Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Detroit son, born and bred. After college, I did a stretch in the US Air Force as an officer in Space Command. It’s not as cool as it sounds – spent four years, three months, seven weeks, twenty-one hours sitting in a hole in the ground in North Dakota. Since, while there, I started writing my novels. Loosely based on my service time and set in my hometown, the UrbanKnights are a team of detectives tackling crimes no one else will touch. So far I have five novels out THE RANDOM AFFAIR, BLACK BEAR, PALE HORSE, CARIBBEAN KNIGHTS and SINS OF THE FATHER, all available on Amazon.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is call FAVORITE SON. It’s a continuation of SINS OF THE FATHER, a political thriller of hidden secrets revealed. The inspiration can literally from an empty lot. It’s starting to see some life breathed into it, but for decades, a lot lay empty on Detroit’s riverfront. In my story, the city’s fourth casino springs up there. On it’s opening night, the owner, a local football legend is murdered. The UrbanKnights are the only ones who can solve this mystery.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call it unusual, but I gotta have either smooth jazz or techno music in my ear while writing. I mean, techno did come from Detroit, so…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tom Clancy, who modernized the thriller genre. Walter Mosley, Vince Flynn, I got into Mark Greaney’s Gray Man series and of course Ian Fleming.
What are you working on now?
The next chapter of the UrbanKnights – The First Rodeo. This one goes back to the beginning of series’ lead, Jordan Noble’s days in the Defense Intelligence Agency
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m using storyoriginapp.com, goodreads.com and www.prolificworks.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing.
Edit often.
Get people who will be honest to give reviews.
Believe in yourself or no one else will
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Edit and join a writing group
What are you reading now?
Becoming by Michelle Obama
From Colony to Superpower by George C. Herring
Lethal Agent by Kyle Mills
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working an visibility and ‘getting’ out there
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?
Just 3 or 4?
Well, probably the Bible, I think I’ll need the Big Guy on my side now; Lord of Flies, I never seem to have time to re-read it, Colin Powell’s authobiography and the Gone Girl, never got around to reading that.
Author Websites and Profiles
James H. Roby Website
James H. Roby Amazon Profile
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