Tag: books

Audible Book Review of Stephen King’s “Never Flinch” — Derek Barton, 2025

Book Review

by Stephen King — Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Released on May 27, 2025

448 pages

Synopsis:

From master storyteller Stephen King comes an extraordinary new novel with intertwining storylines—one about a killer on a diabolical revenge mission, and another about a vigilante targeting a feminist celebrity speaker—featuring the beloved Holly Gibney and a dynamic new cast of characters.

When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to “kill thirteen innocents and one guilty” in “an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man,” Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help.

The Review:

This is the seventh novel involving Stephen King’s popular eclectic character, Detective Holly Gibney. Her debut as a support character came in Mr. Mercedes (The Bill Hodges Trilogy), then the sequels Finders Keepers, and End of Watch. Then she played bigger roles in the novels The Outsider and in the title short story in If It Bleeds. Finally, in 2023, she was the main character in the novel, Holly.

Although King has faced some fan criticism for his seeming infatuation with Holly Gibney, in my opinion, he has created a stand-out character who has grown and has seeemingly come into her own inspite of her adult ADHD and OCD tendencies. Holly has proven herself to others, including her overbearing and destructive mother, that she has what is most important at heart and the strength to drive through any challenge placed before her.

That being said, Never Flinch is not quite as strong a story as I felt the prior novel, Holly, was. In Holly, King went back into his darker, terrifying art form and told a tale of barbaric cannibalism, focusing on a sadistic pair of elderly serial killers.

In Never Flinch, King tells a new tale that is more “true crime”-like and suspense-thriller. It was a good story, but it was not as satisfying, and honestly, what I want to read from the “Master of Horror”. While there is plenty of Holly Gibney content, as a reader, I found myself asking, “Just how often can one person actually find themselves in this much crisis or danger?” In other words, this is again the seventh time Holly and those around her encounter serious danger. In reality, I don’t think many people would associate with this person for very long. The ending, as well, comes a bit too easily and quick for me, which also diminished the impact of the tale.

The Rating:

RECOMMENDED READING! For rating purposes, I score this 4 out of 5.

By DEREK BARTON — Author of the ELUDE series (Parts I, II & III — a Horror/crime thriller), EVADE Series (Parts I, II & III)  & IN FOUR DAYS: a Horror-Suspense Novella.  Also co-author of the Hidden & The Hidden Within… All books available on amazon, kindle & Audible.com!).

Just One More Bite… Another Sneak Peek Into ECLIPSE! — Derek Barton, 2025

New Content

(IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST SNEAK PEEK, CLICK HERE!)

“Jesus, Doc,” he muttered. “Am I going to be alright?”

“You are under the best care in Chicago, and I’ll be making weekly visits to the rehab to ensure your recovery is going as planned. The surgeries sound scarier than they really are, I promise. The brain damage you suffered can be handled. The movement in your arm and hand will resume by the end of the year. You are young. Your body can work miracles, you will see.”

Mitch shifted under the sheets. His back ached from the prolonged time in one position. “How long do you think I’ll need to stay in the hospital – I mean, the rehab facility?”

“Normally, for one skull fracture surgery, you can expect a twelve-week recovery period. However, since you suffered the dual cracks and adding in the time, you’ll need manual movement therapy, it may take you through July or August. That is, of course, provided you don’t have any infections or setbacks from the surgeries.”

Mitch felt his shoulders slump as a huge weight settled upon them. The news hit him hard.

His normal dark thoughts had descended into anger and misery. His life as he knew it was snubbed short and may be permanently altered. He was a prisoner to his body and what it demanded now to rebuild and recoup.

Don’t worry. You’re free now… We have a lot to plan for in the future. New pleasures like you have never had before. That wispy voice spoke in his mind, as if somehow spoken behind him. It had an unusual feeling with it. Like an itch you couldn’t reach, yet not necessarily uncomfortable.

Once you called me vile… I like that. You may address me as Vile. I’m here now.

You are free. And we are unleashed…

****

“That was pretty good. You got to the sixth.” Jo Anne replied. “It’s only been a few days since you arrived. It may be a long road ahead, so you must try to have patience—”

A blue flashing light suddenly came to life overhead near the entrance of their therapy room. “CODE GRAY ROOM 207! REPEAT CODE GRAY ROOM 207!” A female voice declared.

Jo Anne leaped from her metal chair. “I have to assist. Stay here, Mitch, and keep practicing. In ten minutes, you can switch and do those planking exercises I showed you yesterday, okay?” She rambled with distraction and bolted down the hall without waiting for his response.

The other two therapists in the room also left to answer the medical emergency.

Mitch pushed the wooden square away from him in disgust, and then looked about the room. Only four other patients remained, absorbed in their exercises.

He scooted his chair back and stood.

Yes. That’s good. Take it, take this opportunity. He will be alone… Vile’s voice, whispering from within the dark confines of his mind, urged him on.

The image of an elderly black man popped up. Mr. Coranell. Dwight Edwards Coranell. Room 403. Two rooms north of his own.

Two nights ago, Monday, January 28th, Coranell was brought in. The man had been injured in a fall in his grandson’s home. Along with the broken hip, the man suffered from long-term dementia.

At 9:33 PM, every night since his admission, Coranell began an unending tirade of cursing and indecipherable screaming. The medical staff had eventually been forced to sedate him. Quickly, Mitch learned that after three or more hours, the drugs would wear off and the litany of gibberish would play out again.

At 5:47 AM, Mitch demanded earplugs from the staff. He became so irate that he was also threatened with sedation. He stifled his true thoughts as he hated the fuzziness and mind fog that the drugs would bring. Being medicated would only delay his rehabilitation.

Now, as he crept along the hallway toward the stairwell, he grew excited and anxious. His hands became sweaty, and his heart raced with excitement.

Can you do it? Are you hungry enough for this, Mitch?

I am. I am! The old bastard deserves it, he’s got it coming!

Carefully, he poked his head inside the stairwell, scanning the steps leading up to the other floors. They were empty. He snuck through and ascended as fast as he could. His window would be short. Jo Anne and the others would surely be returning, or the nurse on their floor would be at her post.

Yes, it has to be now, Vile continued. You know you won’t have this chance again. Are you going for the blood? You could rub it on your face, maybe even taste it?

NO! I’ll be caught. I can’t. I… I will have to be happy with just the act of silencing him.

But… Vile objected. Its tone was petulant.

If they find me covered in his blood, I’ll never be allowed another opportunity.

The voice went quiet.

He poked his head in through the door to his floor, following his same scouting process. 

The room was dark, cold, and had that antiseptic clinic smell choking the air. A pair of monitors loomed over the bed. Wires and sensors were connected to Dwight’s prone form. The man’s heavy breathing rasped in and out, churning like an over-taxed engine. He was sedated and sleeping – oblivious to the world around him.

Mitch stood only a few feet away. His body was rigid. Sweat trickled from his brow and temples. He repeatedly clenched and unclenched his large fists.

Vile tried once more. What do you want to do, Mitch? He’s all yours for the taking. 

He did not respond. He remained frozen from the wicked combination of dark needs versus anxious fear. A wrong move or an overlooked detail could result in an investigation leading directly to him. 

Mitch was incredibly intelligent and always thorough. In all of his imagined scenarios, he scanned them from every possible angle, every point of view. In his mind, he had all the time in the world to execute his precise plans. 

But here, in the murky gloom of the man’s room, he didn’t have time as a luxury. The pressure choked his primal drive. His conflict paralyzed him.

Maybe I can get the pillow, he mused.

You are fucking kidding, right? You want to puss out with a lame smothering? NO! Make an example of him — make his mutation an affront! Throw it in their face! Vile was seething.

“Wh—what?” Mitch gasped.

Show them all this is what you’ll do when they stand in your way! They can’t expect you to accept this bawling lunatic! Rip his face off, put it on the chair by the door. Squeeze his throat till his eyes pop and then open—

ENOUGH! Mitch screamed inside his mind. His hands clamped to the sides of his head. I AM IN CONTROL HERE! I decide when and how. You want blood, but I want more than that… I want more than one old, tattered man who isn’t even awake to scream for me. Vile, you answer to me!

