AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Q: What inspired you to write your first book?
A: I decided to write my first book because I wanted to achieve something that would outlive my own small life. I wanted to help other people with timeless words, so I took a semester off school and worked tirelessly for seven months until the book was finished.
Q: Do you have a specific writing style?
A: I tend to be unforgivably poetic, no matter what type of writing I am producing.
Q: How did you come up with the title?
A: Titles come to me before the actual work sometimes. “The Fanatic Resolve” was named after a tattoo which was on a guy friend of mine. I thought that he exuded the truest, most fanatical love for other people, so I named it to honor him.
Q: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
A: Rick Renner is my hero when it comes to literacy of ancient history. I adore the way he translates ancient facts into modern parables. His book, “Gems of the Greek” is my all time favorite book to read. Poetically, I cling to the words of Dr. Rafey Habib and Mowlānā Jalāloddin Balkhi or Rumi. Both of these poets produce language that forces a soul-deep response. I also enjoy philosophy and a mystery—"Turn of the Screw" by Henry James is one of my absolute favorite pieces of literature.
Q: What are your current projects?
A: I am working on a few poetry books at the moment. But the other works are secrets I cannot reveal.
Q: Do you see writing as a career?
A: Writing is certainly a huge part of my life.
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
A: Yes. I am my worst critic, so I always squirm when I read my last publications.
Q: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
A: I remembering writing a book in the second or third grade. It was a poetry book about a bird. I don’t think anyone in the class spent as much time on that book project as I did. From there, I started putting small poetry books together and giving them to people. In 8th grade, I wrote a 900 page screen play. It just spiraled forward.
Q: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
A: I get frustrated when I cannot locate the perfect words. I try to read the thesaurus and dictionary a couple times a week, but words don’t easily stick with me, so I have to constantly push myself to remember stronger words.
Q: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
A: Yes and no. Technology is so advanced; an email can reach another continent quicker than I can. However, I do travel on behalf of my books. One of my new projects required me to travel to several museums in Europe. Travel is a great love of mine; it pumps in my blood, right next to the ache I feel for words.
Q: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
A: Wondering if after all the labor it will even be published. It’s a psychological scuffle within myself. Overcoming my own worries is harder than sitting down and writing the book.
Q: What is the most influential thing you have learned about writing?
A: One of my graduate professors, Elif Şafak, taught me about vulnerability. She said that if my life was not authentically exposed to my audience, then it would be foolish to expect them to open their hearts/life to me. I took that on as a challenge, and I have tried to be more honest in my work.
Q: Do you have any advice for other writers?
A: Write what you love. But aim to make every line the best line.
Q: Do you ever experience writer's block?
A: Not that I can remember. I feel like God has given me a gift, and it freely flows through me at all times. I am blessed.
Q: Do you write an outline before every book you write?
A: Yes. An outline is imperative to my success when writing a book. I work systematically; arranging a book is like putting together a literary puzzle, so pulling out the "edges" or the outline brings greater productivity.
Q: Have you ever hated something you wrote?
A: Definitely! I never hate what I write at the time; unfortunately an artist only sees his brilliance in the moment of discovery and creativity. When an idea strikes it seems that there is this blind love for whatever you say at that moment. However, when I return to it, sometimes I am shocked at how terrible it turned out to be.
Q: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?
A: My favorite theme to write about is the erratic emotions experienced in a relationship. I have just finished a poetry book that deals with these extreme reactions to the people we love. I look forward to seeing it produced.
Q: What is your goal in writing?
A: To challenge intellects while stirring reader's hearts. I want people to feel like I am their best friend, telling them the way things are, and pulling them up to a higher or more abundant standard of living.