Joseph Lewis's Blog, page 10

Fan Mail – A Deal For You!

My publisher, Black Rose Writing, and I are doing a Goodreads Giveaway that begins tonight at Midnight, 12:00 AM PST, and ends at 11:59 PM PST on Wednesday, May 24.

We are giving away 5 copies to Goodreads members in the U.S. Winners will be randomly selected to receive a free, signed copy of Fan Mail, my latest book. If you are interested, follow the directions below.

https://www.goodreads.com/

Fan Mailby Joseph Lewis

Released March 30 2023

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Here is a recent terrific 5 STAR Review of Fan Mail that might interest you from Jill Rey and Author Spot:

“Immediately, I was drawn into this read. “Fan Mail” had such a strong opening. The juxtaposition Lewis played with between “The Lord of the Flies” discussion occurring within, and Brian’s real life was exemplar, and the perfect kick-off to this book. It immediately showcased the author’s talented writing while drawing the reader in with a classic discussion surrounding a classic novel. This also served to set the stage and scene as it firmly rooted us in the high school setting, because who has made it out of high school without being assigned a “Lord of the Flies” reading?

“Fan Mail” at its heart is a coming-of-age novel, housed amongst a scary development of escalating mail scare tactics. Two of Brian’s brothers are in a popular band, receiving increasingly threatening mail asking them to quit and stand down for other talent to shine. This amid their own family scare as their dad suffers a heart episode. As the reader circles the case with both the detectives’ point of view and the brothers’ view, we are led through a tangled maze of family drama, high school life, and teenage angst.

Author Joseph Lewis recently did a podcast episode with The Author’s Spot. In this interview he discussed how he pulls from his own experiences, cautionary tales, and work to pen thrilling stories that are both relatable and crime driven. Through his work as a counselor, teacher, coach and even administrator over the years he has many stories, experiences, and content in which to draw from. But one thing he is clear about, a theme that is evident throughout every page of this book, the importance of family and those you love. Lewis is able to pull from real life to spread the significance of letting those around you know they are loved through the actions and sequence of events that take place throughout “Fan Mail.” With a leading family that is comprised of seven brothers, all living under one roof, with various genetic makeup and origin stories, the love they have for each other is real.

Lewis takes after authors such as C.J. Box, James Patterson, and David Baldacci, as he immerses readers in his characters by having them in reoccurring roles and appearing throughout each of his books. This Includes the detectives as well as the families present within, like that of Jeff and his son Danny, and Jeremy and his seven sons. This strategy lends well to the page as it was easy to feel an attachment to the characters after reading just one of his books. In fact, while “Fan Mail” primarily focused on Brian, I cannot wait to go back and see the roles Brian may have played in Lewis’ other eight books as he is such an enjoyable character that stoked tears, cheers, and empathy throughout this read.

As a reader, this leading family was easy to immediately connect to. While the characters have definitely forged relationships previously and been through many trials and celebrations together, this still felt like an excellent jumping off point to Lewis’ writing. Brian was the perfect character to ease into this fictional world with. His heart, his passion, his loyalty, and his kindness radiated off the pages and pulled the reader in. Thus, despite the varied backgrounds, and clear history between the members, the writing and stories the brothers shared throughout this book made me instantly feel like I’d missed nothing by picking up this author’s ninth book.”

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Don’t forget to enter the Giveaway on Goodreads for your free, signed copy of Fan Mail. The Giveaway begins tonight at Midnight PST.

As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. I appreciate it. I am interested in your thoughts and ideas. Use the comment section below, and thank you. Happy Reading!

Meet Cam Torrens – An Author!

Cam Torrens is another member of Black Rose Writing, and he writes in my genre, though with a little international flare. Given his background, it is only natural. He is the father of six kids (four adopted from China and Russia) and husband of 33 years to my lovely bride, Linda. Both are Air Force veterans who met in pilot training. Cam served 30 years (and one month) in the Air Force as a mobility pilot, the Air Force Attaché to Beijing, China, and the Professor of Aerospace Studies at Virginia Tech. But the tagline on his website describes who he is best: “I’m a guy who likes to write, read, run, and ruminate!” But I would describe him as a guy I’d love to have at a barbeque together with his family and mine, eating a burger and drinking a beer- even though I don’t drink. I felt that comfortable with him in this interview.

Cam is giving away 30 free copies of his debut novel, Stable, on LibraryThing. The giveaway ends April 25th. All you have to do is sign up to review it at: https://www.librarything.com/ner/detail/47024/Stable

What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?

I’m a lifelong reader and have always averaged about 90-100 books a year. It’s my absolute favorite thing to do. Throughout my military career, I often thought how special it would be to impact others through writing, as so many authors did for me. In 2019, I read a newspaper article about the Roberts Tunnel, which transports water from the Rockies, under the Continental Divide, and supplies Denver. An amazing feat of engineering, and I thought: what would happen if someone tried to blow it up? There you have it…my first book idea. Of course, that first completed novel has never seen the light of day.

As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?

My favorite books to read are in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre. So that’s what I write. But I’m far more interested in character than plot. So I like to think my “thrillers” are a little light on the “thrills” but heavier on character development.

How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?

I’m very active in our county’s Search & Rescue (SAR) team and my books all carry some element of Search & Rescue in them. I often fictionalize some of our actual missions and use them as subplots or B-stories in my work.

