Interview with mystery novelist Kathryn Long

Novelist Kathryn Long joins me today to chat about her new mystery, Buried in Sin – A Mackenzie Blue Mystery.

Bio:

Kathryn Long is a retired teacher turned dedicated writer. She loves filling her days reading and writing mysteries. Her credits include romantic suspense, A Deadly Dead Grows and her self-published series, THE LILLY M. MYSTERIES. Buried in Sin is her latest release, published by Black Opal Books in March 2019. She stays active on social media where you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog. She also belongs to Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers. Kathryn lives in northeast Ohio with her husband and pooch Max.

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

I think the book blurb says it best…

Research assistant Sarah Mackenzie enjoys collecting information for her uncle’s local history projects. But when she stumbles upon an open grave in Cornplanter Cemetery, she’s startled to find the body reminds her of someone she knew, someone she believed died ten years ago. Like opening Pandora’s Box, the discovery is full of unpleasant surprises and definitely not the kind this researcher likes to collect. To make matters worse, the local sheriff has learned about Sarah’s strained relationship with the victim, and the clues drop one by one to shift suspicion to her as the favored suspect. As the murders escalate and one becomes three, Sarah confronts her fear and searches for the truth, venturing into the world of Seneca Indian culture. Confronted with mysteries from the past as well as the present, she must find their common link in order to discover the identity of the Grave Maker and stop his killing spree.

What inspired you to write this book?

Buried in Sin draws from both personal experience and my fascination with Native American culture. I grew up visiting the area of northwest Pennsylvania and the Kinzua Reservoir/Allegheny Forest where our family has a cabin. So, the setting inspired me to write a story about it. Since there’s a strong Seneca Indian connection to this area, especially in its history, and along with my interest in such cultures, I felt those characters and the Seneca folklore fit perfectly.

Excerpt from Buried in Sin:

“Ah, yeah. Hold on,” I said, once more moving forward. A fresh grave in a cemetery. This wasn’t anything unusual. Somebody who died would need burying. However, no one had been buried in Cornplanter’s since the first half of the twentieth century.

My pace slowed to a crawl as I sniffed a foul odor. The harsh chatter of crows perched in the tree above startled me, enough that I lost my balance. I gasped, and my arms flailed wildly until I found my feet planted on the ground once more. Counting to ten, I took a deep breath. Another step. One more, and I reached the edge of the hole. “Okay, Mac, you can do this,” I whispered before leaning in to take a peek. With a loud gasp, I stumbled backward. Doubling over at the waist, I coughed and tried to hold down the bitter taste rising up through my stomach and into my throat.

“What in blue blazes is all that noise you’re makin’?”

My legs weakened, and I crumbled to the ground. In another minute, maybe longer, I put the phone back to my ear. “I have to go, Uncle Chaz. There’s a body… in a grave. I need to call the sheriff.”

Chaz laughed. “What did you expect? Land sakes. You’re in a cemetery.”

I shook my head, hard enough to make myself dizzy. My voice came out breathy and weak. “This one’s different. I’ll talk to you when I get home.” I ended the call despite his sputtering protest. My knuckles blanched as I tightened the grip on the phone.

To be certain the long day with its heat and burning sunlight hadn’t played games with my eyes, I walked back to the grave once more. Another quick look told me this was no delusion. A man laid in the grave, a red-stained hole through the middle of his chest. For a brief moment, though it seemed insane, the face appeared strangely familiar. Somebody from my past. But that was impossible, wasn’t it?

As I began to turn away, something else caught my eye. A rather large, flat stone rested at the head of the grave, as if placed there with deliberate intent. Curious, I edged closer to examine the stone with steps distanced enough to keep from slipping into the hole. The smoothly polished surface was marred by crude lettering engraved in its center. I bent to read and puzzled over what I saw. “Sins of the soul,” I whispered aloud.

I forced my trembling hand to hold steady as I pushed buttons on the phone to call the Warren authorities. A tiny whimper escaped my lips as I stole another glimpse at the grave and tombstone. Twirling on my heel, I faced the other way. I took several steps from the grave and my heartbeat evened. As I waited for someone to pick up, my mind tossed around the insane idea of how familiar the face was and the conclusion it pushed me to form.

