Novelist
I grew up on the West Coast, where the ocean meets the mountains - places that still shape the way I see the world. My love for wandering through art museums inspires my historical fiction, which explores forgotten corners of the art world by blending research with character-driven storytelling. After serving in the U.S. Army, I've settled into a quieter rhythm in Michigan. I hold degrees from Grand Valley State University and the University of Maryland.
Added FAQs to the author page menu.The landing page for my new novel, Bird Flies, is now live!
Catch it under Projects.
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Are you German?
I'm American, though my roots are deeply German. My father immigrated to the US in the early 1950s and later naturalized.Did you always want to be a writer?
Actually, no! While my professors always pointed out my knack for writing during my formal education, it remained a skill I only used for assignments.Do you enjoy writing?
More than I should. I get completely consumed by the preparation of a book. I just love a good story. There's something rewarding about the puzzle construction-taking a spark of an idea and building it into something real.Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere. I got the idea for my first book from an Instagram Post while standing in some obnoxious line. I keep a running idea list in Notion of everything that captures my eye for a story: quirky location names, interesting idioms, bits of dialogue. I mean, how good are "pockets of peace" or Club Firefly?Describe your writing environment?
I find I'm much more purposeful when I leave the house to work. My favorite spots are tucked away in the local university library or Panera. I actually think university libraries are incredibly overlooked; they're perfect, quiet sanctuaries for writers. And most are free and open to the public!Do you always know the whole story when you begin to write?
Absolutely. I'm a total plotter. If you walked into my dining room, you'd see Post-It notes, maps, floor plans, and photographs taped to the wall. I then create a timeline, setting and character lists in Google Docs. In Notion, I give each individual character, scene location, and plot event a page where I dump my research into.How long does it take to write a book?
My first book took two years to complete. I resonate with Ken Follet's breakdown of the process: a year for the draft, a year for the rewrite, and a year for the release.Do you miss the Army?
Very much so. The Army was a massive part of my life having entered at age 17. But in life, as in writing, all chapters must eventually come to a close.
Early bird or night owl?
Most productive in the early afternoon. So, a flamingo?Rule follower or rule breaker?
When I buy something, the first thing I do is read the instruction manual.Pie or cake
Pie 🍏Light rail or Uber?
Light railSame bed or separate beds?
Separate! A good night's sleep makes you a better person.Bookmark or dog ear?
BookmarkMadonna or Beyoncee?
Gurl. Stop.Broadway show or movie theater?
Movie theater! Love me a good matinee escape.Beach or mountains?
Mountains. A waterfall or cliff will humble you.