Published Sept. 21st, 2024

When creating fictional characters, I often draw from the rich tapestry of my life experiences. From my time in the Air Force to my love of the outdoors, extensive travel, and the powerful moments I've shared as a father and theater parent, all these elements fuel the characters in my books. Each journey—whether through life or on paper—I aim to build characters with authenticity and emotional depth.

The Influence of the Outdoors

One of the most profound influences on my writing is my connection to the outdoors. Whether I’m mountain biking along rugged trails, cycling through winding roads, or hiking through serene forests, Oregon nature is my greatest muse. There's something about aloneness in the wilderness, with just the rhythm of my breath and the pulse of the earth, that clears my mind and opens the door to creativity. Many of my characters reflect this—finding themselves in moments of clarity or transformation surrounded by the natural world. They bike through backroads, hike along rivers, and seek a perfect photo in the woods just as I do, using the outdoors to navigate both their external and internal worlds.

Water is a constant in my life, providing a sense of balance and peace. Whether it's lakes, rivers, or the ocean, these bodies of water show up in my stories as symbols of reflection, change, or renewal. Just as water flows and adapts, so too do my characters evolve in the face of their challenges. In many ways, their connection to nature mirrors mine—offering solace, insight, and a place to grow. Just like water, life is easier flowing downstream.

Travels Across the Country

Traveling to 49 out of the 50 U.S. states, (sorry Maine-someday), I encountered a wide range of people, cultures, and experiences. From the bustling streets of New York City, one of my favorite places on the planet to visit, to the quiet expansive woods and forests across Oregon, each new place offers a different lens through which I can influence my characters. It’s these real-life interactions, the way people live and think in different parts of the world, that help me infuse each of my characters with their unique perspective. These infusions all intertwine within my experiences of Oregonians.

My travels inspire the places and people I write about, and they also allow me to bring a rich authenticity to my characters’ journeys. As I navigate new terrains, they too must find their way through unknown landscapes—both literally and figuratively. Whether they’re exploring the wilderness or navigating the complexities of human relationships, my characters are grounded in the places and emotions I experience firsthand.

Lessons From the Air Force

My time serving as a photographer in the Air Force provided me with a different kind of education. It taught me to see the world through a lens—not just in the literal sense, but also in terms of capturing human experience. In the military, I encountered people from all walks of life, each with their story, struggles, and triumphs. That understanding of the human spirit finds its way into my characters, especially those dealing with difficult choices or facing internal conflicts. Much like in life, these characters grow through resilience, duty, and sometimes even sacrifice. 

The Heart of a Father and Theater Parent

One of the most transformative roles in my life has been trying to father to my beautiful son. Watching him grow into his creative soul, full of talent and passion, gave me an intimate look into the world of theater. As a theater parent, I witnessed Alexander and his fellow actors bare their souls on stage, offering their emotions to audiences. It’s a courageous act, one that requires vulnerability, commitment, and a deep connection to their characters.

Surrounded by this kind of raw creativity influenced my approach to character development in profound ways. In theater, every gesture, every line, and every pause are intentional, designed to reveal the deeper layers of a character. I try to bring that same level of intentionality into my writing. My characters don’t just go through the motions—they bare their souls, grappling with their deepest emotions and desires. Watching Alexander and his peers inhabit their roles with such honesty reminds me of the importance of creating characters who become believable and relatable, even in their flaws and vulnerabilities.

Blending Real Life Into Fiction

My characters arise from the life I am living. The mountains I photograph, the rivers and creeks I float and cross, my travels, the military, and the joy and pride of being a father and theater parent—they all come together to shape the stories I tell. These experiences add a layer of truth to my characters that I hope resonates with readers, making them feel as genuine and alive as the people I encounter every day.

When you read my novels, the characters you meet are in some way, even if only minute, reflections of the world in and around me, shaped by the places I’ve been and the people I love. They are as grounded in reality as they are in fiction, and in every adventure, they embark on, there’s a little piece of my journey with them.