What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in
your life?
Marrying the
most wonderful woman in the world, adopting a beautiful baby boy, and writing Small, Dark, and Handsome, my first
novel.
How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
I was raised
as a Christian and my faith inspires everything I do, including my writing. I
was also raised in a household with two women (my mother and my sister) which
helped me to develop an appreciation of their perspective on many issues, and as
I was writing the story, I was very sensitive to how women, in general, might
interpret the words and actions of the main male character.
When and why did you begin writing?
I've written a
wide range of marketing materials throughout my career, primarily for software
companies based in the Silicon Valley. Some of the more technical stuff wasn't
too exciting, but in order to keep eating, I had to keep writing.
Do you recall how your interest in writing
originated?
The first time
I really thought about writing as a career was after reading a few interesting
articles about various athletes in an issue of Sports Illustrated many years
ago. Back then, I couldn't think of an easier job than traveling the world to
major sporting events, watching them from fantastic seats, and getting press
access to speak with superstar athletes before typing a few words about what
you had just heard and witnessed. Just for fun, I remember trying to write an
article for myself about a Super Bowl one year. I actually enjoyed the writing
process, but the results were terrible, and after a few dry, dull, sentences, I
realized that my career in sports journalism was probably over before it
started.
When did you first know you could be a writer?
Back in the day, I used to have a fairly "healthy"
social life, and found myself on quite a few email lists for various parties
and clubs. Occasionally, some friends would ask me my opinion about some of the
events that I attended, which led me to develop a weekly email called
"Party Time." Each week, I'd give my comedic review of the previous
weekend's events, along with a preview of upcoming events. Within a few months, my distribution list
grew from a few people I knew, to a few thousand people I didn't know, and
that's when I knew I could write.
What inspires you to write and why?
The fact that
I know so many wonderful single people out there who are looking to share their
lives with someone special, inspires me to write stories about couples who have
some issues and challenges, but eventually make it to where many of these
singles want to be: in a loving relationship.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Romantic
comedy for sure. I couldn't picture myself writing stories in any other genre.
What inspired you to write your first book?
A few years
ago, my wife and I had a chance to live and work in Hyderabad, India for two
years, which was a life-changing experience. When we returned, I wasn't certain
what I was going to do next, but I knew that I wanted to work on a unique and
fulfilling project that would bring me a great sense of pride and passion each
day. When my wife suggested that I focus on my first novel instead of rushing
back into Corporate America, I gave her a big fat kiss, went straight for my
laptop, and didn't stop typing until I had banged out my first draft of Small,
Dark, and Handsome.
Who or what influenced your writing once you
began?
I've been a
big fan of Mike Gayle for years. For me, he's hands-down the king of Romcom,
and even though our styles are different, he's definitely had a big influence
on my work.
What do you consider the most challenging about
writing a novel, or about writing in general?
My biggest challenge of all was the editing
process. I did work with a professional editor who was excellent, but I had no
idea that the process would take so long. Coming into the editing phase, I
expected it to be finished within a few weeks, but six months later, we were
still going at it. When we finally finished, I was definitely pleased with the
final product. I had also developed a new-found appreciation for authors,
especially those who are able to crank out high quality stories on a regular
basis.
Did writing this book teach you anything and what
was it?
I've spent
over fifteen years in marketing, so coming into this project, I couldn't wait
to start the marketing phase. Seven months into it however, the phrase "Be
careful what you wish for" is still ringing in my head. Marketing this book has truly been the most
challenging project I have ever taken on, but it has also been the most
fulfilling, and I look forward to continuing the process of connecting with
audiences for it and for all my future book projects.
Do you intend to make writing a career?
I do plan to
continue writing, but I may do it in my spare time while working full-time in a
marketing role that excites, challenges, and inspires me.
Have you developed a specific writing style?
Not really,
but in my first novel, the main character relies heavily on sarcasm throughout
the story.
What is your
greatest strength as a writer?
Developing
atypical characters and blending them into everyday scenarios that real people
can relate to.
What is your favorite quality about yourself?
I'm very open
to getting criticism and ideas from others.
What is your least favorite quality about
yourself?
(Outside of
the office) Sometimes I'm a little too candid and give up TMI (too much
information) when answering a question.
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
"Everyone
has a plan, 'till they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson
I doubt that
Iron Mike was thinking about anything besides boxing when he said this, but I
think it applies to many situations in life, including business, relationships,
and even one's faith. I've found that when adversity hits and they're forced to
throw their plans out the window, the most successful people are able to continually
get back on their feet and do what it takes to ultimately be victorious in the
end. When people talk about me after I'm gone, I hope they'll be able to say
that I was always one of those people.