LiNCOLN PARK - Hanging with the SQUIDDS

Q: Where were you born and raised?

A: I was born in Brooklyn, USA! I was raised in The Big Apple.

Q: What was it that first got you into writing and when did you start writing?

A: One winter night, about 20 years ago, I was staring aimlessly outside of my Mom's living room window. I saw snow falling in front of a streetlight; and I tried to describe what I saw on paper.

Q: Which writers have influenced you the most?

A: Susan Howatch; Mark Z. Danielewski; Anne Rice

Q: What kind of things do you write?

A: I write contemporary fiction. My publisher slaps PARENTAL ADVISORY on all of my work because my words can be uncomfortable for some to digest. That's fine -- as long as I can continue representing free expression.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: Right now, I'm helping my publisher to market my new book, HANDLE TiME, about life inside of an American Call Center. When I get back to my desk, I'd like to try writing a stage play.

Q: What is your writing day like?

A: It varies; but whatever the writing day may bring for me -- I do know that coffee, wind-chimes (from my balcony) and aspirin are almost always involved.

Q: What's the most exciting thing about writing for you?

A: When the UPS guy leaves the door; opening the package from my publisher and finally -- seeing the first proof copy of my latest book in my hands. That gives me a rush. I also get excited when I see someone I don't know personally, reading one of my books. It makes me feel like the writing was worth it.

Q: What's the most frustrating thing about writing for you?

A: Every time I finish writing a book, I feel like I have just sent another kid off to college. I'm like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day -- except with empty-nest nightmares thrown into the mix. Go figure! LOL

Q: What's the best piece of feedback that you've had from your audience?

A: I've had two, really good pieces of feedback from my readers. The first is, "You should lighten up on the F-bombs." The other piece is, "You should add more F-bombs."

Q: Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first priority to satisfy your own creativity?

A: I write for those who, despite these days of $4-per-gallon gas, pay their hard-earned money to read my stories. I owe them the best story I can tell.