Kings Rapids

Writing about auto racing is the most exciting part of my books.  In real life, auto racing can be rather mundane.  In my novels I can enhance and glamorize the experience (since it’s my fictive world), as I follow the life of a stockcar race driver, who lives an intriguing life and uses his unique experience and logic to solve mysteries.

 I chose this topic because I raced cars as a young man, and I’ve been an avid auto racing fan for over 50 years.

How long did the book take you from start to finish?

The first book in the series, Masonville, took over 20 years because my career intervened.

 Kings Rapids is the second book in the series and took approximately 14 months from start to publication.  As I get the rhythm down, it looks like I can write a Kurt Maxxon book every year.

 What aspect of writing the book did you find particularly challenging?

Keeping track of events, actions and the thoughts of characters through the entire manuscript to avoid duplication and repetition.

 If I wrote lineally—started writing at page 1 and went straight through to page 500—keeping track of everything would be difficult.  However, since I write non-lineally, keeping track of it all is impossible.  That said, I have to spend a lot of time administratively managing the project using forms, flowcharts, notes, and anything I can think of to keep it all straight. 

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A Sportscaster's Guide to Watching Football

I was a sportscaster in the NFL for many years and wanted to help people who found the game confusing understand it a little better.

How long did the book take you from start to finish?

About 7 months.

What aspect of writing the book did you find particularly challenging?

Being disciplined enough to get it done.

What surprised you the most about the book writing process?

That I could write a book.

Did you have any favorite experiences when writing your book?

Not really. It was just a process.

What do you hope your readers will gain from reading your book?

An insight into the chess-like aspects of football.

What projects are you currently working on?

A book about a cardiac surgeon.

Is writing your sole career?If not, what else do you do?

I’m a portrait photographer and a stage actor. At different times, of course.

Did you do any research for your books, or did you write from experience?

Both. How did you come up with your title?

The publisher did. What books have influenced you the most?

The history works of Steven Ambrose and David McCullough.

Who was your publisher and why did you choose them?

Synergy Books. Because the president of the company called to tell me that the carpet in their conference room was Dallas Cowboy colors.

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