Great Books—Thriller Books—Mystery Stories

What's the story behind your latest book?

 

My latest book is called "Deep Pockets." It was released in November, 2017 in a print edition, and pre-released as an e-book for December, 2017 publication. It is book four of The Harry Grouch Mystery Series. As with the first book, "The Witch of Maple Park," published in 2013, and the second in the series, "Nanobe," published in 2014, and the third, "Stradella's Revenge," published in 2016, Deep Ptells the further entertaining adventures of the cantankerous private eye, Harry Grouch, and his new bride, Judy Pacas. Each book in the series is independent of the others, but each story develops the character and skills of Harry Grouch and Judy Pacas in a way sure to please their growing list of fans. 

  

What are you working on next?

 

I was going to write a series of short stories in various popular genres, including mystery, sci-fi, historical fiction, medical and hospital tales, etc.

Oh, and by the way, my first novel, "Thirsty Planet," was recently translated into Chinese and published in that country. My work with the Chinese publisher's translators was an enjoyable and educational experience.

  

When did you first start writing?

 

My undergraduate degree is in English Literature. I discovered and admired the great British poets like Keats, Coleridge, Shelley, Burns, Blake, Donne, Wordsworth and, of course, Shakespeare. I began writing poetry then, in my twenties in a (futile) attempt to produce poetry of similar quality. I did get some of it published and even won some awards. In recent years I've focused more on fiction and enjoy creating the colorful characters for my novels and stories. My graduate education in Public Health at Columbia University, and my years in hospital management, have influenced at least one of my novels, several of my short stories, and some unique, medically oriented poetry.

  

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

 

My greatest joy comes from the pleasure reported by my readers in reading my work. Not everyone loves it, of course. That would be too much to ask. But the majority of my readers have become my wonderful fans. If my work manages to entertain and stimulate some modern readers, I am satisfied that my efforts in producing these works were worthwhile. I also love creating the characters in my stories. I look forward to sitting down at my computer each morning and wondering what unpredictable things these virtual human beings will do that day. They have their own personalities and generally lead me where they want to go rather than letting me control their goals and actions.

  

Do you have a favorite literary quote?

 

Yes. The following quote pretty much summarizes the creative challenge of the writing process:

 

“I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again.” – Oscar Wilde

  

 

How do you get your ideas for your novels?

 

I look for interesting real events in history, the news, or current issues and develop fictional stories based on the actual events.