What was your first job related to writing, how did you get it?

First thing I ever had published was “Elmer’s Grue,” a short story I submitted for a contest I found on Writing.com.  At the time, I was quite the active member.  I was always posting my work and swapping criticisms with other budding writers.  I was completely awestruck when I was one of the winners.  Me and about 17 or 18 other writers were chosen to be included in Abaculus 2007, an anthology of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories.  The book was the very first release by Leucrota Press.

What’s your #1 piece of advice to other writers, getting started or trying to keep the momentum going?
Never, EVER stop submitting your work!  Submit as much and as often as possible.  The only way you’ll ever get your work out there is through sheer persistance.  One of these days, that “no” will turn into a “yes.”  But you’ll never know when until you try.

Where or from whom do you take writing advice?

I network with other writers quite reguarly, so we swap advice from time to time.  And I sometimes contact more established authors and see if they have any words of wisdom they’d be willing to share.  I always keep an open ear for that kind of thing.

What are you working on now? (if you can mention it)

Well, I’m happy to say that my third novel, Pay Phone, is finished and I’m hoping to see it released in March of 2010.  I’m currently going back and forth from a couple of novels and I’m constantly writing new short stories.

What do you have on the shelves we have to read? (yes, this is a bit like asking which is your favorite child.)

Well, I’m always a cheerleader for Jack Ketchum.  He’s my absolute favorite.  Any of his books will do you just fine, but my absolute favorite is “The Girl Next Door.”  Richard Laymon is another author I quite enjoy and I just recently read one of his earliest works, “The Woods Are Dark.”  Very interesting read and if you have the extra cash for the hardbound limited edition, go for it.  I also LOVED “Me Talk Pretty One Day” by David Sedaris, who’s always a crackup.  There are several more I could list, but I’d need a LOT more room.

Who is your favorite current writer?

Ketchum, definitely.  Nobody writes like him.

What’s unique about writing in the Philly area?

Well, it’s a fantastic city, obviously chock-full of history, and you’ll find interesting people around every corner.  And, how many other horror authors can say they live in the same town as Edgar Allen Poe?

You can read this interview at my examiner blog here and comment there or here to join in on the conversation.

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