What genre do you write, and why?

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller—because that’s what I like to read!

Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?

I’m a part-time ultra-runner. I’ve done seven marathons and six races between 30-50 miles. I’m not sure if it’s a talent because my running is like my writing. It takes me a long time. I’m not always happy with my results, but I generally can count on finishing. I’m on day 541 of a running streak where I run at least a mile a day.

If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?

American Caesar by William Manchester—this is a biography of Douglas MacArthur and it was the first time it ever occurred to me that a great author could write about a character I don’t like and still create an unforgettable story.

The second book sounds almost cliché for a new author, but I’ve read Stephen King’s On Writing multiple times. He covers it all. I’ve always loved writer autobiographies, even before I started writing.

What authors do you read regularly? Why?

Craig Johnson (Longmire series,) CJ Box, Nick Petrie, John Sandford, Lee Child—they’ve all written series with flawed characters trying to do the right thing.

If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?

My grandmother—she’s 97, and I’ll take any opportunity to have dinner with her. Everyone in the family wishes they were more like Grandma Liz!

Matt Rossi—he and I flew missions together in the 90’s and then never saw each other for 20 years until we bumped into each other while we were both hiking the Appalachian Trail. We hiked over 500 miles together (before he turned on his afterburner and left me in the dust.) He died in an accident five months after we finished the trail and I wasn’t done getting to know him.

Colin Powell—he was my favorite leader. Flew him out of Iraq in 1991 and wrote him in as my candidate for president on several ballots.

CS Lewis—especially if I’m having a crisis of faith. He was an incredible thinker and a great storyteller.

James Michener or Louis L’Amour—I don’t read their work anymore, but both were so influential in my middle school years.

What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?

I’m a planner in the beginning and usually create an outline in Scrivener. The moment I start writing though, the planning usually goes out the window—you know, that quote “no plan survives first contact with the enemy,” right? I write a thousand words a day until I have a first draft of around 100K words. They are not good words. I use the next six months to rewrite, run drafts through my critique group, ask beta readers for help, and put the whole thing together. I’d love to write more than a book a year, but I’ve got two of our six kids still at home, and a wife that expects me to swat a tennis/pickle ball and take her hiking and skiing!

When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?

I’m a reader first. I usually have a hard copy book, two e-books, and an audiobook going at one time. The audiobooks are only for when I’m running or on a road trip. I read out of my genre all the time—mainly because now that I know how hard it is to put a book together, I feel like I need to read work by other authors facing the same challenge. One of the unexpected joys of joining Black Rose Writing is discovering a new cohort of fellow authors and friends. I’ve been reading a lot of their work this past year.

Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is to learn Mandarin Chinese. I was the Air Force Attaché in Beijing, China from 2011 to 2014 and studied the language exclusively for 15 months prior. I was adept at reading, but never advanced much further than 4th or 5th grade level when it came to speaking or listening. Of course, I was spending a lot of time mingling with Chinese pilots and, just like US pilots, we did a lot of talking with our hands and the conversation rarely went beyond a 3rd grade level. So I was OK.

What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?

Never underestimate the power of discipline and routine to make up for lack of talent. And … there are plenty of folks out there who can help you turn your poor first draft into a great story. But they can’t help if you have a blank page.

How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?

When I first started, I thought “how hard can it be?” After all, I’m a prolific reader, right? So I can recognize great writing and should be able to do it. But that’s like saying, “I’m a great eater and love food … how hard can cooking be?” I read a ton of books on writing and spent a year on my own with that first book (whose name shall never be spoken …) before I joined my county’s writing group. That was the game-changer. Finding fellow writers willing to be honest about your work because they want you to succeed.

How do you handle a negative critique?

I’ve got plenty of practice! It’s never fun to get criticism, but I find that about 75% of the time, I agree with the critique, and the other 25% I usually find a kernel of something that made the reader pick that particular item to call out. So I may not make their suggested change, but often will change it in some fashion (and wouldn’t have without their negative critique.)

Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?

Science fiction and fantasy. I only read those genres if 1) my friends are writing them, 2) Andy Weir wrote it, or 3) my kids told me it’s a must read. If I don’t read it, then I would struggle to write it.

How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?

Character trumps all! I don’t know to whom to attribute the quote, but I remember reading “the reader doesn’t care about your plot … they care about how the plot affects the characters they’ve grown to care for …” I try to remember that while writing.

I’m not saying setting and atmosphere don’t matter. I recently read Carolina Variant by Brooke L. French and The Edge of Life by Lena Gibson. Both authors had great characters AND knocked it out of the park with settings (the deep South and the Pacific Northwest) that immersed the reader so deeply they felt like they were standing next to the protagonist. Carolyn Korsmeyer did it with atmosphere in her book Little Follies set in turn-of-the-millennium Poland. Setting and atmosphere matter … just not as much as character.

Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?

Oh sure! My series protagonist, Tyler Zahn, is also a retired Air Force pilot. I’ve given him all my flaws (well … most of them,) but made him ten years younger than me, and with a sense of character I aspire to, but don’t always meet.

Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?

Walt Longmire, sheriff of the fictional Absaroka County, comes to mind. I love Craig

Johnson’s series written in first person and feel like Walt is a personal friend. Longmire isn’t a bad show … but the books are genius!

