about me

I believe entertaining fiction comes as the result of combining a strong premise with rich characters and pertinent observations. That is what I strive to deliver.
Though I love fiction with a passion, plausibility is incredibly important to me. That doesn't mean that you can't have fantastic material in your work, but it does mean that you must adhere to whatever guidelines your subject dictates. One illogical development can destroy an otherwise sound narrative.
I've always been enamored with things that go bump in the night, so it should come as no surprise that horror is my genre of choice. I also enjoy thrillers, and Dirty Southside Jam is my first foray into that genre.
Though the piece is sleek enough that it might pass for a novella, DSJ is complete. I may post additional chapters as time permits.
I generally return reads and I like to comment on most of the books that I back. My schedule doesn't allow me to devote as much time as I would like to this terrific site, but I'm usually on here at least once a day.
I have been writing since the age of five, and I've never really wanted to do anything else. A good author needs perspective, however, and a starving artist can't support a family. Therefore, in addition to the occasional royalty check, I've been paid for my efforts as an actor, a soldier, a musician, a journalist, and a teacher. I am a regular contributor to RVA magazine, and I have published fiction and non-fiction in a variety of formats.
Currently, I'm focusing on bringing my novels to a larger audience, and as always, I'm working hard to improve my craft. I strongly believe that my interactions here will help me realize those goals, and I can only hope that I will be equally helpful to my fellow contributors.


-j

favourite books

Dracula by Bram Stoker
Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Jaws by Peter Benchley
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
Watchmen by Alan Moore
Dragonfly by John Farris
Glitz by Elmore Leonard
Creepers by David Morrell
Amok by George Fox
Next by Michael Crichton

my websites