Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Chris Swinney (C. L. Swinney), @clswinney, is currently assigned to a Department of Justice Task Force that investigates a myriad of cases ranging from street level drug dealers and Bank Robbers to homicides and complex Mexican Cartel cases. When criminals run, Chris is called to find them. He puts his unbelievable experiences and everyday life as a Detective into his writing.
Chris officially began his writing career when his feature article was published in Fly Fisherman Magazine. After this, his work continued to appear in PointsBeyond.com, Alaskan Peninsula Newspaper, California Game & Fish, and again in Fly Fisherman Magazine again. He’s now a contributor to PoliceOne.com, the nation’s premier law enforcement online magazine.
Chris came up with the concept for his Bill Dix series while fly fishing in Andros, Bahamas. As he landed on the island, he noticed several downed planes, which piqued his interest. While on the island, he was fortunate enough to speak with and interview several islanders and law enforcement members. His first novel, Gray Ghost, was born from these interviews and was infused with Chris’s experiences as a Detective. His debut novel made best seller’s list on Amazon in paperback and kindle for Crime Fiction and Mystery.
The second novel in the Bill Dix series, Collectors, should come out mid-2014. The project hits close to home for Chris as he’s going to donate the proceeds to his mentor’s family. Koti Fakava taught Chris most of what he knows and passed away far too soon leaving behind his lovely wife and five wonderful children. Chris was able to work Koti in as a character in his upcoming novel and is proud to have served with him.
Chris is a big time supporter of Teachers, Parents, Law Enforcement, Doctors, Nurses, Firemen, American Troops, Juvenile Diabetes Research, and children. He spends time volunteering for his church, at schools, he coaches, and every once in awhile he gets to go fly fishing.
***Chris created a social media group on Goodreads that seems to be helping a lot of people with promoting their work through social media. “Social Media 101″ is the name of the group.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gray Ghost.
Gray Ghost was an arduous journey. It started almost fifteen years ago when I was working at a fly fishing store in the San Francisco Bay Area. I sold enough trips to a resort lodge in Andros, Bahamas, and was allowed to accompany the fishermen to the exotic island.
While flying into the tiny airstrip I noticed a few downed planes and my interest was piqued. I began talking to locals about the planes and quickly learned most (okay, all) were related to narcotic smuggling. I talked to locals, the police, the lodge owner, fishing guides, and anyone I could to learn about the drug trafficking. The stories were compelling to say the least, but I did not put pen to paper at that time.
Fast forward eight years later. I was pushing a patrol car trying to make narcotic arrests so I could get promoted to the narcotic task force. It worked, and I instantly got hooked into the seedy underworld of narcotics. My memories from the trip years prior to the Bahamas, and my experiences working in narcotics in an undercover capacity were used to write the first draft of Gray Ghost.
Based on my crazy work schedule, I was only able to write during the wee hours of the morning so it took about three years to get it done. I also interviewed members of the Coast Guard, Miami-Dade PD, California Department of Motor Vehicles, and other key folks that were blended into my story.
Gray Ghost was edited and re-written three more times before seeing print. It was a very challenging time for me, but, I was determined to make my dream come true. I’ve learned a ton about the business, and I strive to write better each day. The title means several things, but I’ll let you read the book to figure out what they are.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yup! I work surveillance for long hours and tend to dictate to my cell phone recorder ideas, scenes, and other pieces of my current novel, Collectors. I also write in the wee hours of the morning when the kids are asleep!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tony Hillerman, all of his novels.
Clancy, Patterson, Hoag, Grafton, Brantingham.
Elmore Leonard, Killshot
Harry Potter series
Hemingway
What are you working on now?
My current novel is Collectors. It includes a character named Koti Fakava. Koti was my mentor and dies unexpectedly. He left behind his wife and five kids. I’m donating the proceeds from Collectors to Koti’s family!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, although Twitter is a close second. I’m a huge fan of social media, but I seem to get more band for my buck by personal interaction.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
NEVER GIVE UP! I really think if you stick to what you love to write, a contract or gig will come your way. And, probably most importantly, YOU MUST WRITE WELL.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not change who you are to get published.
What are you reading now?
Secrets To Die For, LJ Sellers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hit the BIG TIME! Movies, yachts, supermodels…although my wife would not be too happy about that!
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?
Killshot
Pride and Prejudice
Moby Dick
Grapes of Wrath
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Swinney Website
Chris Swinney Amazon Profile
Chris Swinney’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account