Welcome to We Do Write, Rob. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Connecticut with my partner of 22 years and my dog of 12 years (Still a puppy in our eyes). I have a marketing/advertising business that I will gladly “move” to someone else once my books start hitting the sales goals I’ve set for myself.
How long have you been writing?
Honestly, since I’m about five years old… when I would tape together giant pieces of orange paper, write a story on them, draw stick figures and ask my mother to put it in the library. If it was up to her, they would’ve had their own shelves. Unfortunately, there were librarians who weren’t as supporting.
Tell us about ONE LAST LIE. What’s the story about?
Philip and Jonathan have had the perfect life together for ten years - fulfilling every dream except that of having a child. Along comes Angela, Philip’s college friend who apparently conquered her old demons of obesity and manic-depression. After reacquainting and becoming good friends, the three decide to have a child together through artificial insemination of Jonathan’s sperm. From that point, Philip and Jonathan’s idyllic life begins to unravel. Angela’s mask of deceit gradually slips as her pregnancy awakens psychological and physical problems, leaving Philip and Jonathan regretting ever allowing her into their lives. Told from an elderly Jonathan’s hospital bed, Angela’s tangled web unwinds into heartbreak, deception, legal battles, and finally murder – with a surprise ending no one could have ever imagined.
How did the idea of the story come to you?
One of our lesbian couple friends were trying to have a child and couldn’t get pregnant. In passing, I told my lawyer friend that I was thinking about offering them my sperm. Her words to me were, “Absolutely not! The law is too unclear. What if she’s crazy?” From that statement alone came, “One Last Lie”.
Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?
I self-edit… over and over and over again. Once I’m satisfied, I work with an editor who tears it apart and basically makes me start over again. It’s not a very pleasurable experience, but in the end, it’s worth it. I think.
Are you a planner or a pantser?
In everyday life, I’m a planner. When it comes to writing, I’m a TOTAL pantser. I tried planning out my first book… chapter by chapter… character by character, etc. But too many new ideas come during the writing process and I end up throwing out the plans. It’s better to let my mind run free and not restrict it to plans. I do that enough in real life!
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
The most challenging part of writing for me is when I have an essence of an idea, for a chapter, let’s say, but the words will not come to mind. I write a sentence, I delete it. I write another sentence, I delete that one. I stand up, look out the window. I blame it on my mood, on my breakfast, on the noise, on the quiet. I sit down again and breathe deeply to allow the relaxation to bring on some good ideas. Nothing. I finally write a few words and then leave the room for the day because I’m exasperated. Then I have to decide which is worse: writing a few words with which I’m not completely satisfied or not writing anything at all. I know, my job could be a lot worse, no doubt about it. But still, that doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated.
What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?
A bottle of water and plenty of snacks – pretzels, chips, and of course, chocolate chip cookies.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Invisibility… I’m sure you can imagine MANY reasons why.
LOL. What's the weirdest thing you've googled?
“Why am I having strange thoughts?”
Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: fluidity, booking, and consult.
There’s never a need for booking a consult with a fluidity specialist since the only constant is change.
Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...
worrying about why I’m not writing.
Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.
As the dedication to my partner in the book reads, “To Chris, without you this book would never exist… and neither would I.” I also have to thank my parents who have ALWAYS supported my writing and need to write, my close friends (and not so close friends) who have read my books and given me constructive (usually) criticism and all the people I don’t know who have read my books and given me four and five star reviews!
And finally, where can people find you and your book online?
BUY “ONE LAST LIE” AT: Amazon and GoodReads and Barnes&Noble and Smashwords