Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have two books published in my Broken Minds Thriller series. Book three is in process.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rumspringa is the second book in the Broken Minds Thriller series. I lived for a time in an area near an Amish community. They are known as plain people because their homes don’t have electricity and they don’t drive cars. Unlike most of the rest of us, they’re not attached to things. They keep things simple. The idea of having an Amish killer in one of my books rolled around in my mind for a long time. Someone who wouldn’t leap out as a suspect, and wouldn’t show up in any fingerprinting systems. It makes for an ideal “bad guy!”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use both computer and pen and paper. I jot down ideas on paper, including possible plot details, some general story outlining, etc. I write mostly on weekends, outside of a full-time job. As books near completion, I steal time from wherever I can–late hours, early hours, waiting for appointments, etc. I almost always have a journal with me for working on things when I have small pockets of time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
From the Hardy Boys to Stephen King. I love to read. I found The Exorcist to be an amazing book. The same with Silence of the Lambs. I developed an interest in mysteries and thrillers, and later I found Jonathan Kellerman and Stephen White, both of whom are psychologists whose books include psychologist protagonists. Kellerman continues to write. As a psychologist, it was natural for me to include my professional experience in my characters, with psychologist Dr. Bryce Davison in the lead role.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Reparation, book three in the series. Some of the same main characters show up in each book, so they become familiar to readers. Not just Dr. Davison, but people in his world, like his mother, a detective friend, some of his patients, and his basset hound, Max. Book three finds Bryce working with the local police to solve some vicious murders.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is www.leemaguirebooks.com . At some point in January I will be moving from one website host to another, so there’s a chance it might be down for a short time, but it shouldn’t be long. Following me on my Amazon author page would also work as far being contacted when something new comes out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study the craft. Read books, watch videos, attend writing conferences. Continue reading books for enjoyment, too, because the continued exposure to writing styles is helpful. Start writing and keep writing. Find ways to get feedback, such as from a writing group or even through submission to writing contests. Find your voice and let that guide your writing. That is like putting your fingerprint on your work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best way to write is by putting your butt in the chair. It is easy to get distracted by email, web-surfing, tidying up the writing area, and waiting for the muse to plunk down beside you. Put in focused writing time and the muse will engage. Just, perhaps, not at the moment you expected. And if writing is difficult during a particular stretch, do something physical. Go for a walk, exercise, mow the lawn, or vacuum. Let the ideas percolate while you’re away for a short time. Then get back into it.
What are you reading now?
I’ve been reading Sheldon Siegel’s Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez legal thriller series, because I find the characters so engaging.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish book three and start book four in the Broken Minds Thriller series!
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?
I could cheat and grab a Kindle, but that would violate the desert island terms of service, I’m sure! So…something lengthy, like The Stand by Stephen King. The Principles of Psychology, by William James (a two-volume set) for stimulating thought and hopefully generating some ideas that might help me survive. Lastly, something to bring a smile to my face: Celebrating Peanuts: 65 Years, by Charles M. Schulz.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lee Maguire Website
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