Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former member of the US Army’s Signal Corps, a twenty-five year employee of a large American technology company, and an avid traveler who has visited five continents. “The Blackwell Files” mystery/thriller novels draw from my firsthand knowledge of military service, the tech industry, and the diverse cultures of our world.
I currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with my wife, daughter, and two dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, “Nefarious,” is a fast-paced foray charting the investigation of an ex-Army captain and an intelligent, beautiful FBI agent into a covert project. It includes plenty of twists & turns and is set against a backdrop of the pursuit of impossible love.
My inspiration for writing “Nefarious” lay in the idea of using today’s headlines to tell a story that hadn’t yet been told. The plot elements are ripped from current international events, yet the timeless emotional responses of the characters keep the story grounded.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I enjoy writing while I’m at the beach. There’s a traquility there which facilities the flow of imagination and ideas. I don’t have to be down at the ocean; just being in the beach town is sufficient!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the traditional mystery authors/characters (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercole Poirot and Miss Marple) and contemporary thrillers, especially those with a scientic bent (James Patterson, James Rollins, Michael Crichton).
I also love Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, who were masters in creating finely-developed characters, ones to whom the reader feels a great attachment or antipathy.
In my books, I stive to combine the action you’d expect from a thriller with characters a reader can easily learn to love or hate. As a consequence, while my books speed along at a fast pace, they contain a little more relational/romantic aspects than the average mystery thriller.
What are you working on now?
“Nefarious” is the first volume of a series entitled “The Blackwell Files.” I’m currently working on the next two volumes in this series: “Ruthless” and “T Wave.” They are nearly complete, and “Ruthless” should be available within the next four months.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe using an honest approach and personally reaching out are the best ways to get the word out on one’s books. The vehicle for this may vary (email, live conversation, etc.), but whatever approach you use, keep it personal as much as possible.
A corollary idea is the concept of engaging readers as much as possible: ask for feedback, request that they tell their family/friends who enjoy your genre about your work. These people may be happy to help but simply may not think of taking these actions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Engage trusted advisors who will provide good, honest, constructive feedback on your work. This may occur via a writing critique group, family/friends, or professional colleagues. The key is that you need to create an environment in which your advisors feel comfortable giving you their honest opinions. The quality of my writing has been immeasurably improved through actively soliciting this feedback and then being mindful to make the changes with which I agreed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have heard is to seek out other writers to exchange ideas. Participate in meetings with other writers and exchange feedback on one another’s work. (I heeded this advice.)
What are you reading now?
“The Doomsday Key” by James Rollins.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I love writing about my protagonists in “The Blackwell Files,” and I have story outlines already drawn up for the fourth and fifth books in the series. But first I need to finish volumes two and three!
What is your favorite book of all time?
Absolutely “David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens. It was the “Forrest Gump” of its day: comedy, drama, tragedy, villainy, love gained, and love lost.
Author Websites and Profiles
Steven Freeman Website
Steven Freeman Amazon Profile
Nefarious on Awesomegang
Steven Freeman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile