my style
My Book Covers
I like to give new and local artists a shot at getting their work out there. The cover for my first book, Sins of Survival cover was painted by Bella Leonard, the daughter of. Childhood friends. The book covers for Somewhere Else and Reclamation were painted by Ashleigh Ward. Lion's Creed, New Haven, and Journey to Cali Bantu were graphically designed by RG Graph X Designs.
Once a Teacher...
It seems like just yesterday I was releasing my first book. My friends and family were so excited, but my granddaughter, an elementary school student told me she was disappointed that due to its content, she would have to wait to read it. It made me think, with all my professional experience with this age group, I should write a series appropriate for young readers.
The Highmind series is has the same setting, conflict, and characters as the From Darkness series. This series, however, is from the viewpoint of a young boy with special abilities and training needed by the rebellion.
It is appropriate for all audiences and leveled for readers twelve and older. The series compliment each other, and can be read together or stand alone.
Life Experiences and Research used in my series
Life Experiences and Research used in my series
- Avid backpacker most of my life
- Helped my grandmother (as a young child) do household chores without electricity like Connor in the Highmind series.
- I visited the Eisenhower Tunnel (which is featured prominently in both series) and got a personal tour.
- I spent a lot of time in Colorado visiting many of the towns in my stories.
- I interviewed a chemical engineer.
- I interviewed a geneticist.
As far as the military aspect of the story:
- I went through basic training as an USAFR and served six years as an aircraft mechanic under the UMCJ
- I am a responsible gun owner.
- I purchased and learned how to shoot a compound bow.
- I am pro-hunting (not poaching) and much of my meat comes from wild game.