How did your experience as a Military Police Officer influence your writing, particularly in the mystery and suspense genres?
I was able to see first hand and be involved in the investigation of felony crimes in the military when I worked in the headquarters of CID Criminal Investigations Division and was also an Army battalion commander of an Airborne CID unit at Fort Bragg, NC. The ability to work with the local law enforcement agencies and the FBI was eye opening.
What inspired you to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa, and how has it impacted your writing career?
I wouldn't be the writer I am today without attending the MFA program at the University of Tampa. The professors were phenomenal and encouraged me to write.
Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific routines or habits that help you stay focused?
I don't have an outline. The stories come to me and I can actually see my characters as if they're real. I try to write daily 2-3 hours, which is possible since I'm retired.
How do you develop your characters, especially those in law enforcement or the military, to ensure they are authentic and relatable?
For my Million Dollar series, I was fortunate to have a detective from the Seattle Police Department, which is where the stories take place. He was great in educating me on procedures and making sure I didn't go too far from their procedures. My characters continue to develop as I write.
What challenges did you face transitioning from a military career to becoming a full-time writer, and how did you overcome them?
I didn't really have any challenges. I wrote my first novel, One Million to Die For while I was deployed in Iraq. I lived at the Baghdad airport for one year and every night the airport was rocketed. Writing helped me to keep my sanity. When I decided to write my second novel 20 years later, I was so excited, the words just flowed and it was an easy task.
Which of your mystery suspense novels is your favorite and why?
The third book in this series, which I hope to publish, The Million Dollar Scam is my favorite. It is brutal and comes with life lessons. The second novel in the series which I'm working to get published is the Million Dollar Inheritance, which my Beta readers say is even better than The Million Dollar Club.
How do you balance maintaining suspense and providing enough clues for readers to solve the mystery in your novels?
I try to give little clues along the way that help the reader and keep them interested.
Can you share a particularly memorable experience or case from your Military Police days that has influenced the plot of your novel, “The Million Dollar Club”?
Our unit had coordinated with the local law enforcement to learn where a Special Operations soldier had buried his wife after murdering her with her own running bra. I was there when he showed us where he'd buried her body in the woods. He looked nothing like the stereotypical killer. He was slight in build and very unassuming. It encouraged me to develop characters people might not think of as killers. Like my protagonist.
What themes do you find yourself exploring repeatedly in your novels, and why are they important to you?
The theme I find myself exploring in my book is not allowing my characters to fit in a stereotypical box. I've been told my books aren't Urban enough, ethnic enough. I want my characters to stand out on their own merits, regardless of race.
How do you stay current with the latest trends and techniques in writing and the publishing industry?
I talk to other authors and try to stay up on current trends through different writers organizations. I am also an avid reader of various genres.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to write in the mystery and suspense genres?
Don't be afraid to write what you feel and don't give up on the first no. I've had lots of those as well as encouragement! Just continue to write from the heart.
How do you handle writer's block or periods of low creativity?
I handle writer's block by leaving the story for a couple hours or sometimes days. I take walks and visualize my story and characters while walking. I also have a great sounding board with my daughter who's also an avid reader and gives great advice.
What role does research play in your writing process, especially when dealing with crime and law enforcement details?
I try to stay as realistic as I can. I bounce my questions off of current law enforcement people I know to make sure I don't stray too far from the procedures.
What are your future writing plans? Are there any new genres or projects you're excited to explore?
I have written other mystery suspense manuscripts. I hope to have them published. I plan to move my storyline and characters to Florida, where I currently reside.
When did you first join AllAuthor and did you join as a free or pro-member first? What are your thoughts on this website?
I joined All Author almost one year ago. It's been fine, though I wish there were a few more marketing venues.