So… hooked yet? Don’t worry! You and Vile can satisfy your bloodlust in October when I officially release ECLIPSE PART I! Then the whole story series will be released in March or April, 2026.

Like Sands In The Hour Glass… – Derek Barton – 2025

Writing Tips

Many times, I find myself stalling, pushing back, or even deliberately choosing alternatives to sitting down to write, even though it has brought me some of my happiest moments. Some call this a form of “writer’s block”, or they see it as procrastination. I like the term writing resistance myself as it is just that – an internal debate on whether I should write today or not.

Why am I resisting the call to be productive and creative? Why? There are dozens of reasons why, but when you consider it, writing is opening yourself up. It allows people to see your inner thoughts. You are also providing a window of opportunity to judge you and your work. That is an extremely vulnerable position. Resistance is, in many ways, a defense mechanism. Cleaning the stove, picking up the dry cleaning, or looking for that perfect spot to sip a coffee and people-watch is much easier and safer than putting your thoughts on paper for all to see and comment. The world and internet are full of trolls after all…

In my writing group that I host now on Tuesdays called Shut Up & Write (which is a national/international organization and has affiliate groups in almost every city and country around the globe – highly recommend attending one as it has truly given me a lot of great resources and tools to benefit my writing journey), we discussed our own forms of writing resistance.

This is a list of the examples they could attest to and that these have happened with their own writing experience:

Laziness

Insecurity 

Lack of focus

Perfectionism

Too many ideas at the same time

Didn’t value my work or its worthiness

Lack of computer skills

No accountability

Too many tasks/other responsibilities

No motivation

Imposter Syndrome

Burn out

No current inspiration

Bad time management

The Blank Page syndrome

Stress

Information overload/no direction to start

Looming Deadlines

Then we discussed possible solutions or tactics that might help you overcome these possible examples of resistance:

Smart Goals (short & obtainable)

Outlines – to me personally, this helps me defeat any Blank Page syndrome or Writer’s Block.

Change in venue

Small tasks

Genre reading

Writing ritual/routine

Internet-inhibiting Apps – these are apps designed to help prevent you to “going down the rabbit hole” on the internet vs writing or to get sidelined by social media platforms.

Project Planning/Defining

Big Idea Notebook

Turn off your Inner Critic! – freestyle writing is crucial during your first drafts.

Use writing place holders to move forward in the prose

Baby-step or sprint writing – I set a limit like 300 words per day (which usually gets me into writing mode and I write way past the limit).

Edit the previous chapter

Do something else but still be in creative mode – like ad design, marketing copy, or idea research

Research for your genre or idea

Read work out loud to yourself

Writing prompts – one of my personal favorites especially when I am in between projects (they can jumpstart  you!)

Writing resistance is a fierce temptation to give in to. Procrastination, research temptations, or simple internet scrolling can erode your productivity. Work up a writing routine or ritual. In other words, find and dedicate a  specific time and amount of time you want to work on your WIP (which is why the Shut Up & Write group works so well for me).

Like an actual muscle, unless you flex and use it, the writing muscle will not grow and strengthen if you don’t make it a priority. And if you go long enough, your writing muscle can atrophy! Developing good ways to sidestep your writing resistance can make or break your writing journey!

For further exploration and tips on Writing Resistance, check out an earlier post I did on tactics to avoid or reduce resistance. Repel The Resistance

Harness The Power of Audible! — Derek Barton, 2025

Self-publishing

The ease of access and the availability of audiobooks have increased dramatically over the recent years. The potential to reach more readers and have increased sales is too critical for you as a writer not to explore. In his article, Audiobook Statistics by Market Size, Sales and Demographics, Pramrod Pawar of Coolest-Gadgets.com states: 

  • In 2022, audiobook sales in the United States generated over USD 1.81 billion.
  • The number of US adults listening to audiobooks has more than doubled in the past 10 years.
  • Younger people are more likely to consume audiobooks, with 57% of Americans under 50 listening to audiobooks in 2021.
  • Mystery and Thriller are the top genres, enjoyed by 55% of listeners.
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy are also popular, with 48% of listeners enjoying these genres.

