Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing professionally in the world of advertising for more than twenty years. In Our Blood is my first novel, and the first in a series featuring Detective Jake Hawksworth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called In Our Blood: A Jake Hawksworth Thriller. I have always been intrigued by police procedurals and detectives of old, such as Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe. Before plotting out my storyline, I invested in developing my protagonist, Jake Hawksworth.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I typically begin with a loose outline, which then quickly derails as my characters “tell” me what direction to take the story. I always have the beginning and end game worked out, but let everything in between just flow freely.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been greatly influenced by the writing style of Dennis Lehane, and am an avid fan of his books. I tend to write very brief chapters in order to keep the reader turning the pages, a style inspired by James Patterson. And I have always been a fan of the jaw-dropping plot twist, with my favorites being Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow and Primal Fear by William Diehl.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second in the Jake Hawksworth series, entitled Little Red Herrings. Readers can expect lots of twists and turns, and, of course, some murder and mayhem.
I am also writing a stand-alone novel called This Guy Walks Into a Bar… The fast-paced thriller pits an “Average Joe” against the Mafia.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have tried promoting myself on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn; however, in order to reach a broader audience, I have run paid ads on Facebook, Bookbub Partners, and various promotional sites. I have also run free giveaways on Goodreads and Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! Writing can be a lonely sport, and there are times when you may wonder if it’s worth the time, effort, and dedication involved. Trust me, it is. There is no greater feeling than seeing your words in print and hearing strangers tell you how much they love your work. One of my favorite reviews came from a woman in New Zealand! It blew my mind that my book has traveled to the other side of the planet!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Dialogue is key.” This advice came from someone who knows this very well. Since hearing this, I have given extra care when crafting dialogue. I want my reader to become invested in the characters. If they do not come across as real and believable, the reader is not going to invest in them or the story.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett, another of my favorite authors.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I’d love to see In Our Blood optioned up as a feature film, and would be thrilled to be involved in the creation of a screenplay for that. In the meantime, I will keep doing what I do best, writing novels.
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?
Goodnight Moon – I read this story nightly to my daughters when they were young. Having this with me would allow me to feel their presence.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – one of my favorite books as a young boy.
War and Peace – because I’ve never read it; if I were stranded, I’d have plenty of time to get through this tome!
Author Websites and Profiles
William Goyette Amazon Profile
William Goyette’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile