From the earliest days of my life, books have been more than just objects; they’ve been steadfast companions. During a somewhat awkward childhood, I found solace and adventure within their pages, rereading some until their covers frayed and fell away. My time in the Army introduced me to a friend who shared a reading list as enriching as any college syllabus, profoundly shaping my understanding of myself, the world, and the vast universe of literature. Through countless books, I journeyed far beyond my Michigan factory town, embarking on adventures both read and imagined. While life has presented other passions, none have resonated as deeply or compelled me as strongly as the written word, driving me to create stories that might touch and transform readers.
My writing journey mirrors my somewhat nomadic life. I’ve dedicated over 10,000 hours to honing my craft across various forms—poetry, short fiction, screenplays, animated series, and TV pitches. This diverse apprenticeship has culminated in the novel, a form where all my varied writing experiences converge. My approach to writing is informed not only by academic study, including a master’s degree in writing from USC, but also by rich life experiences as a military interrogator, a copywriter, a technical project manager, and a marketer for diverse products, from online psychics to satellite TV and dietary supplements. I delve into the worlds I know intimately, emphasizing authentic details and crafting narratives that feel uniquely mine to tell.
Martin Ott, author of Shadow Dance, Regal House Publishing
My upcoming novel, Shadow Dance, from Regal House in Fall 2023, marks my eleventh published book. It intimately draws upon my experiences as an interrogator and weaves in elements of a haunting family history. The protagonist of Shadow Dance has previously appeared in a cameo role in another of my books and may have even subtly emerged in a poem or two over the years. My publishing history includes works in over three hundred magazines and twenty anthologies. I am honored to have received two book awards—the De Novo Prize from C&R Press and the Sandeen Prize from the University of Notre Dame Press—and to have been a finalist for over thirty others. Additionally, three of my screenplays have been optioned, and I continue to develop screen projects, both original and adapted from my fiction. I also maintain a blog, Writeliving, which has attracted over 30,000 readers across more than a hundred countries.
I am deeply impressed by the editorial team at Regal House and excited to become part of their talented community of writers. I am active on social media platforms, including Twitter, and welcome the opportunity to connect with fellow book enthusiasts and share thoughts and opinions.
