Q:

What made you write about this particular subject?

A:

As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to have my own child. The most difficult part about accepting that I was gay was that I would never have my own, blood-related child. It was devastating to me and caused me a great amount of stress and turmoil. It is the essence of the story but the creative part of my mind took over somewhere along the line and turned it into a murder mystery. I guess it’s because you never know what you’ll do to have everything you ever wanted.

Q:

What do you think your readers will gain from reading your book?

A:

Good question. I’m hoping my readers will enjoy the twists and really get to know Matt and how he struggled to accept that he was gay. Matt struggles through relationships until he finds Ryan and it isn't until then that he believes his dreams are really coming true. In fact, he's taken aback by how his life has taken shape. Despite the murders and deceit, I hope readers think about their dreams and renew their excitement and belief that they can come true.

Q:

Is the main character based on anyone in particular?

A:

I thought that would be the first question. Like a good actor, you draw from your own experiences. A lot of Matt’s experiences are based on my own life but not 100% accurate. I wanted his life to be a little more complicated and intriguing.

Q:

Isn’t it strange to think that people will read about you when they read about Matt?

A:

No. Matt isn’t me. There are some things that he experiences that I experienced and were very emotional for me. Writing the book was very cathartic for me. I hadn’t dealt with many of the feelings I had about relationships or death until I wrote this book. There are scenes in the book that when I wrote them I was crying uncontrollably. It was very emotional. There are bits and pieces of Matt that I would say are characteristic of me but he's not even close to being me.

Q:

Do you think people will be turned off by the book because it’s a story of a gay man and his relationships?

A:

I don’t think so. This book is really two books in one. The first section, after the funeral murder, is really a coming out story. I really wanted the reader to get to know Matt, understand his struggles, and empathize with gays and lesbians and the turmoil they go through to accept their sexual identity. It is definitely the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to face. The second part of the book is more for entertainment and will appeal to those who like suspense and thriller novels.

Q:

Did you have many people read the book before you published it?

A:

No. I was afraid that they wouldn’t like it. It wasn’t until I talked with a friend that I realized I’d better get an unbiased opinion before I had it published. It's difficult to have someone judge something that's so personal.

Q:

And how did that go?

A:

Good. You never really know how honest people will be about your material but I felt much better about it after they read it. I was glad they liked the story I had created.

Q:

So are you set to sell hundreds of thousands of copies?

A:

No and yes. My goal was to document what was in my head and to have a book; even if it was just one that I could share with family and friends. I really didn’t think about selling it. I just loved the story and thought I’d like to share it. I’m still nervous about people reading my work. It makes you vulnerable.

Q:

If the book is a success, will you write another one?

A:

I guess that depends on how you define success. If I get good feedback, I do have a couple of ideas for sequels or continuing stories about the characters that I’d like to pursue. We’ll see though. It took me seven years to complete this one!

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