Lately, I’ve started sharing my work with editors earlier in the process to push my writing to the next level. It’s a big shift from how I approached my first book, The Tower of Blue. Back then, I guarded my drafts like they were sacred. Now, I’ve realized that I need to release my “baby” into the wilderness—even if it can’t walk upright yet.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

It began as a winning short story in a 2021 contest. After publishing my first novel, I looked for inspiration for my next project but struggled to find an idea I really loved. This was during the height of the pandemic, a divisive election, widespread rioting and protests, and an overall emotionally charged time in the country. I needed a way to sort it all out in my head.

No, I'm not talking about dating multiple people at the same time, although, there is certainly an art to that. Today, we're going to explore a day in the life of a writer who juggles the challenges of gasp a day job. And honestly, this applies to any creative pursuit, whether you're a writer, a painter, or an avid car enthusiast. From early mornings to late nights, carving out time to pursue your passions is crucial. Join me as we explore the creative journey of harmonizing work and creativity.

Most writers know that there's more to crafting a compelling story than simply narrating events. It's about ensnaring readers' attention and holding it until the final page. There are numerous techniques to achieve this, from exploring unconventional narrative structures and timelines to experimenting with viewpoints and incorporating interactive elements. By delving into non-linear plots, utilizing unreliable narrators, or employing interactive storytelling methods, writers must continually strive to break the confines of conventional storytelling and craft a memorable reading adventure.

Imagine a world without capes, masks, and extraordinary powers—it's enough to make any superhero fan shudder. Superhero literature has exploded in popularity, captivating audiences young and old alike. But have we overdosed on the heroic tales, or are we still eagerly clinging to our comic books and blockbuster movies? Let's dive into the debate on whether superhero fatigue is a real threat or just a myth.

In a world where digital spaces shape our reality, the concept of heroism has evolved to reflect the complexities of modern life. The determination of right from wrong and the existence of such distinctions have become increasingly blurred. Today, everything comes down to perspective. This concept is what gave rise to The Night Howler.

One of the last recorded songs of the great Bob Marley was “Redemption Song”, which took inspiration from Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey. He wrote “The man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man who uses his mind.”

When I first laid out my goals for 2022, I was hopeful and optimistic that while I was setting the bar high, I would ultimately power through and achieve those goals. But if I’m being honest, I always knew in the back of my mind that I would only be able to complete a handful of them. After all, life has a tendency to fill up our schedules pretty quickly.

It’s a tale as old as time. More cliche than cliche itself. Good versus evil. Right versus wrong. Devil and angel. I can go on and on. But a question I’ve been asking myself as I continue to work on ‘The Night Howler’ is: can a villain be a hero? Is being a villain simply based on a point of view? Is it so black and white as it may appear?

Well, in reality, who knows? When it comes to the world at large . . . I got nothin’. The only sage advice I can offer in my 32 years on this planet is don’t panic. Sometimes, it really is as simple as that. Whatever hardships may come your way in 2022, just remember that cooler heads always prevail.

I recently came across an article in The Atlantic that talked about how Wite-Out, the white liquid often used to cover up unwanted pen marks and typos, has actually seen a rise in popularity recently. According to the article, sales of Wite-Out climbed nearly 10% in 2017. It’s a really interesting piece and I highly suggest you read it. This article got me thinking, though. How can an item that was crucial to such a specific place in time, one that has far less practical use now, be so relevant?