Through the 70’s I was a professional rock-and-roll musician. Into the early 80’s I had a sound company, and did free-lance music production work—both businesses based in Seattle. Then I went back to college, initially as a music major. In addition to studying classical composition and jazz arranging at Edmonds CC, and then Northridge, I took song-writing courses in Los Angeles from folks like Jack Segal (who wrote the jazz standard “When Sunny Gets Blue”).

I ended up switching majors from music to English and, after earning that BA, returned to the Northwest and earned a Master’s from Western. I have three novels out: If You Want to Get to Heaven, Choosing, and Slipknot. Slipknot (a mystery) was chosen as a “Best of Northwest 2007” selection by the Pacific NW Bookseller’s Association. All are available at Village Books in Fairhaven, and at the Western Bookstore. I also run a book publishing business called Kearney Street Books (Books that rock!). You can check out our publications at our web site: http://www.kearneystreetbooks.com.

In spite of the fact that I changed majors and became a writer, I’ve never stopped playing music. I sing and play acoustic and electric guitars and keyboards in two local bands: the Chryslers, a seven-piece rhythm & blues dance band, and Fritz & the Freeloaders, an alt-country, acoustic pop, and rock-a-billy band. I have two CDs out, both available at CDBaby.com or at iTunes: Making Time Stand Still by Zoot Rudy, and Street Music, Vol. 1, by Fritz & the Freeloaders.