Tell us about your most recent book.

My suspense thriller Stable releases on July 20th and is available for pre-sale now.

This is one of those examples based on a real search & rescue mission. We were searching for a young girl who disappeared from her home abutting the rugged Collegiate Peaks. We found her a couple of hours later. I remember thinking, “what if the girl we found wasn’t the girl we were looking for…if it was another missing person?” The book took off from there.

How did you come up with the title?

Stable has a double meaning. It features as a location that is integral to the plot, but it also reflects protagonist Tyler Zahn’s current mental state. He’s been through a lot in the last eight years and now, just when things are stabilizing for him, he runs into trouble.

From your book, who is your favorite character?

I like Gabe Elliot. He manages the horses at the church camp near Zahn’s house and he’s a charismatic guy. I remember thinking of the actor Sam Elliot while writing.

Who is your least favorite character? Why?

Police officer Linzmeier. I believe our nation’s police force is similar to the military. They are 99% good people trying to do the right thing in a difficult job. It’s the remaining 1% that tarnish police and military reputations. Linzmeier is in the 1%.

Author/media contact information:

Cam Torrens, taorenkai@gmail.com

Link to your book on Amazon and B & N

And, don’t forget that Cam is giving away 30 free copies of his debut novel, Stable, on LibraryThing. The giveaway ends April 25th. All you have to do is sign up to review it at: https://www.librarything.com/ner/detail/47024/Stable

Meet Steve Barry – An Author!

I met Steve Barry through a friend on Facebook, and I’m happy I did. As it turns out, both of us are products of a Catholic education and both come from blue-collar families. And most importantly, Steve is proof that one is never too old to pursue a dream and live it out.

Steve an 80-year-old retired teacher, grandfather, now an author. He grew up in San Francisco, where he attended Catholic school for eight years. After high school, he became an apprentice ship fitter in the San Francisco Naval Shipyards, where he worked for 8 years. During those years, he attended college (night, then day) and received a degree in biology and physics. After earning his credential, he taught science for 40 years in barrio high schools.

Here is my interview with Steve, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?

I’ve known all my life that I had a story to tell. I didn’t act on it until retirement. I’ve always believed I could write the story because my writing skills are good. Still, I had to hone those skills while writing. That’s one reason it took me several years to finish the novel. I’ve heard the novelist is like a person driving at night who can only see as far as the headlight beams, a destination in mind, but uncertainty about how to get there.

As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?

While writing the book, I never suffered writer’s block. Other than that, I’m just a person using writing to make sense out of his life.

How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?

That’s been easy for me because my novel is a fictionalized autobiography. My challenge was to keep the story at a high pitch through the use of micro-tension, by which I mean making every word, every sentence, every paragraph, every chapter carry punch.

What genre do you write, and why?

I’ve been identifying my story as literary fiction with a YA flair. I wasn’t thinking about the genre when I started writing. I just started to tell the story. I frankly didn’t even know the term literary fiction. Through the internet, I came to understand that literary fiction fits my writing best.

Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?

I’ve developed a lot of skill managing groups of teenagers (from my teaching). I’ve also developed the ability to work effectively with people from other cultures. I worked in a school with over 2,000 immigrant students.

If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?

I recently read The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabella Dickerson. It helped me better understand the impact of Jim Crow on African-Americans living in the south and their migration to the north for many decades of the 20th century, then the eventual slowdown of that migration. I’ve also enjoyed all of Mark Twain, his humor, his insights, the quality of his writing.

What authors do you read regularly? Why?

Octavia E. Butler because of her imagination and how she creatively engages me fully.

If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?

My mother, so I could tell her, “Now, I understand, Mom.” Barack Obama to absorb some of the dignity he lent to us. Willie Mays to absorb some of his joyful spark. My maternal grandfather to learn more about his boyhood in Ireland. Jesus to learn what he really thought and believed.

What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?

Every morning from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Other times as well, but not structured. I fly by the seat of my pants when I write. I don’t use an outline.

When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?

I read constantly, never missing a day. As I read, I record words and phrases (on my iPhone) that I might use in my writing.

Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)

I’ve been steadfast in completing what I’ve set out to do. Example: attending college: it took me eight years while simultaneously working in the shipyards building Navy ships. I can think of trivial failures: not finishing a wooden model ship I was building. It was taking more time than it was worth.

What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?

Set regular time aside to write every day. Write from the heart and make your characters as deep as possible. Create flawed characters and build micro-tension into every word, sentence, paragraph, and chapter.

How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?

Much of it came naturally. I read some books on writing that helped me understand character development. As for other writers, invest time and emotion into your writing. Eventually, you will bond with your story.

How do you handle a negative critique?

Learn to roll with the punches, learn from other perspectives, dig down and deepen your belief in what you’re writing.

Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?

I can’t answer this because I’ve only written literary fiction.

How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?

All are crucial to a good story. Readers must identify with the characters and imagine their milieu. I found it fun to work on those aspects of story-telling.

Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?

The main character of my story grew from my own experiences. I made him smarter and braver than I was at age fourteen because readers want interesting characters.

Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?

The Black character in my story, Samuel, stands out above all others. He is based on older Black journeymen I worked with in the shipyards sixty years ago. They profoundly affected my understanding and perspective.

Tell us about your most recent book. How did you come up with the concept? How did you come up with the title? From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?

