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When I turned 40 last summer, I decided to challenge myself to a new goal that mirrors the path to publishing—running a marathon. I could have never prepared my mind or body for what crossing that finish line yesterday at The Columbus Marathon would feel like, but I will never forget this sign I saw that sums up both journeys: "Run the mile you're in." Writing and running share so many of the same life lessens, from pacing and progress to patience and perseverance. Here [...]

  I just received the honor of participating in Voices of Freedom, a new monthly podcast hosted by Freedom a la Cart. This unique podcast about human trafficking hosts a variety of guests, including survivors, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and other experts in the field. The goal is to "take the conversation deeper, elevate survivors and their stories, educate the community, and advocate for an important cause." Here's a brief summary of my specific episode and interview: "Reducing the demand for sex starts [...]

Writer’s Digest just published my fifth article in their magazine about my personal journey transitioning from indie to traditional publishing. Special thanks to my agent and the authors who let me interview them for this story. I hope it encourages every writer or artist who struggles along the way! My new article appeared in the March/April 2023 issue within the regular IndieLab column that follows trends in the self-publishing business. This piece focuses on several tips I’ve learned while transitioning from self-publishing The Black Lens to [...]

Writer’s Digest University just invited me back to teach my second writing webinar. Titled How to Research Your Novel like a Reporter, this class will provide writers with best practices from the three years of research I conducted for my award-winning debut novel The Black Lens. Here’s a brief overview of the webinar, which Writer’s Digest Magazine also published a related article in their 100th anniversary issue. ABOUT THE WEBINAR Too many fiction writers start their stories without any research. And those who do some research barely [...]

A local newspaper just ran one of the most comprehensive articles about my experience both publishing The Black Lens novel and volunteering with She Has A Name: Observations, service provide insights for author - Clintonville Spotlight More than a dozen other news media outlets have also reported on The Black Lens. Here are just a few excerpts: “The grim reality of modern-day slavery in America.” — Kirkus Reviews Magazine “The Black Lens is clearly the work of a journalist. It exists to inform and disrupt, and it succeeds.”  [...]

Writer’s Digest just agreed to publish my fifth article in their magazine, which reaches about 70,000 subscribers across the country. My new article will appear in the March/April 2023 issue within the regular IndieLab column that follows trends in the self-publishing business. This piece focuses on 10 tips I've learned while transitioning from self-publishing The Black Lens to traditionally publishing my new novel with senior agent Paula Munier from Talcott Notch Literary.  Here’s a brief summary: Some self-published authors assume that if they ever sign with [...]

“Daddy, are you writing your story?” Aria asks me this question at six in the morning. She should be sleeping, even though I’ve been up for an hour working on my next novel, but I can’t resist this little moment to talk with my daughter about writing. Aria sits on my lap as I sip coffee and the sun starts to rise outside our home in Ohio. “Can I work on my story with you?” I smile, treasuring this moment as both a father and [...]

Writer's Digest University just invited me back to teach my second webinar, this time about How to Crowdfund Your Book and connect it to a cause. Here's a brief overview of my session, which will take place on May 26: It can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to produce a high-quality, self-published book that competes with its traditionally published counterparts. While some authors may be independently wealthy, most of us don’t have those funds lying around to spend on a professional developmental editor, graphic designer, [...]

Writer's Digest just accepted and agreed to publish my fourth article in their magazine, which reaches about 70,000 subscribers across the country. My new article will appear in the May/June issue, specifically in the regular IndieLab column that follows trends in the self-publishing business. This article focuses on three simple strategies for marketing your book, drawing from my own experience as both a senior marketing consultant for a Fortune 100 company and an award-winning author of The Black Lens novel. Here’s a brief summary: Many [...]

Writer's Digest University just invited me to teach my first writing webinar. Titled How to Research Your Novel like a Reporter, this class will provide writers with best practices from the three years of research I conducted for my award-winning debut novel The Black Lens. Here's a brief overview of the webinar, which Writer’s Digest Magazine also published a related article about last year in their 100th anniversary issue. About the webinar Too many fiction writers start their stories without any research. And those who [...]