On a personal note, as a new author, I never thought I could have an audiobook version of my book. The investment costs and finding quality talent were quite daunting. However, when I took the plunge and started the ball rolling, I found the whole experience very rewarding and valuable. My story became a “play inside my mind” when I listened to the audio version for the first time. The Elude series is my best-selling books and I credit the audio version for the reason why!

So first, you create your account on ACX.com (a division of Amazon.com). Then you’ll need to “Claim Your Title” which is a button found at the bottom of the screen. You can use your book’s title, your author name, or the ISBN to bring up your book. From the list provided, you should then be able to see and select your book.

  • Decision #1: Are you going to work with a narrator or use previously recorded files. 

Here you will need to decide if you are open to getting narrator auditions or if you want to go with a known narrator (someone you have already contacted and worked out an agreement for them to do your story) OR if you have narrated the story yourself and already have a prepared file. ACX does have very specific requirements and quality expectations. (Here is the link to those standard expectations.) Be sure to review those and match them before submitting your story for Quality approval.

  • Decision #2: what kind of narrator do you want?

ACX has literally thousands of voice actors waiting to audition and willing to work hard on your story. To narrow down the list, they have filters for genre, language, accent, voice age, vocal style, and location. These will help you to select the few actors you want to reach out to directly. I’d recommend maybe a dozen to start. You will also get auditions sent to you if you want. 

  • Decision #3: what kind of financing amount are you willing to invest in the project?

One other key aspect you’ll want to determine is how you want to pay for the narrator’s service. Professional narrators can charge $200 to 400 per recorded hour upfront. One recorded hour is around 9,000 words. If you cannot afford that, another possibility is what is called Royalty Share. Amazon decides on the total sale price of the audiobook and then takes 60% of the retail price. The remaining 40% royalty is then split between you and the narrator for each sale. When you filter for narrators, you can set it to show only Royalty Share, Royalty Share Plus (narrators who will share the royalties as before but want a little extra upfront too), or Pay Per Hour Costs (ranging from $50 to $1000 per hour). 

  • Decision #4: working through the auditions and finding the right voice for your story.

It is very important you find the right person to tell your story. I know I have stopped listening to a story if I didn’t like the voice. Many other readers will too. The voice captures the reader’s attention and brings the story to life in a whole new way. You will get all sorts of types of actors and auditions. I have even gotten auditions read with very heavy accents or even “broken English” which is not at all what I was looking for. Be kind, be tactful, but be honest and know what you want. Once the recording is finished and published, it is extremely difficult to get corrections or changes made!  

  • Decision #5: determine due dates of the 15-min sample and when the final recording is due.

Once you have contacted the narrator that you like and they have agreed to do the project, you will send them a business contract through ACX. It will stipulate the payment plan and the due dates. Normally, I give the narrator one to three months to produce the recording based on the size of the project. The 15-minute sample is a recording the narrator will make and send to you showcasing their tone, pacing, accents, etc. This is a binding business contract but if I have a good relationship with the narrator, I will give them leeway for personal events like illness or other life disruptions. If you rush or pressure the narrator, it could impact the quality of the production. Should you and the narrator have any serious issues or conflicts, you can contact ACX Support to end the contract and stop the production. It is a hassle so be sure you really want to go that route. 

  • Decision #6: Approve and submit to Audible for their approval. Carefully review the audio files listening for mistakes, word omits, mispronunciations, file recording glitches. The narrator can send you the work chapter by chapter or they may send it all at once. I like to review as they go in order to stop errors from being repeated throughout the book (i.e. mispronounced names, etc). The narrator is expected to read and perform the writing as closely as possible. To reach a bigger audience, some readers look for a feature called Sync (formerly Whispersync) which allows a reader to go from listening to Audible to reading in Kindle and then back to Audible without losing their place in the book. That feature requires the narrator to be at least 96% accurate. 