I fought the urge to look again, but it taunted me, as if I needed convincing to give me some kind of reassurance. Instead, I continued in the other direction and moved toward the front of the cemetery where Jacob Bluehawk rested. There I stopped. Taking one hand, I rubbed it harshly over my face, struggling to erase the image of the body. Reese Logan was dead. He’d died almost ten years ago. He wasn’t the man in the open grave.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I have a contemporary romance coming out early next year, titled When I Choose. Right now, my agent is subbing the cozy mystery I wrote, BOARDING WITH MURDER. The movie, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE inspired me with its old Hollywood charm and the eccentric sisters—though, at least in my story they aren’t poisoning and burying bodies in the basement! Besides that, I have a second book that will follow Buried in Sin, tentatively titled, PLAYED BY MURDER.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Around the age of fifty! Yeah, I’m a late bloomer. At least that’s when I wrote my first novel-length story and got it published. Actually, I think I became serious about writing back in high school when I joined the Writers Club. Of course, I’ve been creating stories and poems since I knew how to put words on the page.

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 a retired teacher, so you’d think I would write full-time. Yet, there are so many things going on in my life that keep me writing part-time. I love spending every chance I get with my family, especially my two grandbabies, and traveling to most any place I can, including to our cabin in Pennsylvania. And I don’t mind admitting, I love binge-watching shows on Netflix, mysteries mostly. As for my “work day”, I enjoy the freedom of retirement and find it difficult to schedule a regular routine for writing. That said, when I do start a project, my energy is like an elephant stampede! I’ll spend several hours a day to reach the end. If my creative flow is on task, I average 3,000 to 5,000 words per day, three to four days a week, and can finish a novel manuscript in three months. That includes the rereading/editing I do each day. During the process, I basically ignore daily needs like eating or sleeping. LOL And my hubby knows better than to disturb me. Seriously though, the writer fairy godmother must like me because it all works out.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if this is interesting or just plain quirky, but I like to tape index cards all over my office, (they must be colorful, like florescent orange is my favorite), one for each chapter with bullet points and a time-stamp so I can refer back to them as I write the story. Believe it or not, that quirk can be a time saver.

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

Ooo, great question! Let’s see, I’d say my first memory of this would be when I was in middle school. I so wanted to be an archeologist. And mind you, this was way before the Indiana Jones movies came out. Then in high school, I changed and wanted to move to Paris and be one of those U.N. interpreters who spoke both English and French. Guess that’s why I majored in French in college. Of course, I never made it to France or spent my days digging up bones for a living, but I can sure write about them if I like!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I think I’ve rambled on long enough, right? Seriously, enjoy reading and, if you’re so inclined, let the author know how you felt about the book by writing a review. Good or bad, we love feedback.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Barnes and Noble

Thanks for being here today!

Interview with writer Susan Rudnick

Writer Susan Rudnick joins me today to chat about her memoir, Edna’s Gift: How My Broken Sister Taught Me To Be Whole.

Bio:

For over forty years, Susan Rudnick, LCSW, has been listening to people tell their stories in her Manhattan practice of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. In Edna’s Gift she tells hers. The seed for her memoir was “Coming Home to Wholeness,” a chapter she contributed to Into the Mountain Stream, a book of personal reflections on psychotherapy and Buddhist Experience. Susan, a Zen practitioner, has published haikus as well as articles about psychotherapy in professional journals. Culled from thousands of submissions, one of her haikus appears in New York City Haiku: From the Readers of The New York Times. Susan, a licensed clinical social worker, has been a practicing psychotherapist in NYC for over 40 years. She and her husband live in Westchester NY, but often love to spend time at their cabin in the Catskills. Being a parent is her greatest joy.

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

This is a memoir about how my mentally challenged sister was my life’s greatest teacher, especially when I discovered my own, more hidden disability. We are all both broken and whole. Meaning can be made of the chaos of trauma, and healing happens when we open to the whole of it.

What inspired you to write this book?

After my sister Edna died, I realized that the impact of her life on me, needed to be articulated and shared. People who are labeled as handicapped often live invisible lives. This book is my way of making Edna visible.

