Imagine reading a good book and placing yourself as part of the cast of characters; sometimes, the protagonist, other times filling a supporting role. Perhaps you could even be the villain! Well, when I was growing up, that's what I did instead of following my brothers and learning mechanics from my dad. Often, while my friends played outside, I’d sit in my room for hours, getting lost in other worlds. In Madeleine L'Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, I was Calvin. In Isaac Asimov’s I Robot, I became Robbie the robot.

But reading wasn't enough; I told stories as well. Bedtime stories for my siblings, scary campfire tales for friends, and even the occasional stranger had to endure my ramblings. Even still, being a fiction author remained as elusive as Bigfoot.

At 23, I joined the Air Force and traveled extensively. Once again, I was thrown into worlds that piqued my interest in fiction. I imagined the castles of Bavaria belonging to kings and queens of lands besieged by dragons. The Bisham Woods in Berkshire England, reputed to be highly haunted by the murderous Lady Hoby, brought images of a ghostly white apparition, desperate to steal souls. While strolling through the vast expanse of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain visions of a futuristic city, complete with synthetic humanoids, holographic signs, and intimidating security bots patrolling the area swam before my eyes.

Needless to say, I eventually got a clue and started writing.

But for me, fiction couldn't be just flights of fancy. I’d seen too much of the world and experienced everything from moral dilemmas to political upheaval. Being grounded in reality meant my fiction had to reflect aspects of it as well.

That's where Mindful Fiction With a Dose of Suspense comes in. My writing includes aspects that tease the mind and toys with reason. It's fiction with a twist. “Mindful” because there are often characteristics of realism you must consider. “With a Dose of Suspense” because who doesn't like a little uncertainty?