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OH: Tell us a little about what life was like for you before you decided to take the plunge and become a full-time writer.

SA: Despite having earned a doctoral degree in Sports Administration, I found myself the owner and only employee of a floundering water treatment company. I decided that becoming an author would be my salvation.

February 2004

OH: Had you always been into writing? If you were, where were the places that you first started to get your work published?

SA: With the exception of a few sports articles and a paper on treating infrapatellar tendonitis, I had never published anything prior to my first novel,

MEG. Never even took a creative writing class.

OH: How long did it take you to write your first published novel? How many re-writes did you do? Then, how long until it was actually published?

SA: Original manuscript took 5 months. Edits took another 7 months. The novel was published 10 months after it sold.

OH: A lot of people say that they have always dreamed of writing a book. Alas, they never do. What made you determined to become a writer? Is it anything like you thought and hoped it would be?

SA: When I set a goal, I don't just make a wish list. I figure out what the necessary steps in achieving the goal are. Luck is a residue of hard work.

OH: What do you think is the most important part of a good story? What have you found are the bits that your fans seem to like the most?

SA: Personally, I have always enjoyed stories with plenty of action and drama. As an author, I learn the nuances of creating character conflict.

OH: When you begin a novel, do you have the entire story and all the characters already mapped out? Or do you surprise your self by inventing new angles and characters as you go along?

SA: A little bit of both. I try to map out the basics of the story and characters. Then let the writing and research lead me down different paths.

OH: Where do you get your ideas? How much research do you then carry out?
SA: I get ideas from reading and television, as well as my own imagination. I keep a paper and pen near the bed in case I dream something really bizarre. As to research, I do a lot of it, not only before writing, but also during the process.

OH: Your website is very popular. I have found out you answer all of your mail personally. Do you think keeping yourself accessible to fans helps make you more successful?