StoriesThatLift - Blog

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since 1993.

Do you make your living writing?
No.

What have you done in your life besides writing?
I worked for a number of years in the printing and box making industry as an estimator, purchasing agent and customer service manager. I was also a stay-at-home dad for a time, writing when I could. I home schooled a daughter for several years, have worked as a docent at the local zoo (and continue to do so), and am now employed as a library assistant in an elementary school. 

What attracted you to writing?
I have always loved to read, so I guess you can say my love for words. Also, my mother wrote freelance (mostly articles), and I told myself that some day I would like to write, as well. 

Where do you get most of your ideas for writing?
Many places. Life experiences, fatherhood, things I see and hear. Sometimes I just brainstorm - thinking and thinking until I come up with a possible story line. And sometimes ideas seem to come out of the blue from who knows where. I love animals, and have had several dogs and a cat over the years - each with their own distinctive personality. I think these pets, and other animals I’ve known, have probably influenced the creation of some of my animal characters in children’s stories. 

Do you write more than short stories?
Yes. I began with fillers, with many of my ideas coming from my two children who were young at the time. Then, I started writing light verse (influenced by authors like Richard Armour, Shel Silverstein and Ogden Nash), articles, puzzles (primarily for children’s magazines), jokes and riddles, and, recently, greeting card verses (mostly humorous). I love reading mysteries, and have sold many mystery short stories and mystery themed poems for children and adults.

Where or how did you first learn about StoriesThatLift.com?
At the online Absolute Write forum.

Where did you grow up and did that influence your writing?
I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, spent most of my elementary school years in Arizona, then moved back to Wisconsin. Later, as an adult I returned to Arizona. I love the Southwest, the mountains and the Sonoran Desert, and nature in general. I don’t know how much these things influenced my writing, though I have had some nature-related articles and puzzles published. 

Who provided the strongest influence on your writing?
My mom. I saw the satisfaction she got from writing and knew that someday I also “had” to do it. 

If you could change one thing about your life up to now, what would it be?
Begin working in a profession with books and/or children earlier in life.

What advice do you have for other writers?
Be professional by studying the markets and following writer’s guidelines. Also read in fields that you wish to write for. Writing is hard work, and you’ll probably get many rejections, but persistence is the key to improving and getting published. If you’re like me and most other writers you’ll write because you have to, because you can’t imagine not writing.