With two books a year, I don't have time for writer's block.

Growing up with three brothers and three sisters, I was the storyteller of the family... what my mother called 'The Liar.'

I'm pretty disciplined to keep the momentum of a story going by writing everyday, even if it's only a couple paragraphs or a page or two.

I subscribe to National Geographic, Scientific American, Discover, and a slew of other magazines. And it is while reading articles for pleasure and interest that an interesting What if? will pop into my head.

I was all set to blow some crap up.

Often life asks much of you, and you either honor life by answering with all your heart, or you cower your way into your grave.

For some reason, some of my best solutions and ideas are triggered in those dark theaters, usually totally unrelated to what's going on onscreen. I also enjoy hiking in the foothills and mountains close to Sacramento. I always have to bring a pen and paper to jot down sudden thoughts and ideas. So inspiration arises from countless sources.