1. Who are your books for?
I write and illustrate fantasy adventure chapter books aimed at kids anywhere from six and up. It seems to me that most of my readers are 6-11 years old, but I receive lots of correspondence from readers of all ages. Most of my correspondence is about The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, which you can explore in detail at the Kendra Kandlestar website.

I have also illustrated books for picture books authors. These books are generally aimed at younger kids, from newborns to five years old.

2. Where do you get your ideas?
I am inspired by mythology and world folklore. Since I was a small boy, I have always been fascinated by the tales and mysteries of the ancient world. Now, as an adult, one of my greatest joys is to travel to ancient sites around the world. Some of the places I have visited include the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Stonehenge in England, Chitzeniza in Mexico, the Mayan ruins of Tikal in Gautemala, and of course many other temples, castles and extravagent examples of architecture in Europe and Korea. Such visits help connect me to the magic of the Een.

3. Will your books ever be made into movies?
I’m a writer and illustrator, so I concentrate on telling my stories through books. However, I do think some of my books, such as The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, would be interesting movies. However, if any of my books are ever made into movies, it won’t be by me.

4. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. In fact, I wrote my first book when I was five or six years old. Most of my stories that I wrote as a kid were similar to the books I write now, filled with magic, monsters, and mystery.

5. Do you visit schools?
Yes, I love to visit schools and tell children about my books and how I came to be an author and illustrator. Just visit the School Visits page for more information.

6. Do you have study guides for teachers?
Yes, I have free teacher guides for The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar. You can download them by visiting the Kendra Kandlestar website. If you have any additional questions, send me an e-mail by visiting the contact page and I’ll answer as soon as possible!

7. Where can I buy your books?
Most of my books are available at retailers in Canada and the US, or through Amazon. For The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, please visit the Kendra Kandlestar website for helpful purchasing links. I also offer book sales directly from me as part of an author visit to a school. For more information about booking me at your school and arranging a direct book sale, send me an e-mail by visiting the contact page.

8. Have your books won any awards?
Happily, yes! Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers has won the Mom’s Choice Award® for the best chapters book (ages 8 and up). It was also nominated for the Surrey Book of the Year award. Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger has been nominated for a Cybil science fiction/fantasy award. The picture book I illustrated for Stephanie Lisa Tara, I’ll Follow the Moon, won third prize in the Chocolate Lily Awards.

9. Which do you like better, writing or illustrating?
Honestly, it depends on the day and what mood I’m in. I really love to do both, but sometimes I feel frustrated with one or the other and need to take a break.

10. What are you working on right now?
I’m currently chronicling the third Kendra Kandlestar book. I think fans of Kendra will be really excited to learn about this next chapter in her life!