Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written over thirty novels, most of them crime fiction. Of those, roughly half have been collaborations with other authors (true, 50/50 projects).
I was a linguist in military intelligence for five years. After that, I spent a twenty year career as a police officer in the Pacific Northwest, retiring as a captain. During that time, I worked in patrol, investigations, K-9, SWAT, volunteer services, and command staff.
Although I have several stand alone titles, the bulk of my work falls under one series or another.
River City: My flagship series of police procedurals, featuring an ensemble cast of officers and detectives.
Stefan Kopriva Mysteries: an ex-cop turned amateur PI.
SpoCompton: views from the “other” side – that is, the criminal element
Charlie-316: A procedural thriller series of 4 books that begins with a controversial officer-involved shooting.
Cam & Bricks Jobs: A trilogy featuring a pair of hit men (one is a woman) that is both action and, at times, dark comedy.
The Ania series: A trilogy (plus a prequel) with a femme-fatale as the through-thread, though the stories are told from the point of view of her victims.
Jack McCrae mysteries: A retired detective doing amateur investigations as favors.
Sandy Banks thrillers: Former soldier-turned-cop-turned vigilante.
In addition to my writing, I love hockey and am a tortured guitarist.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
CODE FOUR, the final book in the Charlie-316 series.
This entire series was inspired by the eroding relationships between police and the communities they serve, and how my co-author and I both felt that the issues surrounding this trend were far more complicated and gray than most people are willing to admit, much less tackle.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in spurts, rather than in a disciplined, every day manner. I can EDIT that way, but the creative stage is different.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Early on, it was science fiction and fantasy authors such as Tolkien, Philip K. Dick, Piers Anthony, and the like. As I got into crime fiction while I was still working as a police officer, the obvious influence was Joseph Wambaugh. Also W.E.B. Griffin’s Badge of Honor series. After that, Lawrence Block, Donald Westlake, Dennis Lehane, and, of course, Stephen King.
What are you working on now?
A yet-untitled novella set in my SpoCompton universe, featuring a small female burglar as the protagonist.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best method is a concerted and coordinated effort of advertising sale prices, coupled with having a genuine ‘net presence. I believe readers fall in love with characters, and they come to trust authors. You can’t accomplish either unless you’re entirely genuine.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Believe in yourself
2. Read, read, read
3. Write, write, write
4. Revise, revise, revise
5. See rules 1-4
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To find another writer (or a few) to support and be supported by, because “sometimes another writer will understand what the rest of the world will not.” (Gary Provost, Make Every Word Count).
What are you reading now?
Jim Butcher’s First Law series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Soon, I’ll be tackling a difficult police novel, but one I think needs to be written.
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?
“How to Get Off a Desert Island,” obviously.
Stephen King’s “On Writing,” to make use of any down time.
A Song of Ice and Fire, to read for escape once I realize the first book I listed was written by a hack.
Author Websites and Profiles
Frank Zafiro Website
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