Excerpt from Edna’s Gift (near the beginning of the book):

 “Edna never thought of herself as having something wrong with her. She referred to herself as handicapped, but that was a fact, not a judgment. Oh, she knew there were things she couldn't do. She understood she was “differently abled” about sixty years before the term was invented. Still, my eight year old self couldn't possibly know that Edna’s way of being just who she was, without judging herself, would become a model for me as I grew up and struggled to find my own sense of self-acceptance.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Short creative nonfiction that spins out from my book.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It is only after I finished my book that I have begun considering myself a writer. In truth I see myself more as a psychotherapist who writes. And that feels like a very full identity.

photo credit: Chris Loomis

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

Although in my mid-seventies I still have a private practice of psychotherapy.

I write in between: on the commuter train, on weekends and late night spurts, here and there.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

To get this book out, I frequently invoked the ten minute rule: YOU JUST HAVE TO WRITE FOR TEN MINUTES! If you do more it’s gravy. And usually I do last longer.

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

A ballet dancer, drum majorette, and therapist. The third is what I became.!!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I have a forthcoming piece coming out in the NY Times, with the working title: “The Power of a Name: My Secret Life With MRKH.” You can read more about this syndrome in the book!!

Links:

Website | Facebook

Thanks for being here today!

Interview with writer Madeline Sharples

Novelist Madeline Sharples is chatting with me today about her new historical fiction with immigration and feminist/romance themes, Papa’s Shoes.

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

I grew up in the Chicago area and fell in love with writing in middle and high school. I attended the University of Wisconsin as a journalism major, but transferred to UCLA my senior year attaining a degree in English.

I worked in the aerospace business (TRW and Northrop Grumman) as a technical writer and editor, web content writer, and proposal manager for almost thirty years. I also worked for non-profits as a development director, managing capital campaigns, and writing grant proposals.

I finally fulfilled my dream to work as a creative writer and journalist late in life. After many classes and workshops, my memoir, Leaving the Hall Light On: A Mother’s Memoir of Living with Her Son’s Bipolar Disorder and Surviving His Suicide, was released in 2011 (Dream of Things).

I co-authored Blue-Collar Women: Trailblazing Women Take on Men-Only Jobs (New Horizon Press, 1994), co-edited the poetry anthology, The Great American Poetry Show, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, and wrote the poems for The Emerging Goddess photography book (Paul Blieden, photographer). My poems have also appeared online and in print magazines.

My articles have appeared in the Huffington Post, Naturally Savvy, Aging Bodies, PsychAlive, Story Circle Network’s HerStories and One Woman’s Day blogs, and the Memoir Network blog. I have appeared on panels at writers’ conferences and have spoken about and read my work at book clubs, book stores, libraries, churches, writing groups, and on the radio. I also post about writing on my website Choices and host authors on my website who are marketing their books through the WOW! Women on Writing virtual book tours.

I am proud to add that my memoir Leaving the Hall Light On was on a list compiled by Erin Burba of BookRiot of the 100 Must-Read Biographies and Memoirs of Remarkable Women. This list included memoirs written by Mary Karr, Joan Didion, Cheryl Strayed, Sonia Sotomayor, Madeleine Albright, Maya Angelou, Anais Nin, Malala Yousafzai, Patti Smith, Katharine Graham, Nora Ephron, and many more.

Please tell us about your current release.

Papa’s Shoes, is a work of fiction about immigration with a feminist and historical bent. At 99,968 words, Papa’s Shoes is a stand-alone novel with series potential.

Ira Schuman is determined to move his family out of their Polish shtetl to the hope and opportunities he’s heard about in America. But along the way he faces the death of three of his four sons, a wife who does not have the same aspirations as his, and the birth of a daughter, Ava, conceived to make up for the loss of his boys. Ava grows up to be smart, beautiful, and very independent.

Besides having a feisty relationship with her overly-protective mother, Ava falls for the college man who directs her high school senior class play. With the news that she wants to marry a non-Jewish man, Ira realizes that his plan to assimilate in the new world has backfired. Should the young couple marry, he must decide whether to banish his daughter from his family or welcome them with open arms. Even though he won’t attend their wedding, he makes her a pair a wedding shoes. In his mind, the shoes are simply a gift, not a peace offering.

