Those Darn Stripes shares with readers parts of your life focusing on the connection you had with your father. Why was this an important book for you to write?

My father was my best friend, and his death left a hole in my soul. Writing stories about him became a way for me to fill the emptiness that enveloped me after his passing. And recounting these events also kept me connected to my dad because I relived the memories as I typed them.  

But the book, in all honesty, is an act of love — a means for me to pay homage to my old man. Honored to be his son, I wrote Those Darn Stripes to honor him. 

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

Chapters 21 and 22 proved to be the toughest section to complete. 

“The Red Oak”, which describes the last walk I ever went on with my pop, was extremely hard to compose. We revealed such painful and powerful things on our stroll. I vividly recall bawling right after I pressed the final period. In fact, I continue to cry every time I read that chapter. 

“So Long, Squeak” was very difficult to finish, too. To put down Pop’s cat—his loyal companion of nearly two decades—just days after he died devastated my already fragile condition. The thought of petting Squeak at the vet, in her fading moments, haunts me to this day. I still catch myself staring at the ceiling in the wee hours now and then.  

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Love was a central concept I wanted to cover. Be it between son and father, formed among friends, or found at first sight, I sought to share the varying types of love I experienced.  

Loss was another one of my key themes. Saying goodbye to a partner, a parent, and a family pet took an emotional toll on me. I lost my confidence and felt like I was losing my mind at times. My reactions were raw, and I intended for readers to appreciate them in their purest form. 

Laughter consistently made it onto the pages as well. Because it was important for me to incorporate humor, I often tried to poke fun at myself or joke about certain situations. My goal was to make people crack up as much as they teared up.  

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

My dad was always his authentic self, no matter who or what he faced. I really admired that about him, which is why I aimed to author Those Darn Stripes in a style he would be proud of. Whether I was furious, confused, joyridden, or grief-stricken, it was crucial for me to convey the wide range of emotions I encountered during this pivotal juncture in my life. I want these genuine feelings to come through and, hopefully, readers can relate to them.

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