By Joe Dub

About two years ago, my girlfriend Lauren told me she received an e-mail from an old friend of hers with whom she used to trade music with. Through a handful of e-mails to and from, it turns out this old friend had a thing for writing. He offered a few short stories of his for us to read and perhaps even criticize and critique. After reading the first story, I came to the conclusion that this gentleman definitely had what it takes to ‘make it’ as a writer. He had passion, a sense of humor, individuality, and creativity among other things. He wasn't just writing with a pen, he was removing the pen from its holster and waging war on blank paper from here to the memories of yesteryear.

After reading further into these stories, I began to wonder what this person was really like? I told myself, ‘Man, he sounds a lot like me.’ I could really relate to his stories and as it turns out, I’ve built quite a solid relationship with this man over the last couple of years. We're more alike than I had ever imagined.

Here’s his interview. Enjoy it and maybe even learn a thing or two about writing from it.

I know you're originally from Milwaukee, so tell me what prompted the move from Packer-land to San Francisco?

Skateboarding. I knew I was going to live here ever since I was in 8th grade and sure enough when I graduated high school in ‘97, I packed up all my shit and came to San Francisco with $500 and big hopes of making it big as a skateboarder (laughs). I’ve been here ever since. I’m going on seven years now.

How did you get into writing?

In 5th grade, I won the D.A.R.E. essay contest and the police chief presented me with a big plaque that had my name engraved into and everything. It was pretty crazy. I had to read the essay I wrote in front of like 300 people at some ceremony. I remember being so nervous that my hands were shaking, and I could barely hold the paper steady enough to read the damn thing (laughs). I’ve pretty much been into writing ever since. I don’t have the essay anymore, but it’s funny, because not too long ago, my mom showed me a story of mine she found that I had written in the 1st grade. It was only like two paragraphs long and hardly made any sense, but I’m pretty sure it was one of the first pieces I had ever written.

Can you give me a list of authors who play a pivotal role in your life?

John Fante, Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain.

I understand you’re currently putting together a book of your writings. What does it consist of, who's the publisher, what’s the title, and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?

Yeah, it’s a book of short stories entitled, Left-Handed Stories. Vapors is publishing it. As far as when will it be out on the shelves? That’s a good question. Hopefully soon, ‘cause I’m damn near finished with another one. It was supposed to be out six months ago, but it got pushed back because there were a couple of last minute changes I wanted to make on it. Lucaroo was all ready to send it to print, but I wanted my first book to be perfect, so I told him to stop the press. It’s already to roll though now. I’m interested to see what the rest of the world has to say about it after they read it.

One story in particular of yours that I’ve read is the "Trumpet Player.” Growing up in San Francisco, I can totally relate to the picture you painted of a homeless man with a trumpet and little hope, playing in public locations for his next drink, which seems to be his one and only escape from the path his life has followed. Do all or most of your stories come from daily visuals and/or experiences we can all relate to, while still mixing a serious message with a little humor?

Most of my stories come from either things I’ve seen or experienced first hand. I believe that good writing is true writing.

Quick Q & A:

Lucaroo or ServOne?

Pass. You can’t ask me that.

Mantle or Maris?

Maris ‘cause he broke Babe Ruth’s HR record first and never even got credit for it until long after he died.

Brewers or Giants?

Giants. The Brewers haven’t been good since the early 80’s.

Embarcadero or Pier 7?

EMB. Much love to the pioneers.

Miller or Budweiser?

I’m from Milwaukee, so it’s only natural that I say Miller.

Ellay Khule or Rifleman?

Rifleman.