Please tell us a little about yourself and The River Keeper and Other Tales. 

I worked for thirty years in both the biotechnology industry and in the federal government’s biodefense effort providing oversight for the development of new products. I’m now retired, compose original music, play a variety of instruments, and have recorded and released many of my original compositions. My creations are posted on my website—www.mindsights.net.  

The River Keeper and Other Tales is my third collection of stories. Seven Sides of Self—Storieswas released in November 2019 and Faraway and Forever—More Stories was released in July 2023, both collections published by She Writes Press. 

What made you want to write about your life? 

I have long wanted to write an autobiography or memoir about events I experienced during my thirties. But every time I attempt to do this, it brings back too much pain. As I started writing science fiction and fantasy stories twenty plus years ago, I began to see a pattern. The stories grew into allegorical depictions of the one story I could not write.  

So here is a collection of stories, all fantasy this time around, some containing shreds of my life and my experiences, hiding amongst the corners of my imagination. Perhaps I subconsciously write in this manner to protect those I love and hold dearest. Perhaps I write this way to protect my own heart and soul. 

How did you develop your characters?  

Often times, it starts with a name. Then as I think about the character, his or her problem pops into my mind—finding the River Keeper, killing the dragon, and rescuing the queen, for example.  Once I have identified the problem, the setting and the other characters in his or her life begin to materialize. Then comes the plot. Once I’ve completed the first draft, I will go back in and sprinkle colorful commentary into the story, something interesting about the character or their situation, what they look like, how they got to where they are, what their hopes and dreams are. 

Is there anything special or unique that sets your book apart from others in the genre? 

Several years agoafter an idyllic day on the beach, I wrote a song titled “Aurora’s Ring.” After recording the basic tracks, a friend contributed vocals and a lead guitar part.He then suggested we compose a concept album centered around Aurora’s story. Its title?  “Dragon’s Door—A Tale of Ring and Sword” (Mindsongs Musique). This gave birth to the short story of the same name included in this collection of tales. Andthe CD was mastered at Abbey Road Studios! 

What are you working on now? 

I have a fourth collection of science fiction novelettes that are currently being reviewed by my editor. I hope to submit the collection to a publisher in late summer or early fall 2025. Its title?  By The Light Of the Sun. Those darned Muses won’t leave me alone! 

Portions of this Q&A were edited for clarity.