It all started in Loma Linda, California, I was born in 1975. Growing up in Beaumont, CA – (where some of my book takes place) with two brothers and one adopted sister. My parents were strong Christians and wonderful parents. They never fought, drank, or cursed; I had to visit my friend’s houses to see that. I became an Eagle Scout and loved to go camping with my family. We spent a lot of time off roading through the desert on ATC and dune buggies. My hobbies have changed over the years. Woodworking has become my latest endeavor. I grew up building stuff with my father and as I got older, I used my skills to do many household projects. In 2018 I took woodworking to a new level and built a woodshop and at this time I’m building acoustic guitars.
I got married when I was 18, immediately out of high school. We had two boys – Tyler and Cory – as a young father, I worked at Pizza Hut, until 1997; the same year my first wife and I were divorced. The very same year I moved me and the boys to North Carolina where I had the opportunity to help start a satellite plant for a micro connector company. A year later I was offered a chance to become a tool and die apprentice and worked as a tool and die maker for over ten years.
During these transitions I met the love of my life, Betsy, who is an educator. We were married in 2003. We welcomed a baby girl, Sonja, in 2007. I was unexpectedly laid off while my wife was pregnant. I then began working at a plastic company as a CNC programmer. Once again, after another layoff in 2009, I decided to be a stay-at-home dad, and started a computer repair business from home.
Another reason I didn’t return to work when I was laid off in 2009, I was able help my parents with my brother, Nick, who was dying of a brain tumor. Nick was my baby brother, three years younger, and my best friend. It was always Nick’s dream to become a writer. I came up with a book idea for my brother to write about years ago, but he became too sick, and the story was never written. I wrote my book to once again tell stories with my brother. At first, it was just because I didn’t want to forget the tales we told. It became more meaningful to me.
After finishing my first series, Melabeth the Vampire. I was hooked and started a new storyline, The World of Empty Glasses. This was only to be a two-part series. While writing the first book, Dr. Weaver, my sister-in-law, was diagnosed with cancer. It was bad and once again I found myself watching someone die slowly and painfully because of this terrible disease. I released the book, shortly afterwards, my oldest brother Donny suddenly passed away.
Donny had been under immense pressure during his wife’s sickness. He suffered from a gastrointestinal bleeding and died within an hour. A few years later his wife followed him; they left four boys orphaned… I really don’t have words for those years.
I was trying my hardest to write the second book in the series, The World of Empty Glasses, The Dragon of Nemos. I found my life once again turned upside down, but not just me this time, but the world. Covid struck, once again I found myself grieving friends who died from the disease. My father fell ill, but unlike all the sad stories listed earlier, this one ended up being a miracle. He was under the vent for forty days and in the hospital for 105 days. He not only made it, but he made a total recovery!
I had laid out the story of The World of Empty Glasses in 2015, but you might never guess that with the themes of mass sickness and death. A lot of what happened morphed my story and the overall lessons.
Finally, some other good news, I finally will be releasing that second book that everyone has been waiting for, for five years. I should also mention, my daughter grew up and became a fine young lady and an incredible artist. In fact, she is my cover artist for The Dragon of Nemos, so watch out for some amazing artwork in the future.
Bio & Acknowledgements
