I've sat in as a guest on many author panels. This is a compilation of some of the questions I've been asked over the years. Feel free to send me new ones, anytime.

One thing I want to stress is that everyone's path to publication is different. I've learned over the years to never count anything out because you never know when it might be the next big thing. More important, write what you want to read. You are your first and most important fan. Everyone else is a distant second.

1. How did you start out?

I wrote a story that was a 250,000 words and tried to sell that thing to a both agents and New York publishers. Needless to say, the amateur in me stuck out like spear in a pig's side. After about 50 rejections, I vowed to learn not only the craft, but the business side, too. It has been the best decision I made throughout my entire career.

2. How long have you been published?

Since 2002. My first book was published by Double Dragon eBooks, LLC. and I never looked back. I learned a LOT by writing for them.

3. How do you combat writer's block?

Ha! That's a question I love to answer. Whenever I have writer's block I do a couple of things. First, I write the scene that I really want to write. Sometimes, that jogs things free, but not always. I also jump in the shower or go for a ride in the car. Again, that helps only once in a while. The one thing that has always helped me is to start a new book. Now, mind you, I have a bunch of unwritten stuff as a result. But at the same time, I material for short stories, scenes that I can reuse, and possibly the beginnings of a new book. So while it might look like I've abandoned something, I haven't. I've just moved onto something else that moves me more.

4. How do you get through the sagging middle?

See #3. I usually write the scene I want to write and fit the story around it. That usually makes for a juicer read. Oh, and don't think for a minute that you have write linearly. You don't. Your story has to always make sense and keep the reader engaged, but there are times when you have to even throw yourself for a adventurous loop. Don't worry, though. You can always go back and fix it later.

5. What are the pros and cons to self-publishing?

That's a loaded questions. The biggest difference is probably the one you already know. You're responsible for everything when it comes to self-publishing. You should never put anything out there without having it edited and a halfway decent book cover. I can't count out discoverablity either. If you find a way to make that happen so that you have sales through the roof, please sure your incite. As far as I know, that's even issue with all authors no matter how you're published. Another thing I'll say about self-publishing is don't think that because you put out a book it means you're going to have instant success. All of these writers who you hear about that strike gold with their first novel or after a couple, they just got lucky. For every author that does hit a list or make enough money that they can quit their day job, I can give you hundreds of thousands (if not more) who haven't. Those are extremely isolated events. 

6. What's hybrid publishing?

It's what I'm doing now. I have my traditional publishers, but I also do some self-publishing, too. I can't say which one I prefer because I like them both for different reasons. I like the freedom of self-publishing, but I like the fact that I'm not paying for editing out of my own wallet with traditional publishing.

7. Big house or small house? Which should I try first?

Big houses (a.k.a. the Big Five) will gain you the most money upfront due to advances. But, if you don't have a proven track record or a gotta-have-it-or-I'll-kill-someone manuscript to present to an agent who will get it in front of an editor, then it'll be hit or miss with them. Just don't expect to obtain Stephanie Meyers or J.K. Rowling success with them. If you go through an agent, expect to get paid 15% less. Small houses can be picky, too. But at the same time, because they specialize in e-books, they're more lenient toward a new author. There's also much more leeway when it comes to things like edits and making decisions about your cover art. You don't get that kind of wiggle room with a big house. No matter which one you choose, you'll be expected to shoulder some of the marketing.  

8. Speaking of which, agent or not-to-agent?

The answer is it's up to you. Seriously. If you choose the agent route, I can't stress how important it is to do some serious research when looking for one. Dive as deep as you can into it. I've had three agents in my career (two with ties to the Big Five) and the only thing I've gotten out of those relationships is trust issues. That's not to say every agent out there is like that. There are some genuinely good agents. Just remember, everyone--including you--is expected to act professionally at all times when it comes to your career. Do your job and keep your promises, and everyone will get along just fine. Also, an agent works for you and not the other way around. If you choose to go without an agent, I must stress that you at least invest in an IP (Intellectual Property) lawyer who specializes in book contracts before you sign anything. The last thing you want to do is sign away your life (pen name, characters, series, etc.) to a company that is only interested in milking as much money as they can out of you. I've seen it happen one too many times where a publisher basically "owns" their writers' careers. A good agent will protect against that, since their 15% is on the table, too.

9. Where do you get your ideas from?

Anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes, they'll start out with a story I may have read years ago or it could be something I've seen on TV or read in the news. It just depends.

10. If there was one thing you could change about your career, what would it be?

I would've devoted more time toward learning how to market my books. As much as you hate it--I know I do--it's also a necessity for any good writer. How do you expect readers to discover your writing genius? By magic? Really?