Interesting fact:

Randall dreamed the title of this book!!!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After my first work, the short story Dark Temple was published as an e-book.

Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your next book?

Yes, in fact there are three more books on their way. I call them the Books of Shadow Trilogy. They continue the adventures of various members of the group that participated in the Dark trilogy. One of them is nearly finished, and without giving away too much, it focuses on the efforts of Adrianna, a sorceress, to repair a magical item that is malfunctioning.

What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (Regarding writing or publishing)

I’ll start with the worst. Like so many people who have dreams of doing something out of the ordinary, I’ve been told by a large number of ‘advisors’ that the competition is too fierce, it’s a waste of time, you’ll never make it, blah, blah, blah. Don’t listen to them. Miracles DO happen, but only if you believe in them. My wife told me the best advice, follow your heart. If it makes you happy, go for it. Her encouragement kept me going when I had my doubts. Of course, she is my soul mate after all…

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?

The knowledge that I am bringing a little happiness to my readers, in particular young adults.

Do you outline your books or just start writing?

My books seem to get outlined in my head as I go. Of course, once in a while I have an interesting idea or get a bolt out of the blue which shakes things up. I have never had writer’s block for some reason, but I do take a few days off from typing once every so often.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

The internet is amazing. I was able to look into plants, trees, wildlife, medieval weaponry and clothing, beverages, and much, much more. I wanted to make the books as accurate as possible in the details that mattered.

Did you base any of your characters on real people?

Yes, I did. The best example of this, though, is in one of the upcoming stories. A pair of villains are based on Laurel and Hardy.

If this book is part of a series, what is the next book?Any details you can share?

Dark Dreams is the first of the three dark books. The next installment is Dark Temple, which is a short story. The third dark book is Dark Realms. It was titled thusly because of the various places the protagonists delve into.

Did the story turn out the way you planned from the beginning? If not, what change happened that you didn’t expect?

Surprisingly, the book almost wrote itself. I had already envisioned most of it in my head. The hard part was getting it put into my computer. The same is happening with the next trilogy. I have most of it already written in my head aside from some dialog and minor plot points.

Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

 Since I use a desktop computer, aside from a few notes which I make almost anyplace when an idea strikes, I write at my desk in the study.

Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

 Pretzels and cheese. It’s not greasy but has plenty of flavor and packs a nice crunch.

Do you have an all time favorite book?

I’ll alter the question a little. I have an all time favorite author, Edgar Allen Poe. The Raven is a masterpiece. I must have read it over a hundred times.

What book are you reading right now?

The Twelve Teas of Christmas by Emilie Barnes. I love the holiday season from Halloween all the way ‘til New Years Day. It is such a festive and fun three months. And I absolutely love tea. Enjoying a high tea occasionally is one of my secret guilty pleasures.

Author’s Website: dungeonmapper.com

Dark Dreams is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble