Interview with detective and film noir writer H.M. Howington

Detective and film noir writer Harold Martin Howington (H.M. Howington) is here today to chat a little bit about his new suspense drama, The Redhead.

Welcome, Harold. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, my name is Harold Martin Howington, but everyone calls me Marty. I was born on March 24, 1944, in Abbs Valley, Virginia. My family moved from there to Ohio, and we stayed there for several years. My first wife was killed in an auto accident in 1969. I served in the US Army from October 1966 to October 1968. From March 1967 to March 1968, I served in Vietnam, where I was decorated for valor, which I won’t go into now. Through the years, I worked as a musician playing guitar and piano in a road band. I’ve done studio recording and played for other artists in these sessions. I drove a big truck and covered all fifty states, Alaska and Hawaii was by Uncle Sam during the Vietnam War. We stopped in Alaska going over and stopped in Hawaii coming home. I have been in all fifty states. I finally wound up in Florida, where I still live with my wife of thirty-four years. I also performed in our local theater as many different characters in several plays. I did sound and lighting for some plays.

Please tell us about your current release.

Charlie McQuillen is an ex-military intelligence officer who served during World War II. After serving his country above and beyond the call of duty, he retired from the US Army and settled down in Los Angeles, California. He got a job as a police investigator and worked at that until he decided he would try working as a private investigator. His first case kind of fell on him out of sheer luck. So this set him on his way.

What inspired you to write this book?

While reading a book about World War II called Other Losses, I found something very interesting and I thought I should write a story with this information, so I did.

Excerpt from The Redhead:

Her red hair draped down over her shoulders just below her grapefruit sized breast.  I couldn't help think that this girl could be dangerous in a lot of ways.  Deep inside something told me not to trust her, but still I wanted to know what was on her mind.  You could get into trouble sometimes.  I was hoping it wouldn't be this time.

What exciting story are you working on next?

My next story is about a guy found dead in an alley and no one seems to know who he is.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When my book won some awards, including the da Vinci Eye at the 2018 Eric Hoffer Book Awards and “Best Drama” in a contest by Pacific Book Review.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I’m retired now so I write as much as I can. I don’t consider myself a full-time writer because of poor vision.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write comedy plays and I find myself laughing at the stuff I write.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a cowboy, and drive big trucks. I wanted to write and play music also.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I would like to thank everyone who buys my book and I would love to meet every one and sign their book.

Thanks for stopping by today, Marty!

Interview with short story writer Bentley Wells

I’m welcoming back Bentley Wells today with a new focus – his short story collection, The Question and Other Stories.

His June 2017 interview about The Paradise Coven is here.

Bio:

Bentley Wells has written a few short stories that have been published in literary magazines and The Paradise Coven, a mystery that was published by Black Opal Books in 2017. The Question and Other Stories is published by Black Opal Books as well.

Welcome back, Bentley. What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

I believe it is the attempt to depict authentic characters in a realistic situation or situations in fewer words than typically found in a novelette or novel. Of course, an author doesn’t necessarily include as many characters or situations in a short story as in a novelette or novel. Still, a short story―like a novelette or novel―should have a logical conclusion.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

The title story, which was published in a literary magazine before it was revised and published in this collection, is a slice of life and depicts a young man in college who has seen the campus queen and wonders what it is like to date someone like her. He expresses as much to his roommates who are playing cards. They tease him about asking her out on a date, which he does, and she accepts. Another story, which is longer, concerns a veteran of Vietnam who encourages a young woman enrolled in college to leave campus to go with him across the country. The young woman doesn’t realize the veteran will do almost anything to get attention until it is too late. Another story concerns a president of a small town bank who enjoys reading ads in a local publication’s personals column. Although he has never responded to any of the ads, he decides to respond to one that has caught his attention. A week or two later the woman responds. He responds. With each letter, the two learn about the other. Eventually, she agrees to meet him by having him come to her home. She has cooked a wonderful dinner. However, as the evening passes, he realizes the woman is not like his late wife. The woman realizes that he is not the man for her.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

My first novel―The Paradise Coven―was a mystery. This book is a collection of short stories. Only two or three of the stories are mysteries, however. Other stories in the collection are examples of romance, humor, etc. I am working on another mystery, but it doesn’t feature the same detectives as the first. So, to make a long story short, I would say that I enjoy writing mysteries or suspense. I suppose I enjoy writing in this genre because I enjoy reading mysteries and suspense by other writers. Mysteries allow authors to pit bad people against good people. Mysteries also allow authors to provide justice to those characters who deserve it. And this justice can be swift or drawn out.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am writing a mystery set in a fictitious town in Oklahoma. After earning a graduate degree in business, Frank Williams returns home in time to attend his father’s funeral. James Williams was a successful businessman and pillar of the community. He was revered by those who knew him, but someone killed him. The authorities have few clues and no suspects. Frank investigates. Eventually, he uncovers evidence that leads to the governor’s office. Unfortunately, the evidence also reveals his father’s unscrupulous activities. If the evidence is presented during the trial, Frank realizes his father’s reputation will be tarnished. Yet, he can’t allow those responsible to remain free―can he?

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer―at least, a professional writer to a certain extent―when I received my first royalty check. This was for a book of nonfiction. (I have written several books of nonfiction over the years. I enjoy researching and writing nonfiction, especially brief biographies and history.)

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

I do most of my research on my computer. For instance, if I’m looking for publishers of mysteries, I will type “publishers of mysteries” or something to this effect. In addition, I will consult Writer’s Market and/or Literary Marketplace.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t believe I have any interesting writing quirks. At least, I can’t think of any.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

That was many years ago. However, I know I wanted to write―or have a career that included some writing―when I was in high school.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I believe readers will enjoy The Question and Other Stories.

Thanks for chatting with me today!

Interview with suspense author Gerard Michael Poulin

Author Gerard Michael Poulin is here today to chat about his new suspense drama, Silver Lake.

Bio:

Gerard Poulin is a professional financial reporting consultant and novelist who grew up in Vermont. He graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, Vermont and Castleton State University in Castleton, Vermont; with a BSBA in Accounting. He is a Navy veteran.

Please tell us about your current release.

This is the story of a young man in love who, upon his father’s death, encounters a string of horrible luck. He loses his good health, job, home and his fiancé. He becomes to destitute that, with the aid of his very best friend, stages his own death so he can pick up the broken pieces of his life with financial freedom. Only someone wants him to die. And someone does die. Unfortunately, I can give away no more without spoiling it.

What inspired you to write this book?

I had a health run-in of my own and while convalescing decided to see if I had what it takes to write a novel.

Excerpt from Silver Lake:

Despite the time of day, the small and narrow basement windows emitted very little natural daylight. But it was enough. Tom groped for a light switch as his eyes adjusted. At the bottom of the steps was a shape. And on that shape was clothing. The body was twisted and mangled, the head lying cockeyed at an impossible angle with the left leg arched over it. There were no signs or sounds of life.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I just finished my second, tentatively titled Sundown Liberty, a Cold War-era drama/suspense.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I finished this novel, Silver Lake.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

There are those days I work as a consultant. I like the gym and golf, when I can find the time and others to play. Like other writers, you make the time to write.

I do not write full time. Maybe that’ll change in the near future. Some of that decision will rest on the relative success of this project.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Staying in one character’s head during a scene. I know what each character is thinking but the dominant scene character has to take in the reins.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

That’s easy, an astronaut, lol.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I just hope anyone who picks it up is entertained.

Links:

Google | Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Thanks for being here today, Gerry!

Interview with mystery author Charles W. Massie

Today’s guest is mystery author Charles W. Massie. We’re chatting about this new true crime thriller novel, The Red Road to Hades. 

Bio:

Charles Massie, the oldest of four children, grew up in upstate New York. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served a total of six years at various ports around the world. Returning to civilian life, he continued his education at Syracuse University and eventually worked for a number of engineering firms before finding his calling in the sales field. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, he decided to go off on his own and has been instrumental in overseeing such companies as Massie Engineering Associates, InfoTech Consulting, LLC, and CaterCats Catering.

The call of creative expression has always been in the background of his life and over the years, he has submitted articles and stories to Twilight Zone Magazine, Readers Digest, Analog Publications and others.

His hobbies, when he is not writing, include progressive rock music, computers and other toys, traveling and enjoying the gifts that he has been blessed with. He loves animals, humor, exotic cars and practicing random acts of kindness.

He lives in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and New York State and maintains his website at: www.starshowpublications.com.

Welcome, Charles. Please tell us about your current release.

Imagine your life is moving in a gulley. You are not getting ahead but you are not falling behind either. You analyze the situation and decide to move to a more southern locality. A new place that offers more opportunity and more excitement. Perhaps even a new romance.

This is the story of a retired gentleman from New York who yearns to improve his life on many levels. He meets a woman on Craig's List who offers all the things he desires. She is a beautiful redhead; a business owner who is smart, funny and resides in a part of the world he has considered for his new habitat. They engage in lively chat, by both email and telephone. She finally invites him to visit her in Kentucky, where she lives and works.

Deciding to take a chance, he agrees to take a trip to meet her face-to-face. Their meeting is absolute magic. They have so many common likes; he is feeling he has met his soul-mate. Their days are filled with love and laughter, as they thoroughly enjoy each others company.

But the real fireworks happen in the bedroom.

Even though neither of them are 'spring chickens', their sexual responses to each other can rival couples half their age. They decide to move-in together and start a new chapter in their lives. Only one problem exists.

The lady is a Black Widow in disguise.

The story now becomes a painful voyage into perdition. Suffering at the hands of a sadistic lover is only the beginning. Physical and emotional abuse from a corrupt judicial system could possibly lead to his death. With few resources, he pushes on against the powers-that-be. In the face of overwhelming odds, the central character fights to save his life, his honor, and his sanity. Through the journey, the reader discovers how one man used every single ounce of his being to survive.

The Red Road to Hades offers a look at domestic abuse from the male point of view and is a 'must read' for anyone considering an Internet-Based relationship.

What inspired you to write this book?

This book was inspired by true life events that happened to me.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Next on the agenda is a series of cookbooks, followed by a collection of short stories I have written over the last decade. For 2017, I am planning a trilogy dealing with reincarnation.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I've been submitting stories for years, but I first considered myself a writer when I published my first novel, Pinned, A Kentucky True Crime.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I try to write at least 2,500 words per day, when I'm involved in a project.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I speak from the heart. I don't try to use a lot of word pictures or floral descriptions that are popular with other authors. After the basic framework of the story is done, I go back and make revisions to enhance the action (or non-action) as the case may be.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I'm still a child at heart. If growing up means growing old; I'll pass.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Readers are the true gold-standard of any writer. Without readers, there is no need for the writer. I'm lucky that what I write seems to be enjoyable to my audience and I am forever thankful for the acceptance they have given me. I have now written books in true-crime, comedy and young adult genre's. I continually change my output in order to keep people interested, since being a one trick pony is boring. My choice of topics runs along what I enjoy in my personal life. I hope to explore spiritualism, religion and horror in future publications.

Links:

Website | Facebook