What inspired you to write this book?

While my husband was writing our family histories some twenty-five years ago, he interviewed some of the elders in our family and collected other writings. I became very intrigued with what my aunt – my father’s sister – wrote when she was well into her eighties. That she wrote a whole page describing her friendship – as she called it – while a senior in high school with a young gentile teacher. He regularly picked her up at her family home and take her to school plays and concerts and then out for tea afterward. She also wrote that her brother (my father) objected so strongly that he got the family to move to Chicago to get her away from this gentile man. That she remembered his name and could describe his looks and the way he dressed after 64 years made me think she must have still carried a torch for him. While in real life she met and married a Mr. Milk Toast, had two children, and lived the rest of her life in Chicago, I decided to let her have her true love in my story.

The lives of my grandparents, father, and aunt also inspired my story. However, my idea took the story in Papa’s Shoes far afield from how they actually lived their lives.

Please click here to have an opportunity to read a sample of Papa’s Shoes.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am working on another memoir about aging. I’m a year away from turning eighty, so I thought I’d write about how it feels and looks, what my life is like at this point, regrets, and what I do to live healthy at my age.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer when I worked on feature stories for my high school newspaper. I also was considered a technical writer and editor at the day job I had in the aerospace industry for over thirty years. Now I consider myself a creative writer and poet, work I turned to very late in life.

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 write every day of the week; However, I work on particular writing projects only during the work week. I always start my day working out, then breakfast, then a shower and getting dressed. Then I go to my home office and stay there for three to four hours. Right now, I’m working on a new memoir. I also write at least one poem a week, one blog post a week, a small two to three-line piece that I post on a Facebook page devoted to “small stones” every day, and a journal entry every day. My goal for my memoir writing is one thousand words a day. My journal entries are usually five hundred words.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t eat or drink or listen to music while I write. And I usually stay in that chair without a break until I’m finished for the day. When my husband wants to talk to me, he stands at the open door of my office and says: “knock, knock.” He doesn’t want to interrupt me but of course he does. If the door is closed, he doesn’t disturb me.

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

I wanted to be a writer as far back as seventh grade. In high school I decided I wanted to be a journalist. However, I grew up at the wrong time. Women were few and far between in the late 1950s and early 1960s in those fields.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I thank you for agreeing to host me and give me these very good interview questions.

Links:

My website/blog | My Facebook page1 | My Facebook page2 | My Facebook timeline | My Twitter page | My Pinterest page | Independent Author Network | LinkedIn | Goodreads | Amazon | You Tube | Google+

Thanks for stopping by today!

Readers, feel free to visit any of Madeline's other tour stops to learn more.

June 4th @ Coffee with Lacey

The lovely Lacey reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples and shares her review with readers at Coffee with Lacey. This is a blog stop and review readers won't want to miss!

https://coffeewithlacey.com/

June 5th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Lisa Haselton interviews well known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples about her latest novel "Papa's Shoes" - the story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America. This insightful interview is one you won't want to miss!

http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

June 6th @ Beverley A. Baird

Beverley A. Baird shares her thoughts after reading the touching story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America - "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples is a book that is sure to please readers!

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 7th @ Linda Neas

Today's guest author at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas is none other than well-known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples. Today, her guest post is titled "How I reinvented myself from a technical writer and editor to a creative writer – and at my 

age." Heart from Madeline and learn more about her latest novel "Papa's Shoes"! 

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

June 12th @ Linda Neas

Last week, readers at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas read a guest post penned by Author Madeline Sharples and today, Linda will share her review of Madeline's latest novel "Papa's Shoes". This is a blog stop you won't want to bypass!

