Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an attorney and I have practiced law for 40 years. I am married; I live in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I have four adult children and 8 grandchildren. I am passionate about justice and fairness in the legal system and I have dedicated my career to helping plaintiffs achieve those two things. I have published one novel, Betrayal of Faith, and my second novel is nearing completion.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, Betrayal of Faith, is loosely based upon an actual case I handled in the 1980’s. Two boys were sexually abused by a Catholic Priest. The Church defended the case vigorously, engaged in a cover-up and transfer scheme to protect the priest, and even entered into a confidential settlement with some prior victims to avoid exposure. It felt like there was a vast conspiracy of silence, with some “higher up” pulling the strings on what the official reactions to these events would be and how victims and witnesses would be treated. I have often thought back on the experience and whether there was material for a novel there. One day, I sat down, outlined a plot that featured a fictional clandestine organization (“The Coalition” in the novel) within a fictional non-denominational church and began to write. Like my original case, the victims were two brave teenaged boys and a dedicated mother who dared to sue their own church. The outline also featured a down and out lawyer who uses the case as a springboard to resurrect his troubled career. Together, they would embark on a pursuit for justice, culminating in the ‘trial of the century’. Several months later, I completed the first draft of “Betrayal of Faith”.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. It is difficult to self-evaluate. I try to write about issues that are important to me and that have real meaning in my own life. I prefer dialogue and character interaction to descriptions or settings, if that makes any sense. “Betrayal of Faith” contains a great deal of back and forth character dialogue.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, Daniel Silva, David Baldacci, George R.R. Martin, Pat Conroy. Ken Follet. I have enjoyed the vast majority of their works. I loved Conroy’s Prince of Tides and have read the entire Gabriel Allon series by Silva and entire “Game of Thrones” series by Martin and “Century Trilogy” by Follet.
What are you working on now?
I am completed my second novel which is tentatively entitled “Betrayal of Justice”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I am not sure yet. I am still learning.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a brand new author and I am in dire need of advice. This book writing game has been an expensive and frustrating experience. I am passionate about my books and my topics and I would like to see them find an audience. This is about readership, not fame or fortune. Far be it from me to give advice, however, if I were to do so, I would humbly advise a new author to write about something he/she is passionate about and to write for one’s self. Hopefully, if you are true to yourself, will the follow? I sincerely hope so.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Get an education; go as far as you can in school.” My father hammered me with that advice and was sitting in the front row at my law school graduation. There is not a single accomplishment in my life that wasn’t influenced in some way by my wonderful parents.
What are you reading now?
The most recent books that I have read are “The Nightingale” by Kristen Hannah, “The Whistler”, by John Grisham, the first three “Pike Logan” books by Brad Taylor, and “The Zookeeper’s Wife”, by Diane Ackerman. I am in between books. A friend, who knows that I read and enjoy Daniel Silva, has recommended “Livia Lone” by Barry Eisler. He suggests that, if I enjoy it, I should then read the entire “John Rain” series by Eisler (9 books). Thus, I have my work cut out for me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea. I’ve been thinking that I’d like to try to write a children’s book.
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?
Wow! What a question! As you can see from previous answers, I like a wide variety of books. “Catcher in the Rye” by “J.D. Salinger and “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee. Some Silva and Grisham novels, perhaps I would re-read all of my Follet and RR Martin books since I would have nothing else to do but read. I know, I know, that’s more than 3 to 4, but the question is not fair!
Author Websites and Profiles
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