Amazon - How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?

I did not intend to become an author. I was asked by Hayden Books to write this book. I liked the proposed format which was focused on the artists and their art, the way they applied Fractal Design Painter, rather than an embellished guide book that explained the features in the program. I also liked the layout of the Creative Techniques series in which every double page was a self contained technique, with a high quality color reproduction of the artwork on one side and a simple step-by-step description of the technique used in the artwork on the facing page. This lay out was very easy for the reader to access and use the techniques described. Once I undertook this project I was motivated by the encouragement I got from all the artists I spoke with. They were very happy to share their experience and ideas and help educate and enthuse other artists who were experimenting with the digital medium.

Amazon - What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

I am fascinated by biographies and autobiographies. I find real life more amazing than any fictional world! No particular author had a direct influence on writing this book, which is more graphical than text oriented.

Amazon - Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)? Do you have a favorite location or time of day (or night) for writing? What do you do to avoid -- or seek! -- distractions?

First and foremost, it's MUCH more work than I could possibly have imagined when I set out to write the book! It ended up taking 6 months of my life, at the end working about 8 hours a day, seven days a week. I work directly on the computer. One of the biggest challenges was keeping all my data very well organized and archived. Artists were sending me gigabytes of image data, and with over 50 artists appearing in the book, I had to develop a very consistent and clear system so that I could retrieve any image from any artist at any time. I used CD-ROMs for all my back-up and archive. I worked in my studio, avoiding distractions, turning down invites and opportunities to travel, basically becoming a hermit for a few months! It reminded me of taking my finals exams at University (except I didn't have an editor on the phone each day asking about my progress!).

Amazon - Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions or similar events? Do you interact with your readers electronically through e-mail or other on-line forums?

Yes to all. I have arranged book signing events and given seminars all over the world. I receive email from readers (which I always reply to). It is one of the pleasures of haven written this book that I'm hearing from so many people who really appreciate using it. Knowing that I'm making a positive difference in peoples lives, that my book is serving as a source of ideas and inspiration, is very important to me. I know quite a few people who have purchased the book just for the artwork, some don't own a computer. Others have employed techniques from the book in their own artwork. I'm a great believer in sharing with and empowering others.

Amazon - When and how did you get started on the 'Net? Do you read any newsgroups, such as rec.arts.books and rec.arts.sf.written, mailing lists or other on-line forums? Do you use the 'Net for research -- or is it just another time sink? Are you able to communicate with other writers or people you work with over the 'Net?

I first got email at the end of 1995 and set up my own web site early in 1996. My web site started off simply as an on-line portfolio but has turned into a resource center where I share information that I think would be useful to other computer artists (e.g.. on output and Painter Tips) and where I can communicate about issues I feel strongly about (for instance the current California tax law and how it effects artists, or a memorial to a close friend and fellow artist). I do not spend much time surfing, only diving in very selectively when there's something specific I'm seeking. I've not spent time on chat forums. I was on a Painter email list but found the amount of mail (much not directly of interest to me) somewhat overwhelming. The key role of the Net in my working life is communication. I do more communication via email now than via any other medium. Some of my contacts with artists in my book were entirely via email (I had assumed one such artist called Stacey was a woman only to find out after 6 months of contact that she was a he!). For those reading this who'd like to visit my web site or communicate with me please feel free to do so. My web site is www.paintercreativity.com and my email is jeremy@paintercreativity.com .

Amazon - Feel free to use this space to write about whatever you wish: your family, your home town, hobbies, favorite places, where you've lived, where you went to school, what jobs you have had, your last (or planned) vacation, your favorite color/food/pet/song or movie, what books you'd take to a desert island, what you intend to do before you die, or what you think of just about anything.

My paintings unfold in an improvisational creative process where I am vulnerable, where I do not know what is coming next but where I trust my intuition. It is this process of exploration and risk-taking that is key for me, more important than the final "artwork". It is the same process I experience in dance, or in life. I encourage you to take risks with the empty canvas, to be bold and experimental, to trust in yourself and in the future.