What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?
The first is not an accomplishment, but it’s important to me, I married my best friend, Margie. We’ve been married for 30-plus years. Our life is amazing. We’ve had quite an adventure together. She is my biggest supporter, my largest fan. My biggest accomplishment? I realized my dream. I became a scientist. 1969 was a pivotal year in my life, man landed on the moon. This event inspired me. I love exploration. I love discovery. I have been doing scientific research for over 40 years since I started graduate school in 1984. In my retirement, I’ve turned to writing fiction and I love it. Pursuing our passions in life, what a blessed path.
In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?
I think the biggest influence when it comes to writing is Stephen King. The first King novel I read was The Shining. I’d read every book of his once it was in print since then. My love of horror came when I was five or six years old, when my stepsister sneaked me into the living room to watch Sammy Terry’s Nightmare Theater. The movie, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. My inspiration to write fiction came from a Freshman First Year Odyssey course I taught, “The Zombie Plague.” My students wrote fantastic stories. I was envious of their talent.
Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?
You’d think I’d say Stephen King, but it wasn’t. It’s Michael Crichton and his novel, Jurassic Park. It spoke to the child in me who loved dinosaurs. As a writer and a reader, I love his fast pace, storytelling, and themes. Michael Crichton’s novels are page turners. Jurassic Park, Lost World, Prey, Congo, The Terminal Man. That’s what I strive for in my writing.
How would you summarize your book in as few words as possible?
Enter Infernum. Twelve headless bodies are discovered in an abandoned, old Victorian house on Halloween night. A grotesque mural is spray painted on the wall of the old house, a call to the Void. Someone is searching for the Gate to Hell, to open it and summon Infernum's denizens. Can Indianapolis homicide solve the case before it's too late? Will Hell reign on earth?
What were your first experiences with writing?
My first experience with writing came as a graduate student. I wrote several research articles and a dissertation. Since then, I have authored or co-authored over one hundred scientific publications. Most are research articles along with twenty reviews, book chapters and one book I edited. Enter Infernum is my first work of fiction.
In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?
Plot, narrative, themes, and engaging characters. Pacing is crucial. While descriptions and character development are essential, it’s a precarious balance. Too much slows my read and enthusiasm for the story, while too little sometimes is frustrating in my understanding of the story or the characters. Themes and ideas can make up for some deficiencies I’ve mentioned.
How long do you spend writing every day?
I estimate I write two hours a day. I don’t schedule writing time. Some days I spend maybe two to three hours, others I spend six plus hours. I may have a day or two when I’m not writing.
How long did you spend writing this novel?
I wrote the outline for the novel in December 2024 in an afternoon. It was not a detailed outline. I let it sit for months while I thought through the story in my head. I believe it took me four to six weeks to write the first draft. Three months to edit and revise my manuscript before I was satisfied and confident enough to submit it. There are many, many revisions sitting in my folder for Enter Infernum on my laptop.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?
Writing the first draft came easy to me, it was the editing and revision I found challenging. This can be tedious and you become “blind” to mistakes, even after Microsoft Word shows you problems. It’s important to let your manuscript sit before you take up editing. Homophones were my challenge. Of course, consistent verb tense is a challenge for any writer. Then beta readers discovered other issues including the ending. I think landing a good ending is challenging for any writer, including established authors. What did I learn from this experience? You need other eyes. You need other writers’ perspectives. I joined two writers’ groups and learned so much from them. Their critiques were illuminating, even when the comments stung. Don’t take criticisms personally. People are there to help. Remember that.
What did you find most helpful when writing your book?
Research and not just research related to background, setting, narrative, or characters in the novel. I looked up writers’ tips. I combed through many different sources, from many different established writers and editors. I compiled all this information into my notebook, titled “Co-workers I suspect are vampires.” The tips are varied. Consistency. Show don’t tell. And so on. Honest critiques were essential, especially as this was my first venture into writing fiction.
What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?
Don’t wait till you have time. No time like the present. Don’t spend all your time thinking about writing a book. Put ink on paper.