How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

As of today, I’ve written five books and the sixth one is in the works. I don’t know that I can pick a favorite one. When you’re a writer they’re all labors of love. It’s like each book is one of my children. They’re all so different, and I love them all. But there are certain things about each one that I like specifically.

Murder at the Ocean Forest is my favorite setting, the old Ocean Forest Hotel which has been gone since the 1970s. All that is left are a few pictures and some artifacts that were saved from the hotel before it was demolished. I went to great lengths to try to capture the setting. It’s really a different time and place; it’s almost like another world. A lot of people don’t appreciate what I did with that book, but it’s probably too difficult a read for those people who don’t appreciate it.

I love the endings of The Versailles Conspiracy and The House of Dark Shadows. In The Versailles Conspiracy there is all this action and political intrigue and the dénouement is in a quiet and calm place, almost removed from the outside world. Nearly all of Lt. Wickland’s questions are answered with questions, but it explains everything to the reader if they haven’t figured it out by that point. All of the information is pretty much in the story in subtle ways, so if the reader really followed everything they shouldn’t be surprised. The House of Dark Shadows has another very memorable ending. It’s one of those ones that you’re not sure at the end whether it was really how things were explained or whether it was something more. I’ve actually had some people who have read that book write to me saying that they thought about for weeks after reading it then they went back and re-read it and they came to a different conclusion. It will keep you wondering.

The Maynwarings is pretty unique in that it is this mystery/political thriller/western. I’m a big fan of the old TV westerns, so this is pretty close to my heart. There are a lot of characters, there’s a lot going on, and there’s a pretty complicated plot.

Conversations on the Bench is special in that it’s about real people. In fact, it’s largely about people I know. It’s a really inspirational book, and I have to tell you I got emotional at times when I was writing it. What I like most about it is how I started the story and how I ended it. I don’t want to say too much or give too much away, but when you read it, you’ll understand. And if you don’t get a little choked up, you must not have a heart. There’s something in this book for everyone. It really speaks to people of all ages and all walks of life, and I think anyone that reads it can relate to the people in this book and the lessons that are being presented in there. More than anything, I hope it enlightens some people and makes a difference in someone’s life.