Of course, there may be other considerations and/or minor decisions you will have to make during this process, but I hope I have taken away some of the mystery and fog hiding this key market from new writers. It’s been a great addition to my work and helped me reach even more readers.

More Screams & Terror coming your way! — Derek Barton, 2024

General

Happy holidays, everyone! I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on my newest releases, my current works-in-progress, and what I’m planning for in the near future.

NEW RELEASES:

**VICTIMS: A Horror Short Story Collection has been doing well, sold on Amazon & Kindle. S.W. Salzman, my narrator, is wrapping up his production of the Audible version and should be on sale before the end of the year!!

**Two new anthologies will be released before the end of the year. First, is The Weatherly Lane Anthology.

A malicious evil taints the land. Any who step into the house at 1214 Weatherly Lane suffers an unspeakable curse. Witness and live through the multiple encounters, decade by decade.

The second anthology from The Fear House Press is Gates of Hell Unleashed. There isn’t a cover yet, but this is in the works and set to be released soon. My story, Suicide Is For Suckers, will be printed within. It’s a tale of desperation and the drive to survive. Does anyone ever win when they sell their soul to the Devil? When more details and information are released, I will pass it along.

**Wordpeddler Society Magazine’s next issue, the Horror Edition, will feature ME and will be released also by the end of the year. In this edition, I am interviewed about my start, my motivations, and my writing process. Also, I have another short story (never published before) called Beneath The Surface. It’s a horrifying tale where summer camp thrill-seeking and curiosity leads to pure terror.

WORKS-IN-PROGRESS:

**Beyond the Barrier, the last in the Wyvernshield series, is in the final wave of edits. It is slightly behind what I hoped for, but it may be out by the end of 2024 or in the first weeks of January 2025. The cover is in the works—another knockout beauty by Joy Landa, who designed all the covers of this series!

**The Deity Staff will have an Audible version available in the first half of 2025. Again, this will be performed by the exceptional talent of Laura Richcreek who has done all of the prior books in the series. She has also agreed to lend her talents to Beyond The Barrier in the coming year!

FUTURE PROJECTS:

**Unfortunately, the serial killer drama, Eclipse, will not be continued on Kindle Vella. Amazon has decided to shut down the entire Vella program by February, 2025. Up to that date, you are able to read the released episodes for free! I will continue the novel, and with luck, it will be out by the end of next year. Eclipse is my first, true crime horror novel (no supernatural elements this time!). It also has ties and links to the previous two series, Elude and Evade.

A sadistic new serial killer has the city of Chicago in his grip. A bold, rookie detective haunts his every step. Which will slip up first?

**I have teamed up with a small indie press known as Phoenix Oasis Press and will be working with them on an upcoming literary anthology centered around the theme of “curiosity”. I hope to submit a new short story to them in March, 2025. Publication is expected around August. More details to come.

MISCELLANEOUS:

**I was interviewed recently on Historically Haunted Vodcast last week. Please click here if you’d like to check it out.

**Also, for anyone in the local Phoenix, Arizona area, I will be having a book signing at the SUPERHERO SATURDAY EVENT on January 18th, 2025 at the Metro Mall parking lot area. Come by and say hello! All items will be signed for free!

**Keep an eye out for me on BookTok, a part of TikTok. I hope to release in the coming year videos highlighting my content, new releases, my author life and my writer processes.

Thanks again for all your interest in my work and your support as always!

An Exciting New Story – ECLIPSE — Derek Barton, 2024

New Content

Are you missing out? Never too late to join in! ECLIPSE is my latest horror-suspense story I am sharing on Amazon Vella. It’s another crime-inspired story, connected with my prior stories, Elude and Evade!

A sadistic new serial killer has the city of Chicago in his grip. A bold, rookie detective haunts his every step. Which will slip up first?

