Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began my working career back in 1980 behind the counter of an auto parts store. Fast forward 30 years, I finished my business career as a division head for a local company. Somewhere in between I got the urge to create, to write stories. My first tried were terrible, but then, as I kept at it, my style began to form. Finally, 20 years ago, I took a vacation out west and dictated everything I saw, smelled, felt into a Panasonic tape recorder. Two weeks later, I was home and transcribing the tapes. Then I began forming characters, their back stories, and writing the synopsis to my first novel, Path of the Dead.
That opening chapter changed so many times before I finally found my “voice” as they say. It took 18 years to complete it because life took over. I got married, suddenly had a daughter, and certain things took precedence. Then, at the end of 2016, I retired snd focused completely on getting an agent and a publisher. By March of 2017, I had both of those.
My debut novel was published, and my 2nd book in the Arthur Nakai mysteries was released this past August.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, Death Waits in the Dark. It was inspired by the amount of drilling and fracking going on on Navajo land. The subplot was inspired by my high school friends that joined Military service after high school. I want to raise awareness of fracking and how our heroes who return hone face issuers those of us who haven’t been there can fathom.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tent to write best in the early morning. But I have been up past midnight on occasion when the muse takes control and I can’t seem to stop.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me the most are Mickey Spillane, Robert B. Parker, John D. MacDonald, Tony Hillerman and Ernest Hemingway.
I read Parker’s book first, then Spillane’s and a few on Tony Hillerman’s and Hemingway’s. I have extensive first edition collections of all of them.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am going through the editing process on my third novel of the series, When Silence Screams. Again I wanted to write about what is effecting the Native population in both the USA and Canada, which is the terror that is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. What struck me the most was that in 2016 alone, 5,712 girls and women went missing. I had to write a compelling story that rose awareness without preaching.
I am also collecting research and writing book four, GLASS. About the crustal meth scourge on the Navajo Rez.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website, markedwardlangley.com and Amazon, BookBub, All the social media pages, and forums like Awesome Gang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Perseverance. The willingness to never let anyone tell you you can’t be a writer. I had my share of people who scoffed, but that just made me work harder. Also, set up your website—I used Godaddy, but there are others. Join whatever writer’s associations you can and take advantage of their programs; join online book clubs and read all you can of writers you enjoy. Their works are the best teachers. Then, when you’ve finished your first book, edit it. Then edit it done more. Try not to use the word “that” a lot. It gets in the way. Then find an agent and get them to submit it. If all fails, self-publish! It’s not detrimental any more. In fact, publishers are looking for writers who already had a string fan base!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Life is what happens while you’re busy making plans.” That and don’t take rejections personally; they don’t know you. Set them aside and move on to the next. Do not defeat yourself in your own mind. It is your goal, not someone else’s, and they don’t know what it’s like dream big.
What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading Anne Hillerman’s Spider Woman’s Daughter, her first novel picking up where her father left off. I also read my friend Craig Johnson’s work, but so far I’ve read only his first two books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned above, I’m working on my fourth novel in the Arthur Nakai mystery series, GLASS. In fact, I’ve already written the first chapter. I still have to flesh out characters, subplots, and side stories.
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?
Any book from Tony Hillerman, Craig Johnson and Robert B. Parker I haven’t read yet.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Edward Langley Website
Mark Edward Langley Amazon Profile
Mark Edward Langley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile