I am the author of numerous novels, and over 100 published short stories and articles, but I’ll never forget selling my first short story in 1995. I was paid a penny a word. It was an 8,000 word western. However, it being a Canadian publication—and at the time, when the U.S. dollar was worth more—my check was for just under $40.00. It was a great starting point, and I have been selling regularly since then.

I am not a full-time writer. I work a full-time job as well. After 19 years at Kodak as an employment law paralegal, I've spent the last three and a half as a Fire / EMS Dispatcher for 9-1-1. I work the midnight shift. I have found these hours to be creatively murder-some.

I prefer to both read and write in suspense/thriller and horror. I have been inspired by the likes of Walter Mosley, the entire Easy Rawlins series. Anything by Stephen King, and Dean Koontz. I used to enjoy James Patterson, until he stopped writing his own books—more of a spite thing there. Robin Cook, John Saul, Warren Hammond. Charlie Huston’s Joe Pitt novels, and Jim Butcher’s Dresden series. Just to name a few!

I live in Rochester, NY with my 3 amazing kids. I prefer to spend all my time with them. Being divorced, it’s not always possible. We have a lap dog my daughter picked out and named Fettuccine (Fetta), a cat, Luca and an aquarium full of semi-aggressive fish, including a fresh water shark named Bruce. I play guitar, am a horrible singer, but you know what, that doesn't stop me from bellowing while I strum.

My Facebook Author Page: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Phillip-Tomasso/179777428752116