- WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?
- FAVORITE FILMS?
- FAVORITE MUSIC?
- WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING OR WRITING?
- WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS?
- WHAT GOT YOU INTO WRITING?
- WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
- WHAT IS THERE ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
- WHEN IS YOUR NEXT NOVEL COMING OUT?
What are your favorite books?
The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton) — A significant early book for me, it sparked my imagination. After reading it, I sat down to a typewriter and started to write my own adolescent story.
John Carter’s Chronicles of Mars (Edgar Rice Burroughs) — As a teenager I was amazed at how well Burroughs wove fiction and fantasy into a fun and compelling story. My son is reading them now.
Fifth Profession (David Morrell) — Suspenseful, powerful, this is the kind of story I want to read. My favorite book as an adult, I’ve read the story many times over.
The Enemy (Lee Child) — All of the Jack Reacher novels are great stories. What a compelling hero – who doesn’t want to be a hero, yet he shoulders the responsibility despite his inclination not to.
Rogue Warrior Series (Richard Marcinko) — Kick down the doors and break all the rules. I especially like the irreverent tone, pace, and point of view.
The Bourne Series (Ludlum) — The master of the international suspense-thriller. Ludlum’s fast-paced and character evoking books are what got me interested in the genre.
Favorite films?
I like all kind of movies. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, I of course liked Star Wars, Smokey and the Bandit, Blade Runner, Apocalypse Now, Caddy Shack. There’s too many to mention. I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t acknowledge two things. First, I’m addicted to anything filmed in black and white. I love the classics. It drives my wife crazy. And second (and this sends her over the edge), if John Wayne is on, it doesn’t matter what film, genre, or time period, I stop to watch and pay tribute to the Duke.
Favorite music?
I mostly listen to 60’s and 70’s rock music. I generally skip the 80’s, though there are a few songs I like.
Who do you envy?
As much as people say to me that writing is a creative endeavor, and it is, I am constantly amazed at those truly gifted individuals that can pick up a pencil or a paint brush and then bring to life an image on canvas. I wish I could imagine and create like these artists can.
What do you do when you’re not working or writing?
I have a “honey-do” list longer than my arm. It doesn’t help that I used to be a carpenter, because that means I’m handy and can fix things. And in my house, there’s always something that needs fixing. I also spend a lot of time with my kids at their sports events. But when I get the chance, I like to golf, walk the lake, or just hang out.
Who are your favorite sports teams?
Come on…I’m from Beantown, the hub of the Universe. Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins…in that order.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO WRITING?
I’ve always had a desire, if not an opportunity, to put the stories banging around inside my head to paper. I remember when my kids were little and we would drive for family vacations, my wife and I would talk about these stories, the characters, the plot lines, the possible endings. It was a very cathartic process for me, when I actually sat down to write these stories. They went from being inside my head, pestering me, down to paper. Now I can’t wait to write the next one.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
I’m currently rewriting Epicenter. It’s a great story. I just need to develop the characters further and tighten up the story lines. I am also doing a lot of research for a third novel.
WHAT IS THERE ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
You wouldn’t know it by looking at me, or by the profession I’ve chosen, but I am really an introvert. I like my privacy and have no aspiration to be the center of attention.
WHEN IS YOUR NEXT NOVEL COMING OUT?
You’ll know when I know. Hopefully soon.
