Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be more Janitors books?
I had always planned on the Janitors series to be five books. I'm happy with the way it turned out, and I tried really hard to give the series a tidy ending. It might be fun to return to the magical world of Janitors someday, but I don't have any plans to continue the series for now.

What are you going to write next?
Right now I'm working on writing a trilogy called THE WISHMAKERS. It's a crazy middle grade fantasy about a kid who discovers a genie living inside his jar of peanut butter. The first book is coming in January 2018 from HarperCollins.

Where do you get your ideas?
Ideas are hiding everywhere. I get ideas for stories from everyday things around me. I tryto use my imagination on everything I see or do. Some people call it living with your head in the clouds, but it's how I get inspiration.

Will your books be a movie?
There are no plans for any movies right now. I think my books would be pretty fun as live-action, or animated films. But making a movie isn't really up to the author!

When did you decide to become a writer?
I've wanted to be an author since second or third grade. As a kid, I loved reading books and I thought writing my own stories would be the coolest job! I stuck with it, and the first Janitors book was published when I was 25 years old. I hope to keep writing books until I'm a super old dude.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Look up! Set down your electronic devices and notice what is happening around you. Chances are, a great idea is waiting to be found. Also, it's important to read lots of books to see how successful authors tell good stories. Lastly, you must write! Lots of people have great ideas, but you're not a writer until you sit down and start writing!

Do you have another job besides writing?
Nope. I used to work part time as a night janitor at a middle school, but I'm lucky enough to be writing full-time now. It's a dream job for me!

What's your favorite movie?
The Princess Bride has always been my favorite! I quote it all the time. As far as animated films, I'd say How to Train Your Dragon, and Kubo and the Two Strings.

What do you do when you're not writing?
I have lots of hobbies. I love learning musical instruments (especially percussion). I also spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying the mountains and fly fishing the streams of northern Utah. I enjoy performing in local musical theater productions. And of course, I love reading!

Why do you drum on garbage cans?
When Janitors was published, I thought it would be fun to tie in some of my percussion background to promote the books. Using janitorial supplies like buckets and garbage cans, I began writing and arranging music that I could perform with some of my college drumming buddies. We called ourselves the Jammin' Janitors. We occasionally perform at book signings or events, but usually I am drumming solo when I visit schools or do author presentations.