I’d long thought about ways to explain what it was like to grow up under a Catholic education. I wanted to explore how my spiritual life might have been affected had I encountered a thoughtful, intelligent mentor at a crucial time in my life. That is why I invented the character, Samuel. The title took me a long time to develop. I wanted it to reflect my ethnic background, along with the challenges inherent in religious indoctrination. My least favorite character in my story is Tommy Ajax, because of the negativity he brings to the story. However, I softened him near the end.

Connect with Steve on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/Steve.Barry.Facebook   

Twitter: @sbarry42

Website: https://sbarry42.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Irish-God-SD-Barry-ebook/dp/B0BJ2WKV5V 

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-shadow-of-an-irish-god-sd-barry/1142519386  

Thank you for taking the time to meet Steve and for following along on my author website. I would like to know what you thought, so please let me know by using the comment section below. Until next time …

How My Life Influences My Writing

Recently, I wrote a guest post for another blog and blogger, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, and in it, I wrote about how my life influences- either intentionally or unintentionally- my writing. Intentional, in that I use bits and pieces from the counseling office, my work with kids in various capacities, and bits and pieces from my own life and background. Unintentionally, in that who knows what my subconscious brings to the table, or the laptop, as I sit down to write.

Recently, I was interviewed on The Author’s Spot Podcast and you can find it at: https://podcast.theauthorsspot.com/1973858/12365749

The interview touched on my life and my writing, and of course, my newest book, Fan Mail. I hope you take a listen. The interviewer, K. E. Robinson, was prepared beyond belief. He knew my books and my writing, and it made speaking with him not only easy but also enjoyable.

As we talked about my life and how it led to and influenced my writing, I discovered some themes that occur over and over in my stories. Themes of family, of friendship and love, and of death.

Some background first: I am the second youngest of a family of ten- four boys, six girls. There is a twenty-year difference between my oldest sister and my younger brother. A funny story is that my mom was pregnant with my little brother, Jeff, at my sister Donna’s wedding. One year after Jeff was born, Donna gave birth to her son, Michael. My nephew is one year younger than my little brother.

As you might imagine, we weren’t wealthy in terms of money. One income from my father, who worked as a designing engineer, while my mom stayed home to take care of us, didn’t allow for many frills. Yet we were rich in other, more valuable ways. A house in the country on a river with only one bathroom that had to accommodate all of us, or should I say, we had to accommodate one bathroom. Forced closeness that resulted in my brothers and sisters becoming my best friends. And you can see this closeness, this love and friendship in my writing as it applies to my patchwork family of adopted brothers in the Evans family, especially in my newest book, Fan Mail.

The seven brothers who make up the Evans family are adopted. Two of them are biological, two of them are twins, and two of them are step-brothers. Only one is a singlet. As with many adoptions, there is a struggle to find a place and acceptance in the family.

In November 1993, my wife gave birth to our daughter, Hannah. One month and one day later, I was on a plane to Guatemala to pick up our adopted son, Wil. Two for the price of one and neither speaking English. For quite a while, we were trilingual: English, Spanish, and charades. A lot of charades. You can see where adoption comes from in my writing.

Flash forward to 2014. Kim and I celebrate our anniversary on July 11. Wil called us to wish us a happy anniversary and to give us some wonderful news. Wil got a job as a fashion photographer for a well-known company, and he was to begin on Monday. However, on Saturday, July 12, Wil was shot and killed as he walked home from lunch and after some shopping. He was caught between two gangs, and the intended victim used our son as a shield so he could get away. Bullets don’t care about collateral damage. Ten shots were fired, one bullet struck someone, and that someone was our son, Wil.

I didn’t realize how death permeates my writing until the interview for the podcast. Brian, one of the Evans brothers, nearly dies while on a hunting trip that became a test of survival, in my book, Betrayed. Without giving away any spoilers, death and survival play an integral part of my newest book, Fan Mail.

The thing is, I don’t write with a theme in mind. I write to tell a story based upon an idea that occurs to me. Themes in writing come from my subconscious, I suppose, but they don’t show themselves until after the book is finished, after the edits, and then after publication. Yet, good writing, impactful writing, will always have a theme or two for the reader (and the author) to ponder. You will find them in each of my books, and especially in Fan Mail.

I hope you check out my books. I think you’ll find them interesting from a story perspective, and I honestly think you’ll enjoy the characters. I’ve listed each of them below along with their links.

As always, thanks for following me on this journey. I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts. Use the form below. Thanks!

Fan Mail: New Release! A Literary Titan Silver Book Award Winner!

A barrage of threatening letters, a car bomb, and a heart attack rip apart what was once a close-knit family of adopted brothers. Randy and Bobby, along with fellow band member and best friend, Danny, receive fan mail that turns menacing. They ignore it, but to their detriment. The sender turns up the heat. Violence upends their world. It rocks the relationship between the boys and ripples through their family, nearly killing their dad.

As these boys turn on each other, adopted brother Brian flashes back to that event in Arizona where he nearly lost his life saving his brothers. The scars on his face and arms healed, but not his heart.

Would he once again have to put himself in harm’s way to save them? And if faced with that choice, will he?

Blaze In, Blaze Out:  Best Action Crime Thriller of 2022 by Best Thrillers! A Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner! A Readers’ Favorite Award Winner! A Reader’s Ready Recommended Read! A BestThriller’s Editor’s Pick!

