I'm just a normal guy. I see myself as an everyday guy who does everyday things. I like to go out to eat, spend time with my wife and kids, and hang out with my buddies.
The Crossing
I don't consider myself a creative person. Though many people have told me The Crossing is full of creative writing, I don't see myself in that light. It makes me proud that readers see my work like that. I'm not particularly artistic, nor do I think I have a lot of flair.
I'm into realism. It was important for me to write this book with a realistic plot and tone. I think the best books and movies tell real stories, and I wanted The Crossing to have those same realistic elements.
My writing reflects my life experiences. I draw on my decades of experience as an Illinois State Policeman to create my characters and my plots. I dealt with some of the same types of people in my investigations, which is one reason I keep things real in my work.
The concept for The Crossing came to me in a flash. As crazy as it sounds, the plot and characters for The Crossing all came to me in moment early one morning, several years ago. I had just woke up, and it all rolled around in my head. Much of the book came to me in just minutes.
I don't normally think like that. I'm a down-to-earth guy, and it was highly unusual for me to think about the idea for The Crossing like that. Whether it's a gift or not, I can't say. But it sure took my life in a new direction.
I love books and movies. I read a lot, and it's not unusual for my wife and I to go to the movies at least once a week. I take in as much film and popular literature as I can.
I'm a home-oriented guy. My wife and I have been fortunate to travel in our lives, but I'm really kind of a homebody. I like doing things around the house, and being with my family.
I'm not into cutesy. I hate cutesy words and phrases, and never use them in everyday speaking, let alone in my writing. My work is everyday and edgy, which is how my characters would be in real-life situations.
I'm not into fantasy. Like I've said before, I keep things real, and my work has been lauded for that. My least favorite movies and books have plots that could never happen in the real world. I don't think like that and don't write in that manner.