Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After a great career in software, I turned my mind to writing. After several false starts, I finally produced a book that I was happy with. That book, Junkie, turned out to be the first book in the Cal Rogan series which now has seven books with the eighth in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest Cal Rogan book is Jailed. It was inspired by a couple of events. I got interested in the Innocence project whose mission is to get wrongly convicted people out of jail. They usually succeed due to DNA evidence showing that the convicted person was not the perpetrator of the crime. I thought it would be a challenge for Cal to exonerate a convicted kid when the DNA evidence against him seemed irrefutable. The other inspiration was from two friends who have seen the insides of Canada’s two most notorious (and shameful) prisons.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do very little planning. I get a general idea of the book and the general direction I want it to go, then I start writing and let the book unfold. There can be some frustrations with this approach but they are balanced by the wonderful surprises that emerge in the writing process.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Harlan Coben and John Steinbeck.
What are you working on now?
The eighth Cal Rogan book and planning the first Ellie Rogan book. Ellie is Cal’s twelve-year-old daughter and the first book will be set in 2040 when she will be 30.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Focus on the craft of writing. Learn the craft, hone the craft, love the craft and never stop learning. Do everything you can to find a mentor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Don Maass. “Make sure there is tension on every page.”
What are you reading now?
A Good Bunch of Men by Danny R. Smith. A great hard-boiled detective novel with great characters and a terrific plot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Apart from Cal and Ellie, I have an intriguing idea for a standalone novel. So many book ideas – so little time.
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?
“The Grapes of Wrath”
“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy
Michael Connolly’s next book
“How to Survive on a Desert Island”
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert French Website
Robert French Amazon Profile
Robert French’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile