Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in New York City during a winter blizzard but was raised under the sunshine of Southern California beaches. As an educator and author, I have been teaching classes in various real estate topics for 30-years. I am a recognized authority on the subject with more than 40-years experience in the real estate industry.
I teach real estate appraisal at various community colleges throughout Southern California. I have published a textbook on the practice of real estate brokerage, California Real Estate Practice (ISBN:0-13-121187-0). I have also authored several e-books: a real estate primer, a hands-on guide for new licensees and veterans needing a jumpstart; a real estate appraisal guide and six books in the Alex Wright Mystery Series. Scammin’ was the first in the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Key to the Ranch’ is the latest in the Alex Wright mystery series. I wanted to write about an historic crime and offer some visual impressions of Southern California in an earlier period.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe in writing a basic outline of the story and a list of characters. As the story develops, the outline grows as does the list of characters. Eventually the story and the characters take over. They write the conclusion to the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stewart Woods character Stone Barrington probably is my greatest influence although I have read most of the better known mystery authors.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a story that occurs prior to the beginning of the Alex Wright series. It involves the death of his parents. It is called ‘They Died So Young’.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to involve as much of the social media as I can. As a self-published author, I have no contact with the news media so any exposure I can create seems beneficial.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. We need to practice our craft constantly to improve our skills. Unfortunately we need to also spend time promoting our books if we want to develop a readership. Never the less, find a place and time to write on a regular basis.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about something you know. I’m a story teller not a great wordsmith. So I try to tell a story in a way that will interest a reader.
What are you reading now?
I’m something of a history buff. My current read is ‘Ring of Steel’ by Alexander Watson. It gives an account of WW1 from the Austro-Hungarian point of view.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be working on the 8th story in the Alex Wright series. There are elements in the new release, ‘They Died So Young’ that hint at the next story.
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?
I’m a day dreamer, given so much time I imagine a useful book like Robinson Crusoe would be helpful plus photo books of cars, museums, and Paris.
Author Websites and Profiles
William Mansfield Amazon Profile
William Mansfield’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account