Eiselmann and O’Connor thought the conviction of Dmitry Andruko, the head of a Ukrainian crime family, meant the end. It was only the beginning. They forgot that revenge knows no boundaries, vindictiveness knows no restraints, and ruthlessness never worries about collateral damage. Andruko hired contract killers to go after and kill O’Connor and Eiselmann. The killers can be anyone and be anywhere. They can strike at any time. They care nothing of collateral damage. Andruko believes a target is a target, and in the end, the target must die. https://amzn.to/34lNllP

Betrayed : Two Top Shelf Awards: 1st Place Fiction-Mystery; and Runner-Up Fiction-Crime; A PenCraft 1st Place Winner for Thriller-Fiction! A Maxy Award Runner-Up for Mystery/Suspense! A Literary Titan Silver Book Award Winner! A Reader’s Ready Recommended Read Award Winner! A Reader’s Favorite Honorable Mention Award Winner for Fiction-Crime-Mystery!

Betrayed  is Now Available in Audio Book, Kindle and Paperback!  https://amzn.to/3AfUUpS

A late-night phone call, a missing kid, a murdered family, but no one is talking. A promise is made and kept, but it could mean the death of a fifteen-year-old boy. Greed can be all-consuming, and seeing is not believing. No one can be trusted, and the hunters become the hunted. https://amzn.to/2EKHudx

Spiral Into Darkness: Named a Recommended Read in the Author Shout Reader Awards!
He blends in. He is successful, intelligent, and methodical. So far, he has murdered eight people. There is no discernible pattern. There are no clues. There are no leads. The only thing the FBI and local police have to go on is the method of death: two bullets to the face- gruesome and meant to send a message. But it’s difficult to understand any message coming from a dark and damaged mind. Two adopted boys, struggling in their own world, do not know they are the next targets. Neither does their family. And neither does local law enforcement. https://amzn.to/2RBWvTm

Caught in a Web : A PenCraft Literary Award Winner! Named “One of the Best Thrillers of 2018!” by BestThrillers.com 

Caught in a Web  is also available in Audio Book, Kindle and Paperback!  http://bit.ly/2WO3kka

They found the bodies of high school and middle school kids dead from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl. A violent gang, MS-13, controls the drug trade along the I-94 and I-43 corridors. They send Ricardo Fuentes to find out who is cutting in on their business, shut it down and teach them a lesson. But he has an ulterior motive: find and kill a fifteen-year-old boy, George Tokay. Detectives Jamie Graff, Pat O’Connor and Paul Eiselmann race to find the source of the drugs, shut down the ring, and find Fuentes before he kills anyone else. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKF7696  
 
The Lives Trilogy Prequel, Taking Lives:
FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they live in separate parts of the country, the lives of Kelliher, 11-year-old Brett McGovern, and 11-year-old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their futures grow dark as each search for a way out. https://amzn.to/34nXBH5
 
Book One, Stolen Lives: Editor’s Pick by BestThrillers! Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner! A Crime Thriller finalist in the 2021 Best Thriller Book Awards!
Two thirteen-year-old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they will end up like the other kids they found- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. To make the investigation that much tougher, Kelliher suspects that one of his team members might be involved. https://amzn.to/3oMo4qZ  
 
Book Two of the Lives Trilogy, Shattered Lives:
The boys are home, but now they have to fit back in with their families and friends. Their parents and the FBI thought the boys were safe. They were until people began dying. Now the hunt is on for six dangerous and desperate men who vow revenge. With no leads and nothing to go on, the FBI can only sit back and wait. A dangerous game that threatens not only the boys, but their families. https://amzn.to/2RAYIk2 
 
Book Three of the Lives Trilogy, Splintered Lives:
Three dangerous men with nothing to lose offer a handsome reward to anyone willing to kill fourteen-year-old Brett McGovern. He does not know that he, his younger brother, and a friend are targets. More than anyone, these three men vow to kill George, whom they blame for forcing them to run and hide. A fun vacation turns into a nightmare and ends where it started, back on the Navajo Nation Reservation, high on a mesa held sacred by George and his grandfather. Outnumbered and outgunned, George will make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his adoptive father and his adoptive brothers- but can he? Without knowing who these men are? Or where they are? Without knowing whom to trust? Is he prepared for betrayal that leads to his heartbreak and death? http://bit.ly/SplinteredLives  

Fan Mail – Snippets and Thoughts

I am pleased at the response I’ve been receiving on my newest book, Fan Mail. It’s a story about a patchwork family of seven adopted boys, told through the eyes of Brian, about the stresses and strains of a car bombing, letters that become progressively more menacing and threatening as they are ignored, and their adoptive father’s heart attack. While it is a thriller-crime-mystery novel, there is a strong coming-of-age storyline embedded within it. The coming-of-age theme is a hallmark of my books that readers have come to not only know, but to expect.

When I wrote Fan Mail, like any author, I had a story idea and I wrote it. It wasn’t until after it was completed, with all the edits finished, did I realize just how much each chapter or paragraph or sentence impacted the whole and led to the climax.

In this short segment, Jeremy, the father of the family, had a heart attack because of the stress of the threatening letters two of his boys and their friend are receiving. It is the combination of the heart attack and the strain of the letters that threaten to tear apart an otherwise close-knit family of adopted brothers.