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

June 18th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker

Cathy Stucker interviews Madeline Sharples at Selling Books. Readers will flock to learn more about Sharples and her latest novel "Papa's Shoes".

https://www.sellingbooks.com/

June 26th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro

Fellow author and memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro shares her review of "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples. Don't miss Linda's insight into this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they move to America!

http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/

June 27th @ World of My Imagination

Nicole Pyles reviews the latest best selling novel "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples - readers will delight to hear what Nicole thinks of this crowd pleasing story of one Polish shoemaker and his family!

https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

June 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt / Vicki Brinius

Vicky Brinius reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples. Find out how she feels after reading this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America.

http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

July 2nd @Author Anthony Avina

Fellow author Anthony Avina reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples - this is a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settled in America.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

July 2nd @ Amanda Sanders

Amanda of Amanda Diaries reviews Madeline Sharples latest novel "Papa's Shoes" - read Amanda's review and add this lovely story to your TBR pile today!

https://amandadiaries.com/

July 4th @ Author Anthony Avina 

Readers at Anthony Avina's blog will delight with today's guest post and author interview with Madeline Sharples - learn more about her and her latest work!

https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

July 5th @ Lisa Buske

Lisa Buske shares her review of "Papa's Shoes" - the latest novel by Madeline Sharples and a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America.

https://www.lisambuske.com/

August 12th @ Kathleen Pooler’s Memoir Writer’s Journey

Readers and writers alike will want to stop by Memoir Writer’s Journey to hear from Kathleen Pooler and friend / fellow author Madeline Sharples as they discuss Madeline’s latest book “Papa’s Shoes”.

https://krpooler.com/

Interview with crime novelist Jonathan Dunne

Novelist Jonathan Dunne joins me today and we’re talking about his new crime fiction, The Black Hand.

During his virtual book tour, Jonathan will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!

During the tour, the book is on sale for $0.99.

Bio:

Jonathan Dunne is a native of Dublin's north inner city. The Black Hand is his second novel in the crime genre. The Takeover - his first crime novel went on to wide acclaim and regularly featured in Amazon's bestseller lists.


He is also an avid MMA journalist who has penned articles for some of Ireland's biggest publications. He holds a Degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology and is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and education. After returning to complete his leaving certificate as an adult in Jonathan has went on to have four novels published.

Welcome, Jonathan. Please share a little bit about your current release.
The book is essentially a mystery. In the aftermath of a gang war, a mysterious figure steps into the void and takes over not only, the Irish underworld, but swathes of the criminal landscape in Europe.

There is essentially a chess game in play. My protagonist, Jacob Boylan, is considered Ireland’s most lethal criminal. He is living a quiet life abroad, so begins a persecution of his family in order to lure him from hiding. What occurs is an almighty battle between the Black Hand and Boylan.

Both are formidable in their fields and yet the question lingers, all through the book – who the Black Hand?

What inspired you to write this book?

The theme song to Peaky Blinders – believe it or not! Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand presented the omnipresent and unseen crime lord who pulls the strings while remaining deeply concealed.


Excerpt from The Black Hand:

Alfie Giles was considered one of Ireland’s most talented criminals. His capacity to avoid publicity was a rarity among the criminal fraternity. Alfie was that rare breed who was driven by money, and money alone. He detested loud-mouths and flashy criminals. Most criminals – he surmised – that ended up in the papers, wanted to be in the papers. Alfie was a top-class logistics man and his genius lay in the aftermath of a robbery. He was the man who took over once the job was done.

Three of Ireland’s most high-profile robberies had Alfie’s stamp all over them. Unlike most of his community, Alfie kept abreast of the latest developments in DNA detection and had a voracious appetite for learning when it came to technological advancements in security. At the tender age of forty, he had completed two degrees; one in mechanical engineering and the other in criminology. He completed at least two courses a year in security installation and cyber security.

Throughout his criminal career he had built a network of associates that were paid well and trusted implicitly. Whether it was steel works, scrap yards, or undertakers, Alfie kept them as close as a wallet nestled in his inside pocket.

Alfie was nondescript in every respect; his features were forgettable, as was his height, weight, and dress sense. His car was small, and his home was a three-bedroomed terrace house on the periphery of the north inner city of Dublin.

His criminal contacts were the elite of the criminal underworld. He never dealt with anyone involved in feuding, or who was a movie-star gangster. Quite simply, no criminal’s stock was higher than Alfie Giles. He was trusted, efficient, low-key, and quite simply, a genius in his field.

