Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

As a writer, I'm pretty shy in reality, even though I love to be an outspoken storyteller in my writing. I'm an observer - I love to watch people and their interactions. Professionally, I have a degree in Biblical studies and pastoral ministries, which I've chosen to apply to my writing rather than pursue a path as a professional clergy. I teach Bible and History to high schoolers to help pay the bills. 

My favorite work is my son, Michael Landis. He's 17 months old right now and learning more by the day - and of course he loves books. I've been married to my wife Martha for 14 years and we've had adventures from Ohio to North Dakota and back again.

Describe your book ‘ShadowLight’ in 30 words or less.

A deaf college student is thrust into a trans-millennial war between supernatural beings. He learns to use his swords, friends, and talents to save his girlfriend and protect his brother.  

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I actually wrote ShadowLight originally as a vampire novel. I finished it and hated it. It didn't stand out and seemed just bland. I just shelved it for several years before I came up with the concept of the Night Walkers as swashbucklers fighting in the shadows of our world. 

What books have had the greatest influence on you?

I have always loved C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia - even before I understood their allegorical nature. I loved the idea of a hidden world where more was possible than the mundane life. I also love Frank Peretti's Piercing the Darkness with the idea of angelic combat. 

Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?

ShadowLight was turned down by more publishers than I care to count. Virtually all the ones who gave me more than a form letter rejection did so on the idea that ShadowLight was a niche market and not widely marketable. When it was picked up by a small publisher (Misanthrope Press), we worked together to promote word-of-mouth advertising. The result has been a slow but steady building of readership. 

How do you spend your time when you are not writing?

Working as a teacher, parenting a toddler, husbanding, working a masters degree in marriage and family counseling, continually maintaining an older home ... there's not much spare time. I do enjoy amateur woodworking and gardening to take me away from the computer when I need a break.  

What are you working on next?

I have several works in progress that I need to focus and finish. Currently I'm working on the sequel to ShadowLight, Errant Night, which continues where ShadowLight ended and follows Jonah's brother through some serious decisions. I have finished a middle grade time-travel novel, now called Through the Wells in Time that needs some editing done. I have also begun a pirate novel and I'm about halfway through writing that.