What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I enjoy high adventure and thriller novels, but most are serious, with "heavy" themes throughout. I wanted to do something funny, but also adventurous, and thought of my own childhood days exploring the local woods, biking the neighborhood, imagining and living adventures with my friends. I wanted to write a thriller that was humorous throughout and exciting at the same time, and a story with four young friends seemed like the best way to do it.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Thrillers! And yes, I write in that genre, but I like my thrillers set in the great outdoors and with a sense of humor thrown into the mix. My "Relic" novels (each one is stand-alone) feature a moonshining hermit of Canyonlands National Park, a stunning and varied setting with a character whose relationship with the "peopled" world is often funny and insightful. And full of action!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Eye of the Serpent by Ryan Pote. And there's a new Dirk Cussler coming out soon.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
That's a tough question. When the character "Bug" caught his hair on fire, that was a blast! So was the near-ending scene, when a certain other character got his comeuppance, his beater truck exploding with a load of illicit fireworks in the back. (Don't worry - no one gets seriously hurt in this tale.)
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Do your best and have fun!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That their own childhood, on balance, had loads of fun and adventure that should carry into their "adulthood," too. Life really is what you make it, so make it an adventure!
