Blog

Music has always played an important role in my life—and writing is no different. When I first started, I couldn’t listen to music while writing. It took time to train myself to do it. I started with soundtracks and orchestral scores (think Hans Zimmer). Anything with lyrics tripped me up. But now? I couldn’t go back if I wanted to. I write with headphones on, isolated, completely immersed in my own personal soundtrack.

What Gets the Words Flowing

I am—and forever will be—a metalhead. While...

Let’s be honest, the state of media has been lackluster at best.

Movies have been one remake after another, often followed by sequels to aging franchises. With few exceptions, Hollywood seems to be doing the bare minimum to push out new movies. The gaming industry isn’t much better. While there are exceptions, most new releases seem to fall flat. Game mechanics are uninspired, stories feel repetitive, and graphics often look dated. Media has been declining for years. While studios seem aware...

When I took my first steps on my writing journey, I was fascinated by other writers’ processes. I wanted to know how they worked—to shed the enigma of their rituals and routines that allowed them to summon worlds at their fingertips. From traditionally published authors like Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson to indie trailblazers like Lindsay Buroker, Chris Fox, and the guys from Self-Publishing Podcast—I devoured every drop of information I could.

In reality, writing isn’t...

Humanity has come a long way in a short time. Yet, we still wrestle with some of life’s biggest mysteries:

• Are we alone in the universe?
• What really happens after we die?
• How will AI shape the future of human existence?

These are fascinating questions—but let’s focus on something truly important.

Do zombies walk, or do they run?

In my Shotgun Grandma universe, zombies run. When I started writing the series, I was inspired by 28 Days Later, Zombieland, and Left 4 Dead. I wanted my zombies to be...

I’ve always been drawn to the dark and the strange.

As an introverted kid in rural Missouri, I spent most of my time alone with my nose in a fantasy novel or my hands on a game controller. When I wasn't hibernating in my den, I explored tens of acres of untouched woodland behind my house with my dog. There, I found a love of adventure and mystery. From the wildlife (LOTs of coyotes), the long abandoned house covered in overgrowth, to the Civil War era gravestone of a Cavalry soldier alone on a...