The passage below takes place in the Evans kitchen. Billy, a twin of Randy, works on a landscaping project for his class with a friend, Tony. Randy has an issue with his brothers, but takes it out on Tony. Brett, Bobby, Brian and Billy come to Tony’s aid and it almost comes to blows:

“We can add some Knockout Roses spaced out between the green bushes if you like,” Tony said. “That would make things pop, without distracting from the house.”

“You sound like the guy from Queer Eye,” Randy muttered.

“Why? Because he’s an artist? What the hell is wrong with you?” Bobby asked.

“It was meant as a joke,” Randy said, turning his head away from everyone.

“The hell it was! It wasn’t funny. It was disrespectful and rude. You could have said Flip or Flop, Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, or even Maine Cabin Masters. But you went with Queer Eye. That’s offensive,” Bobby said.

Billy was fuming. “Last night at the restaurant, you were all over Tony’s ass, butting in when it had nothing to do with you.”

Tony’s face was beat red. He put an elbow on the table and his hand over his eyes. “Look, I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. I’m sorry.” He turned to Billy and said, “Maybe you can do this presentation without me.” He looked up at Brian and said, “Maybe I should go home.”

“No, Tony! Please don’t,” Vicky said as she came around the table to hug him from behind. “I know Brian would be disappointed if you did, and I think the others would be, too.” To Randy, she said, “You owe him an apology and I don’t want to hear anything else coming out of your mouth! Is that understood?”

Randy shrugged and said, “I’m sorry.”

“That was dripping in sincerity,” Brett said. “I’m sure Tony feels welcome now.”

“Randy, leave the room,” Jeremy said. “You will not treat a guest in our house like that. He’s not only Brian’s friend, he’s everyone’s friend.”

Brian and Billy were seething. Both stood with their hands clenched into fists.

“Randy, I’ve been thinking for a while now. Remember, a couple of years ago when the guys and I were in the hospital in Chicago after we were freed from that shit hole? You would go from room to room and talk to us, listen to us, and encourage us?” Brett asked. “I miss that Randy. I don’t know where he went, but he’s been AWOL for a while.”

“Screw you!”

“Yeah?”

“Oh? What? What are you going to do?” Randy spat.

Brett slammed Randy into the wall with a forearm and grabbed the scruff of his shirt around his neck. A picture fell to the floor. In a small, but menacing voice, he said, “Dad told you to leave the room. If you don’t, I’ll help you leave, but you might not be in one piece. Tony is our friend. All of ours. You will not treat him disrespectfully or rudely. You will treat him as you treat Bobby or Danny.”

“Or what?”

“You really want to go there? Because I’m ready if you are.”

George and Jeremy quickly pulled them apart. Bobby, Danny, and Two stood in front of Brian, who was more than ready to come to Brett’s and Tony’s aid.

Jeremy grabbed Randy by the arm and pulled him outside. George held Brett only as long as Jeremy needed to get Randy out the door.

***

Randy has been one character in my books that is a peacemaker, is conciliatory, and compassionate, as evidenced by Brett’s comment about the “old Randy.” There are other reasons within the chapters why Randy has an issue with Tony, and why Brett, Billy, and Brian quickly come to his defense. This is one example of the strain the letters and Jeremy’s heart attack has on the family, especially the seven brothers, and all of it leads to a dramatic confrontation at the finish.

The title, Fan Mail, has the initial meaning one would normally get upon first sight: letters to support or come against someone of celebrity. Anyone who has had a brush with the spotlight knows about and has felt, to one degree or another, the impact of such letters. However, as in all of my books, the titles often have more than one meaning the reader “gets” as he or she reads.

Fan Mail is told through Brian’s eyes. It’s his perspective, his story of his place in the family. Those who have read my other books, knows the journey Brian has been on, the difficulties he has faced, almost to the point of death. He is the defender and the protector of his brothers in many ways, but the hard shell the reader sees on the outside hides the soft vulnerability in Brian’s heart and soul. Yet, this passage summarizes Brian’s core beliefs, and in the end, he almost pays the price for it.

The passage below takes place in an English classroom discussing the book, Lord of the Flies. This book is chosen because of the implications it has on the action that takes place in Fan Mail. The two books are similar in that respect:

Brian crumpled up the call slip summoning him to the guidance office. He pushed it to the corner of his desk as far away as possible without tossing it on the floor. His English teacher, Penny Rios, looked at him questioningly, but didn’t question him about it.

Brian didn’t want to see his father, Jeremy. The ride to school was not only unexpected, but uncomfortable. Normally, Jeremy signed his own slips, not Farner, the assistant principal. That was a twist. Still, he ignored it.

Besides, Rios was one of his favorite teachers, and the discussion they were having on Lord of the Flies was a good one. Even though they were only supposed to read up to the fourth chapter, Brian had read the entire book in three days.

“Who would you consider a strong, independent character? Perhaps a leader among the boys?” Rios asked.

The answers ranged from Jack to Ralph to Piggy. Brian’s friend, Shannon Pritchert, mentioned Simon, which was an unusual answer.

Puzzled, Rios asked, “Why Simon?”

“I don’t consider him to be a leader, but he was independent. He wasn’t buying into either side. He spent most of the time by himself,” she said.

