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FREQUENT QUESTIONS TO THE AUTHOR
- Your bio says you've been a cop for over 40 years. What made you decide to write novels?
Simple. My wife has been after me for years to write about the crazy stories she's heard; all true, I might add. But that's not the main reason. A couple of years ago as Christmas approached, we tried to think of something different to give our three beautiful grandchildren besides more video games. Then it hit me. Why not write them a Christmas story in which they were the stars. Santa's Super Rescue: How Beezle T. Claus Tried To Steal Christmas, was the result. From there, it was but a short leap to Body Toll and the sequel, The Six O'clock Rule.
- Are your characters based on real people?
Yes and no. That was a definitive response, was it not? Actually, I tried really hard to avoid creating characters based upon members of my current police department. However, I did combine personality traits and physical characteristics of certain people in my previous departments. Gordy Cooper and Roy Connor are two examples, but, before anyone asks, I choose to take the Fifth on the identities of their real-life models!
- Is your second book a continuation of the events in Body Toll?
I call it a sequel, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel without having read Body Toll first. The events take place approximately three years after Body Toll ends. I did that to allow the introduction of another character who, had the timeline been less than three years, would not have been in a position to interact with others. Cryptic enough?
- Why did you choose The Six O'clock Rule, as the title of the second book?
The book deals with ethical dilemmas and how cops react to them, so it was a natural extension of that theme.
- Was the serial killer in Body Toll based on a real person?
No. I've studied a few of these bizarre criminals (Ted Bundy and Danny Rowling in particular), but the serial killer in Body Toll is totally my invention.
- You've said you're still a police officer, so when do you find time to write books?
Good question. I sometimes wish for a few more hours in the day just to keep up! Seriously, though, I write in the evenings after work and on the weekends, juggling time between church, family, bike rides, chores, etc., etc. But I'm not complaining. My life is full of blessings!
- Do you think up the whole story and do an outline before you start writing it?
I know that's the way it is supposed to be done, and I do begin with a general plot in mind. However, I've found the characters ultimately take over the plot and drag me in directions I never imagined when I started. I try to explain it by using the analogy of a road trip. I plan to leave Jacksonville Beach and travel across country on Interstate 10 to Los Angeles, California, with stops along the way in several scenic locations. The trip begins as planned, but, usually somewhere around Texas, I exit the interstate and begin traveling back roads. Eventually, I make it to California, but it might be San Francisco or San Diego instead of L.A. I end up just going along for the ride!
- Which authors do you like to read?
I guess my favorite author is Stephen King. And even though his novels no longer cause me to shiver and want to look over my shoulder at what might be gaining on me, he is still a masterful storyteller. I'm also a solid J. K. Rowling fan. I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "This guy likes horror and children's fantasy?" Well, yes. The chronicles of Harry Potter are one of the best I have ever read. Then, in no particular order, there is Dean Koontz, Elmore Leonard, David Baldacci, John Grisham, Michael Crichton, Joseph Wambaugh . . . I could go on for several pages. What can I say? I love to read.
- What has been the hardest thing for you since you started writing novels?
In a word - MARKETING! Writing is the fun part. My wife read somewhere that book publishing is 5% creative and 95% marketing, and that is so true. But, when you're a small time author struggling to find a way to reach the big time, marketing is what you do. Heck, I've heard recently that, in this economy, even many successful authors have to spend large blocks of time marketing their work. Whatever it takes . . .
- I really hated the cop Roy Connor and Chief Gordy Cooper in Body Toll. Are you bringing them back in the second book?
I really hated them, too! But that's not an answer, is it? Without revealing too much plot information, I'll just say that Roy Connor is back, bigger and badder than ever. As for Gordy Cooper, I heard he got into a little disagreement with some biker dude down in Daytona and got his jaw wired shut for his trouble. Oh, well.
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Santa's Super Rescue
