Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A former publishing executive, I now work the other side of the equation in retirement. I’ve published five books, including three mysteries, a nonfiction book on leadership, and a memoir on Christmas called Santa Takes a Tumble. When not writing, I live a very simple life in the mountains of West Virginia with my wife, Ruth, our two dogs, Shadow and Cinder, and all the critters that West Virginia offers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a comic mystery called A Grave Misunderstanding, the first of what I hope will be a long and successful series of Simon Grave Mysteries. It was actually inspired by an experience I had at a book fair long ago. I was walking through a nightclub, when I realized that all the women in the place were eyeing me with longing eyes. This had never happened to me before because, well, I’m not that handsome. And then it hit me. I was walking through the place accompanied by one of my staff, who was a tall, Hollywood handsome guy. The women weren’t looking at me; they were looking at him. To them, I was nearly invisible. That gave me an idea for a character who was so nondescript that he was nearly invisible to the rest of the world. That character became Sergeant Barry Blunt, the nearly invisible assistant to our hero, Detective Simon Grave.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I think every writer settles in to the formula that works for him or her. For me, the routine is rising at 4:00 am, making coffee, and then setting in to work for however long it takes to create a thousand words. Then, 60-90 days later, I have a book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Reviewers see a resemblance to the writings of Kurt Vonnegut, Janet Evanovich, Rich Leder, Carl Hiaasen, and others.
What are you working on now?
I’m just wrapping up the editing on the second Simon Grave Mystery: Graven Images, or, The Curious Incident of the Cat in the Daytime.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a great question, and I wish I had the answer. While I’m trying to work that out, I post a lot on Facebook and Twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent. In many ways, publishing is a game of rejection, by agents and publishers looking for just the right gem from among thousands of submissions. Keep at it, learn how to write a good query letter, and keep driving toward YES.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A line from a novel by John Barth. “The key to the treasure IS the treasure.” Yes, having a book published is a treasure, but it’s the writing itself that’s the real treasure.
What are you reading now?
Nothing. Perhaps this is my unusual writing habit. When I’m writing, I don’t read. I know this seems odd, but I’ve found that whenever I read something–anything–I take on the writing style of that author, which plays havoc with my own voice. So all my reading takes place between projects.
What’s next for you as a writer?
An agent has expressed interest in a five-book urban fantasy I’m developing. The first manuscript is done, and I’ve outlined the remaining four. This could keep me busy for a while, but I also plan to continue the Simon Grave Mystery series. There’s also a high fantasy struggling to break free in the back of my mind.
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’ve come late in life to the works of Charles Dickens, so I’d grab a few of his books and be content.
Author Websites and Profiles
Len Boswell Amazon Profile
Len Boswell’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account