About Me
Hi. I’m Kevin. I’m a writer, illustrator, marketing copywriter, avid sports fan, sci-fi/fantasy nerd, husband, dad and fetch partner – not listed in order of importance.
Through all of life’s twists and turns, I have constantly created characters and sent them on adventures. Now, I’m figuring out how to share these stories without sounding like a crazy person.
Why do I write?
I love entertaining. I want to make the world a happier, more enjoyable place. When I write, I strive to give people entertaining avenues for escape, adventure and inspiration.
What do I want to write?
First and foremost, I write commercial fiction. Might as well be upfront about it. I know it’s not for everyone. I like it, though, and I love writing it.
I want to write middle grade fiction. Genre fiction. I want to send readers on fun, fast-paced adventures.
Beyond that, I’m always playing with characters and formats and love writing stories in various formats – whatever is right for a character and story.
Ultimately, I would love to make a career writing the following (probably pretty closed to ranked in order):
20-30k-word (w/illustration) middle grade novels
Chapter books
Early readers
Picture books
Middle grade graphic novels
Text-only middle grade novels
Christmas fiction
Sports fiction
I’m also very interested in writing for licensed properties – like Star Wars and Pokémon – especially in the middle grade market.
What am I doing to learn and grow?
Memberships/Programs:
SCBWI (2018-present)
SVSLearn (2020-present)
12x12 (2022-present, Wall of Winners 2022)
SVSLearn’s Children’s Book Pro (2022)
Self Publishing Formula’s Launchpad (2023)
Conferences/Seminars:
Writing Early Chapter Books with Bryan Patrick Avery (online via The Writing Barn)
2023 SCBWI Summer Digital Conference
2023 Self-Publishing Show Live
2023 Austin SCBWI Conference (in-person)
Twisted Tales with Sue Fliess (online via The Writing Barn)
2022 Austin SCBWI Conference (online)
Santat on Publishing (online via Gallery Nucleus)
2021 Austin SCBWI Conference (online)
2021 North Texas Agent Day (online)
2018 Dallas SCBWI Conference (in-person)
Awards/Recognitions:
2023 PBParty Honorable Mention (Daisy’s Hero)
2023 Kids’ Choice Kidlit Writing Contest PB Finalist (I Don’t Know)
July 2022 Critique Arena Top 16 (Rabbit Road Race)
How do I create my stories?
I have a Storystorm-like list of character/story ideas on my phone that I’m always building. Goes with me everywhere. Then it’s just a matter of plugging away until someone captures my attention. Quality through quantity.
Once I have a story I want to create, I have a few different templates I take the story through to make sure the story is planned out and still excites me. Yes, I’m a plotter, not a pantser.
I love Save the Cat! I also love Michael Arndt’s Beginnings and especially his Endings: The Good, The Bad, and the Insanely Great. I start building stories with both of those and then lean more into whichever is working better. I’m also a big disciple of The Hero’s Journey from The Hero With A Thousand Faces.
Once I have an outline, I beat sheet it out and then write a zero draft.
What’s my art process?
I grew up filling sketch books with characters but never really connected with markers and paint. One mistake and it’s white out to save the piece. Sorry, but I hate white out. The only things worse are mustard and pickles.
I do all my initial sketches in pencil still. I go completely digital after that, though. Sketches into Photoshop for inking and coloring on my Cintiq.
My Favorites
Middle Grade Novels:
Fart Quest
How To Train Your Dragon
The Last Kids On Earth
The Wild Robot
Mac B. Kid Spy
MG Graphic Novels:
Hilda
Bird & Squirrel
Agent 9
Cleopatra in Space
Amulet
Picture Books:
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Off & Away
Not Quite Narwhal
Mother Bruce
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
