Author of the Dreamer's Lotus
When did you realize that you wanted to become a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer in second grade when I was
asked to contribute to a school wide "circle story" as a
representative of the second graders. When my section was read in front of the
student body, the collective reaction was amazing! If I could get such a
positive reaction from a bunch of elementary kids, imagine the potential - I
mean, I was only eight - imagine how good I would be by junior high!
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did it just
happen? The best and worst thing about it?
The best part of writing is it's mine. I write about what
I'm interested in and what's on my mind - anytime, anywhere. That's a
double-edged sword, however. Not everyone wants to read your thoughts. Imagine
publishing your diary (something I once thought was a million dollar idea - who
wouldn't want to read all my brilliant ideas scratched onto paper like
a madman?). I've learned a tremendous amount about catering my ideas to the
public. I think most writers want their readers to take away something from
what they've written, at least I do, and if that's going to happen, it's gotta
be applicable and to the point.
Who is your literary hero?
It's a toss up between Howard Roark of The Foundtainhead and
Santiago of The Alchemist.
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
The first book I ever wrote was a short novel called
Breathe. It was a story about a guy who rode motorcycles and learned that life
was about being in the moment. In all actuality, it was a first-person
narrative to the sega-genesis game Road Rash, and likely much more interesting
for video-gamers than actual readers..
What made you create (your book)? How did it come to you?
I woke up at three in the morning in Seattle in 2007 with a
line in my head..."At the top of the hill stood an old tree where the boy
with grandfather eyes would sit and overlook the village." It captivated
me, so much so that it eventually became the first sentence of The Dreamer's
Lotus, then called The Boy with Grandfather Eyes. I wanted to tell a story
about a boy who could communicate with the natural world, someone who saw
things that others didn't. After that first line the story took on a life of
its own.
How much of your characters are based on your traits or
someone you know personally?
Corvus is in many ways a direct reflection of myself as a
person. Naturally, that wasn't my initial intention. I just wanted to create a
compelling character. It wasn't until the end of the first draft that I realized,
"Oh crap, I'm Corvus." There's nothing quite like writing a book that
allows one to see just how vast we as individuals are, and how far our
personalities can swing. It's also a terrific tool for psychoanalyzing
yourself, though I don't necessarily recommend it.
Describe your main character in six words.
Insightful, arrogant, loner, brilliant, fearless, mysterious
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
self-aware, hidden, illusions, intelligent, madness, secrets
What scene was your favorite to write?
Obiticus is by far my favorite character. He's an old crazy outcast
who survives by himself in the forest and one day hopes to take revenge on the
Elders who have banished him. When Corvus discovers him in the forest late one
night the whole story transforms. It's here that the themes of madness and
illusion really begin to take form. I think I just like to get a little crazy
every now and then.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
The first few pages of any piece are always the hardest for
me to write. They have to be compelling while showing setting, main characters,
conflicts, and an idea of where the story is going. I think I wrote about 50
drafts before I thought it was good enough to print.
What are you working on now?
Book 2! The Great City is a story I'm REALLY excited about.
It's more dystopian, more chaotic. The first book is about a world where the
universe speaks to people in symbols. But when Corvus finds he is forced to
travel to The Great City, he quickly learns there is only one symbol there, and
it will either aid him or destroy him.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
Publishing a book is definitely an accomplishment I feel
good about. My goal is to get it into as many people's hands that might take
away something from it. I feel very strongly about the message in this book. It
has deep eco-rooted tones and themes because, inherently, it's about man's
relationship with the natural world and man's relationship with himself and his
truth. Who are we? Why are we here? What is our potential and can we create it
together?
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
Illusions by Richard Bach.
1984 by George Orwell
The Alchemist by Pablo Coehlo
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
Being outdoors. I love to hike, rock climb, raft, bike,
meditate in the cool air. If I'm outside, I'm happy.
