I've been writing since the early 1990s, first military fiction (1990s), then military and aviation-related nonfiction (1997-2021) (see my nonfiction page) and then fiction. And of course, I spent 30 years as a lawyer handling appeals and writing articles and appellate briefs and teaching writing courses. Writing has always been a release, and I appreciate your giving me a chance to share my stories. 

 

Masquerade was my first published novel. Games People Play now moves me in a different direction and begins a thriller series based around a former-model-turned-lawyer, Britt McCall, who lives and practices law in Chicago. I spent a lot of time in Chicago, mostly for court (and for food), and I wanted to share those experiences. I am also working on a science fiction series (first book due out in 2027) and a standalone historical fiction set in Ukraine in 1943. Masquerade originated with a, "you should write a story about ..." comment, and "Games ..." originated as a prequel to Britt 2, which I am currently writing. Britt 2 stems from another "you should write a story ..." comment.  Melfite's War arose from watching countless hours of the Sci-Fi Network in the 1990s - back when they had excellent original shows.

 

My ideas for stories come from random thoughts, provocative questions raised by friends, and from simply wondering "what if." I also try to weave in different experiences and observations I've had or seen, which means that some of my scenes are based on real events, albeit changed to protect the innocent. My non-sci-fi novels tend to be named after songs, and I try to fit something from the song's title into my storyline. 

 

I enjoy music - I'm sure you can tell that by now- and I have been a guitarist for over 50 years now, and a bassist for about 20 years. I enjoy reading novels and nonfiction and have a huge library on military aviation history. I have three wonderful dogs,  and I've been a life-long Cubs fan and enjoy football, especially the Illini and the Bears.