Jeff answers some questions asked by his readers.

When did you start writing?

   To be honest with you, I had very poor writing skills all through out school. Consequently, I dreaded all grammar and writing assignments. As a professional marine biologist, I have written a lot of scientific and technical articles, but never attempted to write a fiction novel until I began the Buzz Bradley series in 2002. Writing a young reader's novel is very challenging and inspiring.

How many books have you written?

   Other than scientific papers and magazine articles, Buzz Bradley and the Invisible Fort is my first novel. I hope to write at least one new Buzz Bradley novel each year. I have a lot of great ideas and adventures for Buzz and his friends.

Did you always want to be a writer?

   I never wanted to be a writer as a kid. In middle school, there was a brief time when I wanted to become a tree surgeon (I liked to climb trees) and later an archeologist. At thirteen, I fell in love with marine biology and read and watched everything I could about fish, the oceans, and scuba diving. Unable to take scuba diving lessons at 13, I got my first aquarium and have been keeping fish ever since. When I turned 15, I was finally able to take scuba diving lessons and I still dive today. Diving is a wonderful experience. It is so peaceful and quiet down there. Yes, Buzz and his friends will get involved in some diving and underwater adventures.

Where do you get your ideas?

   The ideas for the Buzz Bradley series come from my childhood experiences and my vivid imagination. As I've told my wife over and over again, both our daughters will grow up and become adults, but I will always be a kid at heart. What is really exciting when writing a novel is when the novel takes on a life of its own. For example, although I thoroughly outlined each chapter of the second Buzz Bradley book, Buzz Bradley and the Green River Ooze, once I began writing and really got into the story and the characters, the book changed considerably and it came out better than I could have ever imagined. It was an incredible experience and one that would have never taken place if I hadn't started writing.

Where and when do you write your novels?

   Because I am not a professional full-time writer (although I wish I could be), I don't have the luxury of sitting down anytime of the day to write. Therefore, I have to find small amounts of time to write. The first two Buzz Bradley novels were written in an ordinary composition book which I carried with me at all times. Sometimes I'd do my best writing sitting in the car while my daughters were at gymnastics. Personally, I find it hard to sit in front of a desk top computer or laptop to write.

How long does it take to write a book?

   To knock out the first draft of a Buzz book may take me several months. The long and difficult part is editing, than more editing, and then even more editing, and working with illustrators and publishers. Since I am not a writer by profession, all my writing and publishing projects take place outside of my "real" job. From start to finish, it took 6 years to publish Buzz Bradley and the Invisible Fort. The second book in the Buzz Bradley series is due out in the summer of 2009.

Can I be a writer?

   I think everyone has a story to share. My suggestion would be to work hard and do well in school, and keep striving for your dream by setting small goals along the way. Before you know it, you'll be there. Most importantly, don't let anyone persuade you otherwise or in believing that you can't accomplish any of your goals or dreams.

What are your favorite hobbies?

   I enjoy photography (especially nature), scuba diving, physical fitness, and being outdoors. If I had the financial freedom, I'd travel the world and experience all there is to see in this vast world.

What is your favorite color?

   Blue, just like the oceans.

What is your favorite food?

   When it comes to food, I like it pretty simple. I'd have to say that my all time favorite food is a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich. To be honest with you, I've been eating a PBJ for lunch, five days a week for probably the past 20 years which probably makes me crazy through most people’s eyes.

What was your favorite book as a kid?

   As a kid I enjoyed reading adventure and mystery novels; however, I can't recall any specific series or book as being my favorite.

If you have any other questions, I'd love to hear from you. Click here to send me an email. 

Thank you for your interest in the Buzz Bradley series.