Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing as a hobby since at least 9 or 10 years old. Back then, I used to write what I called “paper books”: That is, I’d write and illustrate usually a backyard adventure story using magic markers on ruled paper; then, staple the pages together; and voila…a book was published! I must have penned 50 or 60 from grade school into junior high, with alas maybe 10 preserved. I was a high school and college newspaper editor and columnist, winning various local, state, and national student journalist awards. I finally returned to fiction writing in 2010, and since then have written 3 novels: All multicultural mysteries with action, adventure, and even a little romance added.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The basic plot of “The Diamond Head Deception” came about from a simple question: If diamonds are partly born of volcanoes, then why doesn’t Hawaii (a famously volcanic region) have any? Answering that question led to lots of geological research into diamonds and volcanoes and even into geopolitics.
Formulating a mystery from that research led to choosing a character type that’s sort of been forgotten in 21st century fiction: The insurance investigator. In the past, particularly the 40’s, 60’s, 50’s, and 70’s, insurance investigators were chic alternatives to private eyes and spies. Barton Keys in James M. Cain’s “Double Indemnity”; Faye Dunaway’s Vicki Anderson in the big screen classic “The Thomas Crown Affair” (and later, Rene Russo in the remake); and TV star George Peppard’s Boston blueblood Banacek inspired my choice of an independent insurance sleuth named Luna Nightcrow as the heroine.
Making Luna a Cherokee female was brought about by there being few roles in fiction for Native Americans that don’t involve being relegated to a “western” or overly spiritual context. Luna, for whom “The Diamond Head Deception” is the second book in a continuing mystery series, is cosmopolitan and thoroughly modern, with an almost 007 air (given her jetting from state to state, dressing to the nines, and employing a real-life smartphone stun gun as protection). Luna often ends up saving not only the insured, but civilization, as her cases rarely involve what they appear to be.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Other than when I get started on a book, it’s hard to stop. I mean, having been a jock, I get into what’s called “the zone”: You’re concentrating, focusing on hitting a home run or making the right play that you see nothing but the ball being thrown or flying your way. The research leads me to so many ideas that sometimes, I’ve written all night or all day into night!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Raymond Chandler’s gift for characterization and imagery with his iconic Phillip Marlowe books is probably foremost. Peter O’Donnell’s “Modesty Blaise” (essentially the feminine answer to James Bond) is another. And sadly forgotten Illinois newspaper writer Bill Granger’s Americanized super spy series “The November Man” (which was loosely adapted to a Pierce Brosnan standalone film).
What are you working on now?
I have another Luna Nightcrow mystery-adventure set in Alaska called “The Burning Desire Dupe” that involves what seems to be an open-and-shut arson investigation. Then, I veer off course with a sci-fi novel –my first return that genre since high school — called “Moonbuggy” that involves “helium-3”: An isotope that is in abundant quantity on the Moon and could be Earth’s new energy source. I’m hoping to publish both next decade (2020).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably Amazon.com, inkwaterpress.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have fun with writing. Don’t try too hard to write “what’s popular” or “fan fiction.” Also, be prepared for rejection and the possibility that fiction writing, for most, will be a hobby, not a five or six-figure safety net. So ALWAYS have a day job (lol)!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Perhaps from Polonius in “Hamlet”: “To thine own self be true.”
What are you reading now?
Not a lot of fiction, but instead current events and future trends. That’s where most of my plots come from. Again, “The Diamond Head Deception” came from wondering why diamonds “grow” in certain regions as opposed to others, what their present and future value is, etc.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hmmm. Learning how to better market what I write. I’ve never had a problem coming up with stories or characters, but publicizing them tends to be more challenging.
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?
1. The Holy Bible, particularly Genesis (if limited to 1 book from it) because of that nifty story about how to build and float a boat (lol).
2. A copy of The U.S. Constitution: Perfect for starting what might be a new island nation.
3. One of my own … probably “The Diamond Head Deception” (as it takes place in Hawaii and features a brainy and beautiful heroine who’d ensure I wouldn’t suffer a solitary fate).
Author Websites and Profiles
James Blakley Amazon Profile
James Blakley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile