An interview with the author:

What was your first book?

You and Your New Home.

Why did you decide to write this book?

As a municipal inspector, I began receiving numerous calls from folks outside of my jurisdiction. They were asking me to perform inspections on homes they were building and were concerned that their builders were cutting corners. Since I couldn't do both my job and their work as well, I decided to convey the information to them by writing this book.

Will this book stop builders from cutting corners?

No, but it can educate a homeowner enough to recognize when there are problems. It is usually inconsistencies that draw ones attention. Uniform construction and repetitive work practices tend to allow laborers to install work in a way that can be controlled. I mean with repetition, any one gets better.

How have you made this book user friendly?

Photos. New home construction is pretty much similar where ever you go. There are differences due to regional weather, seismic activity and other things, but over all building material availability dictates most construction methods. Mistakes are easily photographed and discussed as the construction progresses. Local builders have been very helpful in allowing me to pass this information on as well as photos shared by building inspectors around the country.

What other books have you written?

I've published several fiction short stories. A couple of fables, well, modern fables to be more accurate. A fantasy adventure dealing with teenagers and how they viewed magic. Some short stories to help parents connect with their children. I've addressed thing like bragging and bullying and such. Learning from a story has always been a great way to open conversations with a child.

Wow, such a plethora of subjects. Tell what made you write the first fiction book.

In a Beginning There was Majik was my first fiction story. I've told stories all my life and, through the urging of my wife, I finally wrote one down. When I started, I intended it to be just a short story. I soon realized it was going to grow much bigger. After several months I knew it was going to have to be a series.

Books published by Jeff Cross

• You and Your New Home

• In a Beginning There was Majik

• The Forester's Helper

• The Fruit Tree

• The First Crow

• Joshua's Fear