What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write 2024 Before Democracy?
This book is based off of an award winning screenplay I wrote 10 years ago, but the story works much better in a novel. I’d been debating for some years about turning this premise into a novel and I finally bit the bullet. The dire state of the world, the divisiveness our political system is causing (especially in America), and the failure of democratic governments to get anything done in a timely and efficient manner inspired the ideas to evolve this system and bring it into the 21st century. 2024 Before Democracy is a sci-fi thriller, but at its heart, it shows how we can create a better world and better political system where the people have more say. Where the original idea and thoughts came from…well, that’s a philosophical question that is explored in the book.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
The genres that I read, the same as the music I listen to, and the movies/shows that I watch constantly shift. I like just about every genre and I also like to write every genre (except horror), so it really depends on what day you catch me. But if I had to be stuck for the rest of my life with one genre, I would likely pick fantasy; which I have never written as I try to keep my writing to spread ideas and messages that relate to our world right now.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Right now I’m in an inspirational true story binge. I just finished, THE BOYS IN THE BOAT, and my next book is called, ADRIFT: SEVENTY-SIX DAYS LOST AT SEA. After that, I’ll probably read some sci-fi or fantasy.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene in the book is when Theo, the protagonist, takes the magical drug that he discovered and has a spiritual awakening where he gains incredible abilities and insights…not unlike what apparently happens to some people after taking psychedelics.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I write lying down in bed because I find it the most comfortable position to be in for hours at a time. I don’t know if that’s quirky or not 😛
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My favorite quote to live by is, ‘You can’t win them all.’ My philosophy of life has shifted from a self-centered desire of chasing experience and adventure, to a life lived for others and doing what I can to create a better world. I believe that it all starts with fixing our political system.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That there’s always hope, no matter how bad things look, and there are always solutions to problems that seem insurmountable.
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