One criticism I want to address: a common trait in my stories is the supernatural or occult aspects. Some readers want a hard-core, true-to-life crime thriller. ECLIPSE is just for YOU! This time I bring you pure horror with nothing but the evil of man… Are you sure you are ready for this?

And to add a little spice to the hook: the rookie detective is Bowden Korrey… nephew to none other than Detective Lindsey Korrey from Evade…

Here’s a sample of the first episode:

The storm outside also grew in strength and fury as if feeding off Mitchell’s mood. Now, blinding flurries of fresh snow pelted the windows incessantly. Mitchell took a long sip of his coffee, settled back in his chair, and worked to calm his nerves. Corey was a typical kid. It was nothing abnormal. Yet there was something about the mouthy teen that got under his skin. He was expected to do well in a college football program somewhere as a running back. For that reason, he barely made any effort with his assignments and tests.

The plain digital clock on his wall displayed 12:45. He had to heed his own advice and started to gather his papers and texts into his work duffel bag. A few minutes later, he jogged with his hands up over his head to shield himself from the snow as he opened his gold Toyota Camry. He flung his bag in the backseat and waited behind the steering wheel.

A few minutes later, he cruised down the I-83, keeping it slow and steady on the slick roadway. He dug out his cell phone. He knew it would be better to call now versus when he reached the woody outskirts of Chicago. Cell towers were not as prevalent and his reception grew spotty. Despite the long everyday drive to and from Bogan, he loved the time of isolation and freedom it gave him. He would often listen to classical music or even lose himself in an audiobook.

Sometimes when the mood took him, he would allow himself a fantasy. A homicide fantasy would bloom in his mind, like a black and thorny rose. He would spin the encounter in his mind in every gruesome detail and direction he could. Mitchell liked to work out the opportunities, challenges, and the obstacles. He conjured every conceivable angle to how he would kill a person in the scenario. It was his darkest craving. He buried the needy feelings deep inside… buried deep like his victims in his scenarios.

CLICK HERE to read the new story and get the latest episodes!

Has Your Journey Become A Maze? — Derek Barton -2024

Self-publishing

I get asked a lot by aspiring new writers, where do I go next? “The manuscript is done and I’m ready to put it out in the world. But… I don’t know how.”

Completely understand that lost sensation. You’ve done the hard part, but you didn’t think beyond the draft. It’s an overwhelming and daunting challenge. Some find it easier to “hide it right here in my drawer. Someday, I’ll get back to it.” In other words, you feel safer if you don’t even try.

But that seems like such a tragedy to me! You’re so close to the goal. I want to help. Here is a sample of the guest blog I did for Phoenix Oasis Press detailing my template on the next steps forward (be sure to click on the link at the bottom for the complete blog):

I FINISHED MY FIRST DRAFT… NOW WHAT?

Written by Derek Barton

In front of you on your desk sits a stack of accumulated pages. The culmination of your blood, sweat, and tears, your finished draft sits patiently. It stares up at you, waiting for you to do something with it. It sits and stares. And sits some more. All while you ponder, ‘what do I do now?’ 

While I don’t have all the answers, I have been in your shoes. Last night, I completed my first round of edits on my seventeenth novel. If you plan to independently publish your work – meaning you handle everything and are in full charge of your artwork, pricing, and sales – read on for some tips to help you move forward. 

Note that this template / process works well for me. I offer it as a starting point for you to personalize to your goals and journey.

Step 1: Editing

Everyone needs an editor. No one’s work is clean, error-free, and perfect out of the gate. But before you jump into editing, take a month or two off from your manuscript. Set it aside and give yourself some mental distance. When you go back to it, you’ll approach it with fresh eyes and an open mind to improvements. 

Free online tools

Free online editing services like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ProWriting Aid can help keep your prose concise, clear to the reader, and develop strong reader engagement in your work. Programs like this will highlight areas of improvement including: 

  • Sentence structure – fragments, run-ons, or overly complex sentences 
  • Identifying passive voice
  • Flagging over-used or repetitive word choices
  • Highlighting weakeners – adverbs and phrases like ‘I think,’ ‘maybe,’ ‘really,’ ‘just’

Alpha reader

Alpha readers are readers or other writers you trust who have interest or experience with writing in your genre. Expect an alpha reader to give you a better, well-informed review of your work where they point out plot holes, missing or unaccounted characters, and jumbled timelines. Prepare yourself for navigating alpha (and any kind of) feedback, and also be clear about what you would like the reader to look for. Here are tips on how to do that!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE THE FULL BLOG.

