Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a twenty-two year veteran of law enforcement, twenty of which were spent with the NYPD. My introduction to writing came about in a highly unusual way, on a bet with my wife in 2000. We were both voracious readers and she remarked that she thought it would be hard to write a book. I disagreed and she challenged me to write a few chapters. She loved it, but then 9/11 happened and it changed our world. After years of badgering me to ‘finish it’, I decided to go back to it. Perfect Pawn was the first book, and since then I have written three others as well as a non-fiction work. I currently have two others in various stages of development.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is Bishop’s Gate, which is the 3rd book in the James Maguire series. Bishop’s Gate was interesting to write because when I created the outline, in 2014, the world was a much different place. Then it became almost a race to finish it, as events that appeared in the book seemed to begin to materialize in the real world. In fact, when I released the book I cautioned people that the books plot was created months before anything happened in the real world. I didn’t want folks to think that I had simply grabbed the headlines.
The truth is, the one thing that cops have, are stories. Some are funny, most are sad, and others you even keep to yourself, but in the middle of that is a whole host of ideas and characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know some authors have specific habits when it comes to writing, but I don’t think that I do. I write as the mood hits me. Sometimes it will be every nights for weeks on end and then I might not write for several weeks. I have explained my writing process as ‘seeing’ a movie play out in my head and then writing what I watched. Other than that, I think the only other ‘habits’ I have are a specific chair and laptop that I use.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is always an interesting question to me, because it is such an eclectic group. I have basically read and learned from the best, but to pin down a few of what I have really enjoyed: Tom Clancy (Patriot Games), Frank Herbert (Dune), Robert Parker (Night Passage), Robert Daly (Man with a Gun), Joseph Wambaugh (The Choirboys), George Lucas (Star Wars)
What are you working on now?
Well, I just finished the rough draft of the 2nd Taylor novel and will be going back over it to tweak the story line a bit and add some additional dialog on some secondary character. I also began the 4th Maguire novel which I am very excited about. I have about 10k words into it so far. I have found that changing back and forth between the two different protagonists allows me to clear my mind between books and come back refreshed.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to maintain an active presence on social media, whether through my website, Twitter, FB or Goodreads. I think that is a key component these days. Readers are much more engaged and it is crucial for authors to provide them an opportunity to engage with them. Besides, that I also enjoy making appearances at book club readings and book signings. I enjoy hearing feedback from readers and getting their take on the characters.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! I know that may sound overly simplistic, but so many people have great ideas for stories and yet never put pen to paper. Will everyone love your work? No, but you’ll find your niche if you persevere. I have a copy of a letter that was written to Paul Hewson back in 1979 from an executive at RSO Records. They informed him that the demo tape he sent was ‘not suitable’ for their company. I don’t know what the record executive over at RSO is doing these days, but I certainly know what Hewson, you may know him as Bono from the group U2, is doing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Write what you know’……… It makes sense. As an author, you need to write about the things you know and love. I could try and jump on the ‘steampunk’ rage, or perhaps sink my teeth into a ‘vampire’ romance novel, but I know nothing about them and I think the reader would see that very quickly. I do know police work, global terrorism and behind the scenes political intrigue. So when my readers open the book, that is what they are going to get.
What are you reading now?
It’s funny, because I have heard other authors talk about how if you are not writing you should be reading and I wish I had the time. I have a stack of books, ranging from mystery / suspense to WWII historical books, waiting to be read. It seems as if I am always writing and at the end of the day, I want to do something ‘different’ to occupy my time. I guess I shouldn’t complain, as this process does seem to be working for me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I just finished the rough draft of the 2nd Taylor novel and will be going back over it to tweak the story line a bit and add some additional dialog on some secondary character. I also began the 4th Maguire novel which I am very excited about. I have about 10k words into it so far. I have found that changing back and forth between the two different protagonists allows me to clear my mind between books and come back refreshed.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, I guess that would finally allow me time to read…….. This is a really hard question, because it is like asking me to choose my favorite kid. I have a bookcase in front of me with hundreds of books and I’m struggling as to which I would grab first.
Couldn’t I just bring my Kindle ?
If forced, I would have to say: The Bible (God), Dune (Frank Herbert), Without Remorse (Tom Clancy), The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas).
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