Get To Know Me
I’d been writing television commercials and longer format films for some time, but I wrote my first short story when I was in my early twenties. It was written on one of my old antique Underwoods, a real commitment to get that ink on the page! I’ve made my living as a filmmaker, also writing scripts-for-screen, returning occasionally to write prose.
When I met the characters, Cal Poag and his best friend, James Nelson, who live in the fictitious mountain town of Mud Lake, WA — I was bitten by the bug to write novels. Those two adventurous young teens taught me the wonderful journey of writing fiction prose.
What Inspires Me?
Interesting question. What inspires me is anything and everything. I can’t chase down every path, however, I am diligent to
note them. I have many, many times dashed off emails to myself documenting cowboys and the wild west, sci-fi, comedy, drama, and the endless behaviors of mankind. I’m hoping for another (long) lifetime where I type as fast as thoughts, and endless eyes who
love to read.
That probably tells you I’m a big fan of variety. I often will have multiple books going at the same time. Kudos to my pal, Joel, for getting me started reading multiple books at once!
A few of my top reads: The Sea Runners by Ivan Doig. Not surprising: it’s about a “down-the-coast” adventure, in the 1850’s. Love All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr. Cold Mountain, 13 Moons, & Nightwoods, Charles Frazier. Leif Enger’s Peace Like A River and So Brave, Young, And Handsome. Lonesome Dove and Commanche Moon, Larry McMurtry. I could go on and on, but those are a few “favs”.
Why Do I Write?
I have always loved adventure books and the outdoors. I believe Cal and James were born from my own youthful experiences in a small town in Southern Washington State. Those summers (and winters with snow to the eves) spent at my grandparents were some of the best for me. They were also some of my first exposure to the mountains, the woods, camping, caves and mines. When Cal and James first emerged from my imagination what struck me was their creativity and desperate need for practical problem solving; they’re constantly having to “MacGyver” their way out of difficult situations. And because they live in the early 1960’s, technology (by today’s standards) is primitive. I started to recognize I was having some amazing vicarious experiences through these two clever, overly curious boys. Often times my fingers couldn’t type fast enough to keep up with the action!
I sincerely hope that readers will discover their own inner MacGyver and their personal confidence grows out of those experiences.