So, when a new outfit offered him a job – he politely agreed. However, they were stone cold murderers and they were slowly and methodically taking over the criminal landscape. Alfie knew they had butchered a dozen major criminals, so he was on-board almost immediately – at least, that’s what they thought.

Alfie had a contingency plan in place for this type of situation. He had helped many criminals flee, and the ones that followed his rules had never been found. Only once in his career had he broken his own rules, and that was for Jacob Boylan.

Alfie’s own flight required no logistics. It had been planned for years. When that day came, he wanted it to be effortless.

Alfie was ready. His new name was George Armstrong, and he had a bustling restaurant and car dealership in Warsaw, Poland. A plastic surgeon was prepared, but he deemed it unnecessary. His flight was in the guise of a holiday, and Alfie (now George) would travel on forged documentation by boat, train, and car, where he would detour across the vast terrain of Europe. In all, it would take one week. Alfie was diligent when it came to other people’s lives; even more so when it was his own.

In the meantime, he continued to work with the new outfit. His own research had alerted him to their sophistication; however, they were not in Alfie Giles’s league. He worked diligently for his new masters, but just before the job was due to go ahead, Alfie was gone.

His escape had been patient and meticulous. And one week to the day, he finally arrived in his Warsaw apartment.

On arrival, the barrel of a gun was placed to his head as he dropped his bags. Alfie was so stunned that speech deserted him.

‘Mr Giles, you have reneged on our agreement,’ said the voice in the shadows. ‘Your stock has fallen. Follow me, please.’

Alfie couldn’t comprehend the wretched scenario unfolding before his eyes. The street lamps cascaded through the living room, revealing two armed men with weapons ready.

‘Why did you betray us?’ asked the voice.

As Alfie tried to find his voice, he heard the weapon being cocked.

‘I was afraid,’ he replied nervously.

‘Why?’

‘You’ve…killed a lot of people.’

There was a chuckle from the other two men. It chilled Alfie to his marrow.

‘Mr Giles, we only remove people who break agreements. Like you’ve just done. If you had completed the task at hand, you wouldn’t be in this predicament.’

‘I’m sorry. Your organisation is unknown, and the stories…’ replied Alfie. ‘I’m a careful man. You’re too bloodthirsty for me. Can we make this quick?’

‘Make what quick?’ came the reply.

‘You’re here to kill me?’

The three men turned to a shadow sitting in the corner. Through a single ray of light, Alfie could see nothing but a black, gloved hand. The black hand gestured ever so slightly, and the three men turned to Alfie.

‘Finish the job. And you will live,’ came the order.

Alfie crumbled to the floor in relief. His breath came in short rasps and flashes appeared before his eyes. When the panic subsided, he was alone.

When he regained his senses, Alfie Giles was sure of two things: one, he had been outsmarted by a superior enemy; and two, that enemy had a name – The Black Hand.

What exciting story are you working on next?

The Florist is my next project. It’s a heart breaking story of an unwitting pawn. The story is the unravelling of a decent human who simply falls in love with the wrong woman. The ramifications of this are profound as we watch the kindness and humanity slowly fade, only to be replaced by a murderous desire for revenge.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

That’s a hard question – I still don’t believe it at times. Each step is a little victory. A new contract, a good review or a little acknowledgement goes a long way. I write because I love it. That should be enough for anyone.

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?

No. I work in Insurance Regulation. My workday starts at 5am. By 5.30am I’m already on the computer. If ideas are spilling over – I’ll take a notepad on the commute and write for the entire journey. You can make the time any place, anywhere. No excuses. If you’re a writer – you should be writing.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write with my heart rather than my head. You pour your heart onto the page and hope for genuine feeling. The reader has to feel the words. Emotion is transferable. Sorrow is transferable. Suffering is transferable and ultimately so is triumph.

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

I’d no plans. Too busy living life!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I would ask readers to take a chance on aspiring writers. There are truly beautiful novels lying in that bargain basement. Read, review and rant about them. We live and die by word of mouth.

Links:

Facebook | Amazon | Website

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

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