Was it easier to write your second novel than it was the first?

No, actually it wasn't. Although my skills as a writer have improved since I wrote Divine Witness, several things went haywire on Rory's Story. I just wasn't happy with the first draft at all. In fact, only the middle section of Rory's Story remains from the original draft. I completely re-wrote the beginning and the ending.

What's up with the Native American themes in Rory's Story?

I've always held a strong interest in Native American folklore. I think it's facinating. I am also sympathetic to the plight of the American Indians. What the Anglos did to them back in the 19th Century was abominal, pushing them off onto tiny reservations and generally onto land that was impossible to farm or hunt on (in other words, land that no white man wanted anyway). Anything I can write that brings this injustice to the forefront is well worth my time. Besides, their folklore makes a great backdrop for fiction writing!

Do you expect to write more books with a Native American theme?

Yes, although not right away. I already have the subject matter for my next two books lined up, but I do hope to write a much more in-depth (and historically accurate) novel about American Indians in the future. In fact, it may be a western. I've been reading the catalogue of Larry McMurtry lately and it has really given me inspiration; especially the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove. Best damn book I've read since The Stand.

Do you have Native American blood?

No. I am of 100% European ancestry. By the time my people came over from Norway and Denmark, slaves had been freed and the Native Americans had already been relegated to life on the reservations. I am thankful that my ancestors played no part in any of those injustices.

If you could meet any famous writer, past or present, who would it be?

Stephen King. No doubt about it. Since I was 15 years old that dude has inspired me to write more than anyone possibly could.

Who are your favorite authors?

Stephen King, Robert McCammon and Dean Koontz would top my list of most books read by a single author. Does that constitute as "favorite"? or is that just because they have the most books out there of my preferred genre? More recently I have been addicted to the westerns from Larry McMurtry. I enjoyed the Lonesome Dove saga immensely and many of his other books as well.

How do you best define your "style" of writing? How do you go about it?

Probably the closest comparison would be Stephen King meets J.K. Rowling. I love the way King writes his characters and he has a unique way of putting them into extremely sticky and interesting situations. I try to emulate that, but using Rowling's propensity for short paragraphs and only enough description to let the reader capture the scene in his or her mind (King can get long-winded at times and I try to avoid that pitfall). I read a lot and I pay close attention to "how" books are written. I try to adopt some of each writer's best qualities and learn to avoid the aspects I am not entertained by.

Another thing I try to do is create an up-and-down flow, or roller-coaster effect, to the story as a whole. If I have to spend a few pages telling background elements that are pertinent to the story, I try to quickly reward the reader by placing an action or suspense scene shortly thereafter. Back story is vital for any novel, but I believe it should be done in the smallest increments possible. My goal is to entertain the reader, not teach them.

In what genre would you classify your first novel, Divine Witness?

Mostly, it's a mystery. At least in theme. However it transcends boundaries into suspense/thriller and some parts of it could easily be classified as horror. There are some scenes that may turn a few readers stomachs, but I felt I had to use some rather graphic detail to churn up the proper emotions. If the reader isn't a big fan of horror, at least they can find some comfort in the fact that the graphic scenes are few and far between.

Why do you use so much profanity in Divine Witness?

I believe profanity is a very important part of any story. In order for the story to be believable, the characters must be accurately represented. Let's face it, most Americans curse on a daily basis and characters in stories must follow suit. I actually made a conscious effort to keep the cursing to a minimum. The one professional I had proofread my story told me that the kids should actually swear a lot more than they do, since kids in the modern age use those words as regularly as adults. While I did agree with her suggestion, I didn't insert much profanity at all in the kid's dialogue. Mostly I just gave Trevor a little harder edge. I was writing Nick as a highly intelligent kid who hasn't yet decided if he believes in God (although I never did breach the subject of religion in the novel). And until he makes that decision, he is going to play it safe and be the best kid he can be. Of course, that's only in the beginning of the story. By the end of the story you can noticably see him taking a much darker view of the world. But that's understandable...by the end of the story that kid has been put through hell.

How would you rate Divine Witness against a Stephen King or Dean Koontz novel?

There's no comparison there. Those guys are veteran masters at their craft, while I am but child learning proper penmanship. What the original manuscript of Carrie is to Stephen King, Divine Witness is to Ryan Seek. It's my writing in its rawest form, my very first attempt at writing a full-length novel.

How long did it take to write Divine Witness?

The first draft took about two and a half months where I averaged about six hours a day. Three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. I have done two full re-writes since then, so my total time involved in the actual construction would probably work out to be about four months total. I know that sounds fast compared to what most writers spend on a project, but I do everything quickly. That's just my style with everything in my life; I get 100% focused and go balls to the wall.

How often do you watch television and what do you watch?

I don't watch a whole lot of television. At this point in my life, there are a few programs I watch and the only other time my tv is on is when I am resting my brain. The only shows I go out of my way to watch are NASCAR programming. I also enjoy watching movies as long as they are commercial free and unedited. When I am resting my brain I usually turn to Discovery or History Channel or just veg out on old re-runs of Friends, MASH, and Seinfeld.

What are your favorite movies?

I like my movies similar to my favorite book subjects. I like folklore, drama, suspense, and horror. I have no interest in detective or lawyer novels, or really anything set in a big city. I like downhome type stories. Favorite movies of mine include: Lonesome Dove, The Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption, Lord of the Rings, Butterfly Effect, The Stand, The Missing and probably a bunch more I can't think of right now.

What type of music do you like?

I like my music heavy, but also melodic. Mostly I listen to old 70s and 80s hard rock and heavy metal, or more modern bands that still have that sound and style of writing (most of these bands are european because the heavy metal music they promote here in America grates on my nerves). My favorite is Savatage and their spin-off band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I absolutely love their work because they mix traditional heavy metal riffs and grooves with melodic piano pieces, classical orchestra stuff, plus some opera, jazz and blues mixed in. Out of the old stuff, I love Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Judas Priest, Blue Oyster Cult, and early Fates Warning. More modern bands are likely unfamiliar to most Americans: Therion, Ayreon, Orphaned Land, Astral Doors, Nightwish, Mob Rules, Cage, and Morgana Lefay.

If you had to request a last meal, what would it be?

Hoo boy, that's a tough one. I am a meat and potatoes man, so I would probably choose country-fried steak plus mashed potatoes and gravy and corn on the cob smothered in real butter. If they tried to put cauliflower on that plate I would huck it at the guard!