Steve, how did you find our community of writers, and how long have you been visting "The Phoenix"?

I found it after searching for possible sites that could give me the opportunity to have my writing work-shopped. I’ve been sporadically visiting the site for about two years.

How would you complete this thought, "A good day of writing is like ______"

A good day of writing is like completing a good ten-mile jog, or pitching a good baseball game. In all three activities you feel a sense of accomplishment, a sense of control, some kind of mental high, and a sense that you are rising above the every day routine of life.

Can you tell us what is it that you are looking for when you put a piece of your writing up for review/critique?

As long as the criticism is constructive I don’t care about the particulars. Every writer brings his/her own fresh perspective, which I appreciate.

What character in fiction or non-fiction would you say you most identify with?

The character I most identify with is Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt from James Jones’ novel “From Here to Eternity.” He is a character who takes great pride in belonging to his team/organization, but who at the same time fears losing his individuality in the process.

What elements of writing do you have the most difficulty with?

I most struggle with making sure the reader understands what drives the main character to do what he/she does. It’s always clear to me, but I have to work very hard to put it in words/action.

What was your inspiration to begin writing, and what keeps you at it?

I always wanted to write fiction, but for some reason I was afraid to start--until I reached the age of 41, about the time I was ending my military career. My wife finally recommended I join a local writer's group. I’ve been writing regularly since that initial writer's group meeting. I continue writing because I now realize that it’s an important part of who I am.

Do you have any rituals for writing, Steve?

I usually like to play music when I start to write. The music seems to get me in a certain mood.

Have you ever had any of your work published, and what was that experience like?

It’s always a thrill to get published. Unfortunately, it happens so rarely! It was also a thrill to attend the 2000 Squaw Valley Community of Writer's Workshop. It was inspiring to attend a workshop where famous writers like Amy Tan and Michael Chabon did readings of their work, offered advice and just hung out with the rest of us commoners.

How do you come up with story ideas Steve? What is your inspiration?

I wish I knew where I found my inspiration. If I knew, I would always go there. I think it’s a very haphazard thing. I just hope it happens.

What forms of writing do you enjoy most?

I have a propensity for writing short stories. I like their intensity—their crisp, economical use of language. That’s mainly what I read. I wish I could write “longer” stories so I could write/publish a novel. I will eventually, but it will require me to think more in terms of plot/writing longer passages.

Have you ever suffered from writer's block, and how have you dealt with it?

I’ve suffered from time to time with writer’s block. I’ve gone weeks without writing a story. I think writer’s block can be defeated with self-discipline—but I sometimes get lazy. I think belonging to a writer's group which meets on a regular basis, which expects something from you, will help you avoid writer's block.