1. Can I read the Reliance Sinclair books as standalones, or do I need to read them in a particular order?
The Reliance Sinclair series is best read in order. While each book contains a complete story, the series follows ongoing character development, relationships, and larger story arcs that build from one book to the next. Reading the books in order provides the best experience.
Book #0.5 On Instinct – available to newsletter subscribers
Book #0.9 On Ignition – featured in Crooked v.3
Book #1 On Impulse
Book #1.5 On Icing – featured in Now I Have a Raygun, Ho-Ho-Ho!
Book #2 On Impact
2. What genre are your books?
I write sci-fi crime, with an emphasis on fast pacing, high stakes, and ethical questions surrounding advanced technology. My books are action-driven sci-fi thrillers with minimal romance.
Readers have compared the Reliance Sinclair series to The Expanse for their grounded approach to sci-fi, long-running character arcs, and focus on the consequences of technology. Others have mentioned similarities to the TV series Killjoys, particularly in its mix of gritty action, found family, and space-based law enforcement.
My work has also been compared to Shoot the Messenger by Pippa DaCosta, Rules of Redemption by T.A. White, and Chaos Zone by Kate Sheeran Swed. Readers who enjoy action-driven science fiction with investigative elements, slow-burn romance, and a continuing series arc often find my books a good fit.
3. Who are your books for?
I write for adult readers who enjoy science fiction with a lot of action and a little romance. They appeal to longtime sci-fi fans as well as readers who are exploring the genre for the first time. My books often explore themes such as the ethics of technology, the use and abuse of power, and the unintended consequences of progress.
I focus on entertaining worldbuilding rather than heavy-handed technical detail, making the stories easy to follow even if you don’t normally read sci-fi. In short, I care more about the person in the cockpit than the mechanical details that make it fly.
4. Is there a place online where people can chat about your books (i.e. What is Space Station Unity)?
Yes! I have joined with group of authors to create the Discord server called “Space Station Unity.” It’s a place for our fans (and science fiction fans in general) to hang out and chat about books, writing, tv shows, movies, or just interesting science facts. We offer a chance to get some behind-the-scenes glimpses at the writing process, book giveaways, and opportunities to join ARC and Street Teams.
Some of the other authors involved are Rene Astle, Jeannette Bedard, MJ Blehart, Marc B. DeGeorge, Peter J. Foote, K. Gorman, Holly Hanzo, Kassie Keegan, R.M. Olson, Poppy Orien, Audrey Sharpe, and Tami Veldura. At least one or two of us are usually on the server at any given time.
You can join the server by clicking on the link (it’s free): https://discord.gg/MVZ54m9X
5. Can kids read your books?
While mature teenagers may enjoy my books, they are written for an adult audience. They aren’t gory, but there are scenes with fighting, injuries, and deaths similar to what you see in science fiction action movies.
6. Do your books include content or trigger warnings?
I do not include formal trigger warnings in my books, as some retailers discourage their use. However, readers should be aware that my stories may include depictions of physical injury, blood, violence, medical experimentation (in particular, brain and eyes), death, and strong language.
7. Do your books include romance?
Yes, the Reliance Sinclair series includes a slow-burn romance that develops across multiple books. The romantic subplot is secondary to the main story and is “low spice,” with the focus relationship development and trust, rather than explicit scenes.
8. Are your books available as audiobooks, or will there be audiobooks in the future?
There is an audiobook for my short story, On Instinct, available for free when you sign up for my newsletter. However, there are no audiobooks planned for the full novels at this time.
Audiobooks are something I’d love to add in the future but are not financially feasible right now. Any updates will be shared first in my newsletter.
9. How do I get your books from the library?
Check out the Libraries page on my website for more information on how to request my books from your local library.
10. Where can I buy the Reliance Sinclair books or get signed copies?
All of my books (except On Instinct) are available wide as ebooks on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Google, Smashwords, and several other popular sites.
Print copies are sold through major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org in both hardcover and paperback.
Signed copies are available through these Minnesota bookstores or at live events.
Niche Books, Lakeville, MN
Story Line Books, Saint Paul, MN
11. How did you start writing?
I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, but I didn’t start writing until I was in my early thirties. I’d always had ideas bouncing around my head, but nothing more than daydreams. Didn’t authors always say they’d been writing stories since they were in kindergarten? That their first full-length novel was actually penned in periwinkle-blue crayon? Clearly, at the ripe-old age of thirty, I’d missed my shot.
Then author Chloe Neill did a book signing in the Twin Cities. I was a huge fan and decided to go, even though I’d never been to one before. During her talk, she mentioned that she hadn’t started writing at a young age either. In fact, she wasn’t even interested in writing until she was in her late twenties.
Something about that cracked open a door in my brain. Over the next two weeks, I couldn’t stop thinking about a story idea, which was crazy, because I definitely was not a writer. I thought, maybe if I wrote down my ideas, I’d realize how bad they were and could move on. So, I did, and they weren’t terrible.
So I wrote a chapter. It was rough, but I had fun doing it. Then I wrote a second chapter and a third. By the sixth, I’d written myself into a wall, but I was hooked on the process. What followed was a bunch of research, studying, practicing, and editing. So much editing. (One of my favorite quotes is by Jodi Picoult, "You can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page.”)
It would still be another decade before I took the plunge into publishing, but I’d unlocked a creative part of me, and there was no shutting the door now that it was open. I learned that you don’t have to start young to pursue a passion. You just have to start.
12. Why do you write science fiction?
I’ve always enjoyed sci-fi and fantasy. Even some of my earliest cartoon favorites had elements of it like She-ra and The Thundercats. As I grew older, Star Trek: TNG was one of my favorites. Those shows usually had a strong thread of action and adventure, which also drew me in.
Later, I took a philosophy class in college. The professor posed a discussion question, which was about living in a society where there wasn’t a scale for punishment for criminal activity. Instead, all crimes received the same punishment, whether it was going five miles over the speed limit or robbing a bank. I instantly thought of the Star Trek: TNG S1:E8 “Justice” where Wesley Crusher steps on the grass on an alien planet, which is punishable by death. That was a moment when I really thought about how sci-fi can be used to explore bigger issues while still being entertaining.
13. How do you pronounce Texle?
Texle is pronounced TEX-uhl (like pretzel, not Tex-lee).
14. Do you do convention panels, workshops, or speaking engagements?
Yes! I’m happy to participate in convention panels, roundtables, or lead informal discussions at conferences, conventions, libraries, and writing events—both in person and virtually.
As a science fiction author and indie publisher, I’m passionate about helping new and aspiring writers feel less overwhelmed and more confident taking their first steps, whether that’s finishing a manuscript, navigating indie publishing, or building connections in the writing community.
15. What is your stance on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)?
I do not use generative A.I. to write my books. The words in my novels are entirely my own. For cover art, I contract with professional artists who do not use generative A.I. My covers are created using licensed rendered models.
However, like all modern publishing (and, let’s face it, just about everything else), the process involves everyday tools that incorporate A.I. in some form, such as search engines, writing software, email platforms, and retailer websites.
16. What book are you working on next?
I’m currently working on the third book in the Reliance Sinclair series. While I don’t always announce details far in advance, I regularly share updates and Advance Review Copy (ARC) opportunities with newsletter subscribers. That’s the best way to stay informed about upcoming releases.
17. What is the Countdown to Free Books?
The Countdown to Free Books is my annual December promotion where I count down the days to the new year by sharing a free science fiction book every day. It’s a great way to discover new science fiction authors, try new series, and stock up on ebooks before the new year. To make sure you don’t miss any daily free books, follow me on social media or bookmark the Countdown page on my website.
