1) I grew up in North Carolina with hundreds of acres of woods and streams right behind our house. My friends and I spent endless hours roaming and as a result I love being in the woods today.

2) My parents divorced when I was young. I was one of four children and brought up by a loving and strong mother. My wife and I have been blessed with two great kids.

3) I'm a classic Scorpio born with a wanderlust and appreciation for other countries, cultures and foods. During my childhood, my head was always buried in National Geographic Magazines. When I was twenty, I dropped out of college for awhile to live and work in Heidelberg, Germany.

4) I spent many years in the corporate world. Ten years ago I started a business and grateful that it's survived and prospered. Long ago I learned that plenty of people will help you succeed but you have to go the extra mile---every day.

5) Before last August when I joined Wattpad, I'd written only one poem in my life. I was inspired to try after reading some of the great ones I'd seen.

6) I love reading and always have. If I had to choose one writer's style that I'm fondest of, it's probably Mark Twain.

7) In 2001 we moved the family to Singapore for a work assignment. I loved traveling throughout Asia. The people and food are fascinating and living there was great for the kids.

8) Our big dog, Barkley, is my constant companion. I work out of a home office and he's the CFO (Chief Furry Officer) of my company (see cover pic). When I'm not traveling, he and I take a walk in the woods once or twice a day.

9) I enjoy photography and all kinds of music. There's a tune playing through my head most of the time. That's not a blessing but a curse since it rarely shuts down and difficult to turn off.

10) I've spent years playing around with the guitar but don't know how to read music. In other words I'm a hack, but have fun with it and that's good enough for the time being.

11) I'm happiest when I'm hiking a mountain trail. Without a cell phone.

12) I'm very competitive but in a quiet way. 

13) I couldn't live without coffee and a piece of dark chocolate every day, but eat healthy for the most part. We shop at the local farmer's market every Saturday during the season. I do indulge on occasion---ice cream and beer are my two favorite vegetables.

14) I love the western United States and every year we take a trip to a different place to go hiking. I'm crazy about good light, big rocks and anything old that was built with stone.

15) I'm a good listener. Early on, I found that you can learn something when you listen but can't learn a thing when talking.

16) I believe we should tap the world lightly, whether it's being kind to the planet or being considerate of other people's opinions. The latter's not always easy to do but it's the goal.

17) I want to write a credible novel someday. I've gotten sidetracked with poetry and lyrics, maybe because it's quicker and easier to write a one-page poem than to pour heart and soul into a 300-page novel. But I want to try again soon.

18) My poems tend to be sad and somewhat depressing but my personality and nature is just the opposite. I haven't figured that out yet.

19) I really enjoy talking with little kids. Nothing's more fun for me than bantering and getting silly with a four year old.

20) I truly appreciate Wattpad and everyone who's read my work over the last year. It's gratifying and often surprising to see how each person interprets or responds. Since I work so many hours with my job, it's hard to find time to read longer pieces posted by others. For that I apologize as I know I'm missing out on some great writing.

Cover: CFO Barkley hard at work on the computer