The Tarheel Writer

The
Tarheel
Writer

So you want to know more about the writer ...

The newest questions are listed first!

Wow! First of all, I’m certainly flattered you want to know more about me. Well, let’s see. I like to write, but I guess you already know that. I’ve written professionally for a very long time, but I’ve never written a story. I’ve always wanted to, but never really had a good idea … until The Watchers came along. During the posting of the chapters I got a lot of questions. So here's the answers to most of 'em ...

Are you in a relationship?

Not to seem cheeky or anything, but yes ... hell yes! I thought I made that point clear since I talk about Jeff all the time. We have been together for eight years this June 2nd. And those years have been filled with all kinds of emotional turmoil! But ya know what? I wouldn't be the person I am today without Jeff and his unwavering love for me. For that, I am eternally grateful! He loves me for me ... not who I am or what I have done ... but for ME! And my love for him, despite the occasional arguments and disagreements ... continues to grow and mature. He knows me ... and I know him.

What are your fantasies?

Actually I have quite a few (blushes) well, a whole lot more than quite a few. What can I say?! I have an active imagination! Hehe. If you want a sample, check out the clone scene in The Watchers. It's toward the end of the chapter. That's always been a hot fantasy. When I was in high school, there were these twins ... well, every possible fantasy you can dream up with twins involved, I've already thought about it. (blushes again)

Your name implies you’re in North Carolina?

Yes, that’s right. The state that is home to Jesse Helms. Hey, don’t blame me! I NEVER voted for him. In fact, I was visiting a friend in San Francisco and had to take off a shirt that had a North Carolina reference on it. My friend didn’t want to see me get beat up! So, yes I’m in the Tarheel State. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are two hours to the west and the coast is four hours to the east.

Do you like the mountains or the ocean better?

Wow! I like both! I grew up spending a lot of time at the beach. I even learned to drive there. I’d spend countless hours driving the family four wheel drive up and down the sand dunes. But at the same time, I love the majestic mountains. Camping and hiking in the mountains gets me in touch with Mother Nature. In fact, back in 1993, I hiked 700 miles on the Appalachian Trail. I was trying for a thru hike, but ended up with a double stress fracture in my right foot. That sucked! If you want more information about the trail you can visit the Appalachian Trail Conference website.

Why did you hike the Appalachian Trail?

Well, I had just ended a relationship of 10 years and I needed to clear my head. In the process, I finally accepted that I'm gay. I had known it for a long time, but had never accepted it. Many friends had come out of the closet and simply went through hell. I wasn't ready to do that. Then, I had to watch as many of them died of AIDS. It was horrible. That's one of the main reasons I say what I say at the end of my chapters about playing safe.

You said you've written professionally for a long time. What do you write?

Commercials. Yep. Those things we all love to hate. That's what I write. I got a job at the local radio station two weeks after I turned sixteen. Through all of my high school years, I was the night time disc jockey. Being a "celebrity" was cool, but it also put me out there where people were afraid to talk to me. I spent most of high school with very few real friends and a whole lot of acquaintances. Anyway, that's where I learned to write commercials. I went on to work every time slot on the air from overnights to morning drive. Then I got into programming and eventually ended up as station manager. But what I really liked to do was write. So that's what I do today. I have my own company that produces radio and television commercials and corporate videos.

How did you get the idea for The Watchers?

I literally got it from a dream ... just like I said in the first chapter. We all have dreams. I know I have my fair share. But when I wake up, I usually can't remember what I was dreaming about. Well on that particular morning, I remembered and was so awe struck by the dream that I immediately went to the computer and typed as much as I could remember. That was the crude beginning to what is now The Watchers. I never in my wildest imagination every dreamed it would end up being as involved as it is.

Are you going to write something else?

Absolutely! In fact, I've already started on not just one, but two stories. Keep checking the News page for updates. I can't explain it, but the inspiration for new stories hit me like a ton of bricks. As I was writing the last few chapters of The Watchers, I felt myself being literally bombarded with story ideas. Of course, I wrote down every idea, but the thing that struck me as being weird was getting the ideas in the first place. I always wanted to write a story, but never had an idea that I thought was good enough to build a story on.

Wanna know more? Just drop me a line and I'll answer as truthfully as possible. Hehehe ... and yeah, Comicality is a good friend. So is Ty at StormNation. And so is Dan Kirk, Douglas DD, Dean Lidster, Underthehoodster, Myr at GayAuthors and many more. They're all good friends and I try to stay in touch with them as much as possible. Visit their websites. They are all wonderful authors and I admire and respect them all very much!