Enjoy!! I truly hope this helps and gives you some direction and hope in your journey forward.

The Phoenix Oasis Press — Author Interview – Derek Barton – 2024

General, Personal

I was honored to be interviewed by a local publishing press, Phoenix Oasis Press. This small, but growing press has been doing great work by producing an online blog focused on helping new authors, organizing workshops and writer retreats, and even orchestrating several award-winning anthologies.

In 2025, they are again set to gather independent writer’s short stories into a new anthology. I have attached the link to the details here. Without a doubt, it is a great venture for any new, aspiring writers!

Here is a sample of the interview (for the full interview, click on the link at the bottom).

Why I write

I love getting lost in books. The great escape into space, the past, the future – anywhere the story takes you. I knew early on I wanted to entertain others in the same way. And I had a wealth of content. You see, stories and characters spring to my mind and demand to be heard and written. Like spoiled children, they rampage and stomp out any other thoughts until I write down what they have to say. If I don’t give in to their demands, I’ll go crazy. 

I wouldn’t have it any other way. Writing has always been a part of who I am. Bringing stories to life is a beautiful stress reliever, therapy session, and personal adventure. Sometimes the characters go on unexpected benders or take unknown paths. It’s intriguing, fulfilling, and frustrating all at the same time. 

Early roots & inspirations

Born and raised in Indiana, I was your typical introverted kid. I spent a lot of time reading the horror of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, and R.A. Salvatore’s fantasy epics.

When I was 26, I needed a big change. I took a leap and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1996. I didn’t know anyone in the southwest. Nor did I have a job or a place to stay, but something was calling me. 

Writing life

In 2011 I got serious about writing and started working on my debut novel, an epic fantasy. When I started, I wrote by the seat of my pants. I let the world unfold on screen as I typed. My story meandered along, trying to find its way from point to point. I realized I needed a road map so I sat down and crafted a super-detailed, 60-page bullet outline. Turns out I’m more a plotter style writer than a pantser. 

Editor’s tip: There’s no right way to write a novel other than the way that works for you. The pantster-plotter spectrum also includes plantsers. Check out this NaNoWriMo quiz to get an idea of your style.

Letting the story go

I spent five years developing, editing, and endlessly rewriting that first novel. Then I read an article where Stephen King advised that at a certain point, you have to let your children go. You have to let them loose in the world and hope for the best. I took that advice to heart. If I kept rewriting, my work would never see the light of day. 

Publication choices

When I started, I hadn’t thought about what exactly I’d do with it once it was done. I always knew I wanted to publish it, to share it, but I hadn’t considered whether to go with traditional or independent publishing. 

As I worked on editing, cover design, and my book blurb, I jumped into researching about all-things-publishing. Two years later, I independently published my epic fantasy Consequences Within Chaos. I went independent because I felt I had better control of the end product, along with more responsibility. I’d invested a total of five years of blood, sweat, and tears into realizing this dream. 

Things got easier

I wrote The Bleeding Crown, the sequel to Consequences, in one year. I hope that helps anyone reading this realize the value of the work you are doing right now, every day. Everything you learn, everything you do, helps you develop repeatable processes for your writing that make it easier. Trust me. 

Since then, I’ve produced eight horror novels, six epic fantasy novels, a short story collection, and have been published in literary magazines. My newest short story collection just came out, and I have an epic fantasy novel launching soon. You can find everything about my work on my website where I also blog about writing topics. You can also find my works on Amazon under my author page.

For the rest of my interview…

Enjoy!! And thank you to everyone who has shown interest and have supported my writing career since 2016! It’s been incredible and it isn’t over yet!!