a consistent pattern and schedule is best so I tery to devote part of my morning to the craft.
What attracts you to the scientific fiction genre?
The genre I write in is new. It is called "Protopian Near Future Fiction." In addition to offering a positive view of the future, it has elements of mystery, thriller, and hard science fiction.
What makes your books different from others in the scientific fiction category?
There are very few novels set in a realistic and positive future where that is used as the backdrop to a more traditional mystery ort thriller. That combination is sorely lacking.
What do you think readers should look forward to in ‘Catapult’?
Readers of Catapult can expect to be both educated and inspired while navigating the back and forth of a dual futuristic timeline.
What do you think readers should look forward to in the ‘Silo 42’ series?
For anyone familiar with the books by Hugh Howey, or the recent Silo series on Apple TV, my books offer a unique sustainable option set inside an extremely dystopian world.
How long did it take you to actually write the books?
It has varied wildly. Catapult as I mentioned, started as a screenplay in the late 1970’s and first published as a novel in 2012. The following books have taken less than a year. The second silo book was just released on Amazon to very positive reviews.
What was the toughest and the easiest parts of writing ‘Catapult’ and ‘Silo 42’? Share any cool stories.
My process of writing follows the “pantzer,” seat-of-my-pants model where I have an idea and then let it evolve as the characters dictate. I have been known to slip into a very hot bath and when the heat takes over I simple ask my characters “what’s next” and the information is provided.
What are your goals for your writing career?
As a sustainability educator and consultant for most of my adult life, my hope is that my writing generates conversations that allows me to speak on the topic.
Are you working on a new book? What's it going to be about?
The "From Here to There" series will most probably end up being 4-5 books in total. The Silo 42 series may be 3 to 4 books, so I have my work cut out for the next few years already.
What does winning mean to you as a writer?
It would be amazing if writing ends up paying my bills so I can devote my efforts to it full time. If I can add to that a speaking schedule, I would be extremely happy. I would add that if my first novel Catapult was reconverted into a feature length film or mini-series I would be deliriously happy.
Any advice you'd give to new writers just starting out?
Do it and do it regularly. And as Stephen King says if you are not writing then read. Write about what you know or are passionate about as that will make it easier.