Creative writing has always been my passion. Currently, I am working on two new manuscripts, Time Travels, the sequel to Gravestone, and a psychotic murder-mystery thriller. I am a semi-retired marketing executive with over 40 years in the hi-tech software industry. I chose the location of Gravestone since I am an alumni of Central Washington State College where Gravestone takes place. Since early on in high school (ages ago) I realized that creative writing was a hidden talent I possessed. After writing a story of a friendly talking olive in a grocery store, I received an "A" on my report card which was one of the only ones I ever got. Apparently, it was well received, and I then knew I could entertain people with writing fictional stories. In many ways the main character in Gravestone is modeled after my exploits. I was also a record holding mile runner like Michael James, although now one lap on the track seems like a challenge. When I was first married, we moved to Ellensburg and had a home much like the James's in the novel - even my wife Karen resembles Claire in Gravestone. Musically, I have played guitar since 1970 (with some famous band members you would recognize) and still today use my creative writing to compose original Christian songs that can be heard on a CD that I performed on and produced. If interested it is available on CD Baby (https: //store.cdbaby.com/cd/barnardkent). I also have been involved in local maritime history and scuba diving in Puget Sound. I have researched and located several shipwrecks. I created a shipwreck map, a shipwreck database, and 4-volume book set on shipwrecks. My exploits caught the attention of Bob Ballard (finder of the Titanic in 1985) and he invited me to be part of a mini-sub crew filming the Lusitania off of Ireland. ​Hiking, fishing, traveling (not in time) and metal detecting are also pastimes when not writing or working in the yard. I have visited 46 countries, enjoying the many cultures and their history. It's those experiences and adventures inspire my creativity. So, why write a novel on time travel? Simply, it interests me. As a kid I never missed an episode of Time Tunnel. I love movies on the subject, and recently enjoyed Stephen King's time travel novel, 11/22/63. I live in Washington State with my wife Karen (married in 1977) on five acres. We have two adult children and four wonderful grandchildren. Above all, faith and family is what makes a rich life happen.
