Warm regards, @meharrjdawg! We're very excited to learn more about you. So first of all, tell us how you stumbled upon Wattpad and when.

I learned about Wattpad from my freakishly book loving cousin (seriously, you name the teen romance, she owns it) about two years ago. She was getting ready to go off to college, so I naturally assumed she might pursue writing. Her response shocked me. She said she wouldn't be an author because no one would read her stuff. Anyway, I spent hours talking to her until she finally brought up Wattpad. I made my account to look at her work, and being a homeschool parent, I eventually decided to write as a method to encourage my daughter to love books.

Why did you decide to join The Cryptic team?

I've been wanting to become an active member of a team like this for some time. I truly enjoy helping people develop their writing skills in any way I can, and The Cryptic team fit me well. I saw a place that fit my tastes, and more importantly, they wanted me, so I joined.

What compels you to pick up a pen and scribble down your thoughts? Is there any inspiration or motivation that you'd be willing to share?

Like I said, I want my daughter to know of my appreciation for literature. However, I've developed a genuine passion for storytelling, especially things that highlight important topics. You asked what compels me to write. It was for my family, but now I want to write stories that mean something. Yes, that sounds ridiculous, but read my books and you'll know what I mean.

In regard to things you've written, do you have a favorite? What feelings does it bring when you look back on it?

Locked Up is my main project on Wattpad. (so far) It's got an important message of forgiveness and not judging others, but it's not my favorite. My favorite story is a children's book I wrote with my little girl, Toy Love. My other work might be more professional, but writing this one brought me closer to her and showed her the value of books. Even now, she shows her friends the book and wants me to read it at bedtime. My daughter named the characters, told me what should happen and decided what pictures to make. It's my favorite because she's my favorite.

What part of writing do you find the simplest, and what aspects do you struggle with, if any?

Ideas. I come up with ideas like Willy Wonka does with candy. I've got so many that my wife tells me to stop talking about them.
In regard to struggles I'd have to say editing. I have a good grasp on grammar and punctuation, but any high level author will tell you there's so much more to writing.
Editing is the spawn of the devil designed to rip out my heart and serve it for dinner. By the way, would you like to come over for dinner?

What do you consider advantages and disadvantages of being an author?

For me, writing is an outlet that allows me to express emotion and compassion in a mysterious, mystical way. Sometimes I just feel better when I write about a man with perfect hair being killed by a cyborg. I mean, I'm bald, so it makes me feel better.

Is there any funny memory of yours you would like to share with us? We won't tell anyone, maybe.

Nope. :) I never do anything unless I can be completely serious. That's what my imaginary friend told me to say.

Besides your own masterful creations, do you have any books you couldn't put down?

I'm a stickler for sci-fi and fantasy. I've read a lot, but a unique plot is what keeps me engaged. The Host was one that caught me. I mean who doesn't like aliens coming down and living in our brains but being taken over by emotion? Another series I enjoyed, even though the movie sucked, was I Am Number Four. Read the books. Oh that reminds me, I need to order the last book. I'll be right back.

Who's your favorite author and/or idol?

Honestly, I don't have one. I like to read plots that peak my interest, regardless of who wrote it.

Besides writing, what do you do in your free time? Do you have any hidden talents that you've kept from the world?

I enjoy basketball and weight lifting. Although I need to do those things without eating so much sweets. What I honestly do with most of my free time is play with my daughter. There is no one in my real life that would be surprised if I answered the door in a Ninja Turtle onesie. Yupp, I'm always serious.

Tell us about your journey and growth as an author.

My first attempt was bad, real bad. I thought it would be easier to write in first person, present tense so I could pretend I was the character. Wow, I was foolish.
After that debacle I joined an editing club and learned a lot. I tried another novel after studying about different writing styles, but that one was before I learned about filtering and too many pronouns. Do you see where I'm going? I developed as a writer because I wrote. I simply kept trying, learning and growing. It's been a long journey, but my biggest growth came from a willingness to listen to people, to take input and learn. If someone told me I shifted tenses the next thing I googled was a solution. I developed as a writer because I worked hard, and still do.

So, are there any new projects you're working on?

You know that first story I told you about, the one in first person, present tense? Well, I'm going to try and rewrite it. I'm also working on the sequel to Locked Up. Everything's kind of at a standstill, though. I've got something I need to figure out with before I can get back to writing.

The most awaited question of every young reader, do you have any childish habits? Are you proud of them or embarrassed?  Do you like chocolates or cartoons? 

Childish habits, pshhhh. I am a child! I'll chase my little human around with a bottle of bbq sauce threatening to cook her. I'll surprise guests by putting salt in their water. There are kids at my church that choose not to eat their candy until after they show it to me. (I walk around pretending to take all the kid's candy.)

I'm just a goofball, and I'm not in the least bit ashamed of it. I took my daughter to Wal-Mart while wearing a clown wig as part of teaching her how to use money. I'm a father. I interact with my little one, engaging her imagination. She'll be a teenager soon, so I have to enjoy things while I can. :)

What do you prefer, sweet or salty? Why?

Sweet. I love me some candy. Just ask the kids I try to steal it from. Lol

It was a pleasure talking to you. We hope you progress by leaps and bounds and continue to entertain us with your masterful words.

Cover:

BLURB:

Officers and inmates have at least one thing in common, they're human - but even that can change.
 
  Jared Stevens is a prison guard battling to find purpose. After tragedy hits the institution he takes it upon himself to investigate strange occurrences. It doesn't take long before his efforts have him fighting to survive.
  Fearing death can cause people to evaluate their past, and Jared wants to make amends... that's not always possible.