Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired N.C Police Sergeant with over 30 Years public service with over 10 Years a Detective then Supervisor in the Youth services and Sexual assault unit. Also serving as a Uniformed Supervisor in the Departments School Resource Officers Unit. I have worked directly with young people in Asheville as well as adults and educators in my job.
I was recognized in the Congressional Record for working with the Navy’s Youth Sea Cadet Program in Asheville. This year I was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor of NC and was given a Commission as a Kentucky Colonial by the Governor of Kentucky for my work in the community. Most recently working as a Patrol supervisor in Asheville’s West District before retiring.
As a NC State Certified Instructor, I still teach juvenile law in the Police Academy, and Juvenile subcultures and issues, through the local Community college.
I have worked as a Field Training Officer in Patrol and the Investigative Division of the Police Department, served as a member of the departments Hostage Negation Team and a Critical Incident Response team member. I have been given the opportunity to testify in other jurisdictions and states on the information obtained and observed in my work.
Robin my wife, also a retired Officer, have contributed photos and images that have been included and published in Henry Lee’s Crime Scene Handbook, a Forensics Text Book, by Dr. Henry Lee and Dr. Marilyn Miller.
Published articles and photographs in the Brotherhood of Martial Artist Magazine, The Urban News and the News Record, News Papers. Previous writings include, Juvenile Subcultures and Issues, and There’s Plenty of Good Air and Sunshine. The latter a compiled narrative on my Grandmother and others in the Asheville NC Community during the Great Depression. Originally documented by Lynn Stevens a WPA writer.
Currently working on a collection of short stories tied together by North Carolina folk lore, and a nonfiction history book, Shades of Blue, History, speculation, questions and lies in a mountain Police Department, and a follow up to the book Cop and Coin.
Living near Asheville NC. We reside on a hilltop, my wonderful wife Robin, a slightly insane cat, Bambi the Dachshund and my biggest fan and critic Liberty the Boston Terrier.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Cop and Coin a Novel, Sometimes you have no choice but to believe.
In my work as a Police Officer and Detective I have had the opportunity to see and hear some strange things. The job also allowed me to meet some very interesting people. I love history and its study. I thought it would be interesting to but it all together into some stories others might enjoy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I like ;to do my writing mostly in the morning and late evening. I have a cat who lives in one of the draws in my writing desk. He like to hear story ideas but is not very good at editing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John D McDonald. Harry Harrison and Joshua P Warren
What are you working on now?
“Cop and Call”. Another paranormal mystery this one from a different point of view that I hope the reader enjoys. A nonfiction history book, “Shades of Blue, History, speculation, questions and lies in a mountain Police Department”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like the Idea of Awesomegang.com and the help it is giving me. Facebook of course.
I have also been seeking out no traditional marketing locations. Restaurants and small stores usually near the register. If you can interest the person behind the counter and they like the story, people see the book and ask.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. take criticism well, trust a professional editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Talk to the people who have already done it.
What are you reading now?
Use the Force by Joshua P. Warren
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue on new ideas and collecting stories to share.
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?
Something by John D. McDonald
The French Broad by Wilma Dykeman
Ben Franklins Autobiography
War and Peace.
Author Websites and Profiles
R. Scott Lunsford Website
R. Scott Lunsford’s Social Media Links
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