Brian nodded.

“Brian, you’re pretty silent today. What are your thoughts?”

He said, “It depends upon what you think strong means. Honestly, I don’t think any of them are strong. Being strong means having integrity. Ralph didn’t defend Piggy even when he was being picked on. If he had integrity, he would have defended Piggy no matter who was against him. Jack broke rules he felt weren’t necessary, even though there needed to be order. A person with integrity doesn’t break rules just because he might not like them. Piggy whined and complained, but he tried to establish order. I think because of his size and his whining, no one paid attention to him. A leader has to have followers.”

He looked over at Shannon, smiled, and said, “I have to think about Simon. I hadn’t thought of him being independent until Shannon mentioned him.”

“What is your definition of integrity?” Rios asked.

Brian didn’t wait to be called upon. He said, “Someone who speaks the truth and lives it even when others don’t. A person who is genuine.”

“That can make someone pretty unpopular, don’t you think?”

Brian nodded and said, “It’s what makes someone strong. Speaking the truth and following the rules, no matter who else does or doesn’t. Being willing to take a stand, even if it’s unpopular. Standing up for your beliefs. If you don’t do those things, you don’t have integrity and you aren’t strong.”

***

NOW AVAILABLE in Kindle, Nook, and Paperback!

A car bomb, letters that become more menacing as they are ignored, and a father’s heart attack. What else could possibly go wrong?

“At once a coming-of-age story that will appeal to mature teens, a thriller that can reach into adult audiences, and a psychological suspense novel that holds elements of deeper life inspections about sacrifice, redemption, and discovery; its gripping saga will reach a wide audience of readers and age groups.”

Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer for Midwest Book Review, Editor of California Bookwatch

“An emotionally explosive and life-affirming coming of age story wrapped within a simmering crime thriller.”

Bella Wright, BestThrillers.com

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eNgSdS

B & N: https://bit.ly/3CRNHya

Black Rose Writing: https://www.blackrosewriting.com/thrillers/fanmail

Fan Mail Launches in 3 Days!

I cannot express how excited I am to have Fan Mail launch in three days! It was satisfying to write, and from the reviews I’ve received, it is satisfying to read. There were points when I wrote the book that it seemed to write itself- seriously. I sat down in front of my laptop and the words just flowed.

And so did the tears, as well as laughs. An old saying: No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader! That adage played out in Fan Mail. As one reviewer wrote: “That book stays with you long after you finish the last page. I can’t stop thinking about the characters.” For a writer, that’s high praise.

Here is what some reviews said;

“Lewis takes after authors such as C.J. Box, James Patterson, and David Baldacci, as he immerses readers in his characters by having them in reoccurring roles and appearing throughout each of his books.” -TheAuthorSpot.com

“The writing is top-notch, with vivid descriptions and snappy dialogue that bring the story to life. It’s clear that the author put a lot of thought and care into crafting this tale, and their efforts have paid off.” -MD White, Bestselling author of The Influence of Military Strategies to Business

“Fan Mail masterfully explores brotherhood and healing while delivering a compelling crime thriller in this latest from Joseph Lewis.” -Sublime Book Review

“An emotionally explosive and life-affirming coming of age story wrapped within a simmering crime thriller.” -BestThrillers.com

“Libraries looking for a vivid, fast-paced story that moves from LGBTQ+ issues to family ties and beyond will find Fan Mail a fine acquisition.” -Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

“Tough. Gritty. Lewis cuts deep as he tackles teen sexuality questions as well as dangerous stalkers. The story explodes with tension and strength reflective of the personalities involved. Highly recommend it!” -Sharon Middleton, author of the McCarron’s Corner series

“Fan Mail is a thrilling and suspenseful family mystery novel…a page-turning mystery touching different parts of your heart at each turn.” -Literary Titan

“Starts with a bang and does not stop its relentless shrapnel barrage until you are crying with the characters. Fabulous job by the author. You want to read this one.” -Tina O’Hailey, author of Dark Drink

“Fan Mail is like a mirror held up to contemporary society, brilliantly reflecting and portraying our lives, struggles, troubles, delicate relationships, and so much more.” -Readers’ Favorite

“An interesting coming-of-age novel with a dark twist. Looking forward to the next one.” -Joan Livingston, author of the Isabel Long Mystery Series

“Short chapters, fast-paced, and terrific attention to telling details combined with a strong plot and great characters added up to a satisfying read. Thanks for another excellent story!” -Karen E. Osborne, author of Reckonings and Tangled Lies

Fan Mail Book Trailer

What is Fan Mail about? Glad you asked …

A barrage of threatening letters, a car bomb, and a heart attack rip apart what was once a close-knit family of adopted brothers. Randy and Bobby, along with fellow band member and best friend, Danny, receive fan mail that turns menacing. They ignore it, but to their detriment. The sender turns up the heat. Violence upends their world. It rocks the relationship between the boys and ripples through their family, nearly killing their dad.

As these boys turn on each other, adopted brother Brian flashes back to that event in Arizona where he nearly lost his life saving his brothers. The scars on his face and arms healed, but not his heart.

Would he once again have to put himself in harm’s way to save them? And if faced with that choice, will he?

Well, there you have it! That’s what Fan Mail is about! And you can find it on in 3 Days, March 30th:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eNgSdS

Barnes & Noble Link: https://bit.ly/3CRNHya

Black Rose Writing Link: https://www.blackrosewriting.com/thrillers/fanmail

Meet Kat Fieler – An Author!

This interview was fun for me- Kat Fieler speaks in depth and with feeling as we touched on many topics. She describes herself as an adventurer. “When I was in elementary school, I lived for the annual family road trip. We just went to visit aunts, uncles, cousins… but it took three days to get there and that’s when I began writing. I’d take a notebook and look out the car window, and imagine stories about the people and places and along the way.”

She describes stories as affordable excursions. “They take us to exotic places, introduce us to people who are long-dead or not yet born, or who only exist in some author’s universe—all without the need to pack or book a hotel.”

I enjoy this philosophy about writing and stories, and found myself nodding agreement. She said she married a fellow adventurer forty years ago, Ric, and, “Bought an Airstream. Now we travel the country six to eight months of the year. Neither of us are certain why we even own a house. The best we can come up with is that the guy we pay to mow our lawn is a family friend.”

I think you’ll enjoy this interview, especially if you like Sci-Fi. Here is Kat!

What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?

Several high school teachers and two college professors encouraged me to consider a career as a writer. But my parents firmly believed that writing was a hobby, not a vocation. So, wrote for my enjoyment until I lucked into a job with a writer’s festival. Until then, I’d never thought about submitting any of my own stories for publication. Hanging out with authors made me think it was possible to be one.

As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?

I don’t know that I stand apart from other writers. I find community among musicians, painters, writers… It’s been my experience that artists don’t just exist day to day. Life seems to be a resource for them. Writers and musicians turn experiences, good and bad, into something worth looking at; often providing a view you would never have seen all on your own. I enjoy looking out of someone else’s window. It’s the closest thing I have ever experienced to being in another person’s head.

How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?

Most of my stories come from “what if?”. I see an article or something on TV and I wonder, what if she’d taken the subway instead of a taxi? What if he’d said what he was really thinking?

I love Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken. It talks about paths followed and the ones left unexplored. I follow the one that looks most interesting at the moment. But I make note of the others. I never truly ignore a potential story. They’re all stored in a file in my office. But “knowing how way leads on to way…” Still, I hope to double back. Someday.

What genre do you write, and why?

At first, I wrote Sci-Fi because I grew up on Heinlein, Asimov, Clark… My dad read and passed them on to me. We used to watch the original Star Trek series together. Those are wonderful memories. I loved the new worlds and fantastical characters in science fiction stories. But I also loved the hidden social commentary.

And then I discovered Ursula K. LeGuin and CJ Cherryh, and it suddenly occurred to me that Mary Shelley was a science fiction writer. And, I had permission, as a woman, to write in that genre.

These days I read fantasy—especially dark fantasy—dystopian, historical fiction, and thrillers. Recent market trends toward cross-genre writing have helped me expand my taste to include romance, horror, and memoirs. Nothing is off the table for me.

Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?

I wouldn’t call myself a photographer, but it’s my husband’s passion. He taught me about composition, the rule of thirds, perspective, depth of field. I don’t have the patience to learn how to use his cameras, so mine are all shot from my cell phone. That said, I sold two of photos to a digital travel magazine. For me, photography is just another form of looking at life and reframing it.

If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?

Well, this is a short story, not a book, but Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis changed my worldview. Is Gregor really a bug? Or is he crazy? His family members are most definitely nuts and sucking the life out of him. Maybe it pays to be crazy when you can’t escape your life any other way. I was assigned to analyze the story for an English Lit class. I like it so much; I did the assignment both ways and turned in both papers.

If I had to name a book, I’d say Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. It was the first time I’d read such a dark tale aimed at such a young audience. But middle grade readers love scary. Nestled in between the lines of Gaiman’s tale are lessons about courage and self-identity. It’s a brilliant book.

What authors do you read regularly? Why?

Barbara Kingsolver, Jess Kidd, Lydia Kang, and Kazuo Ishiguro are some of my favorites. They never shy away from the truth of the story. They just tell it. Also, each of these authors write prose poetry, so I come away with a better vocabulary and an appreciation for the art of writing well.

If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?

That question popped into my mind when I was exploring London. I was on Westminster Bridge, standing under the statue of Boudica. I’d love to meet her, but I’m not sure she would be a great dinner hostess. She’d likely serve you an enemy’s head on a platter.

I would love to have dinner with Elizabeth the First. Her dad locked her up after he had her mother beheaded. Elizabeth received an education, but mostly on the off chance, she turned out to be a good marital pawn to secure peace with some enemy. She grew up a prisoner, with a death sentence perpetually hanging over her head. It was very unlikely she would live to adulthood, much less become Queen of England—yet she did both. I don’t have a specific question for her. I’d just like to hear her talk about her life and how she coped.

Mya Angelou: I’d give a lot to hear her speak about her life, and how society changed or didn’t. I’d ask her to talk about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, how it came about and what obstacles she had to overcome.

The rest are modern authors in genres I read: Hugh Howie and Stephen King. I’d like them to talk about how the publishing industry has changed and how authors can adapt.

What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?

I am a plotter. I outline and plan my stories carefully. Unfortunately, my characters are all pantsers. Sooner or later—usually sooner—they rebel and take off in different directions, and I have to round them up. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. It takes longer to get the story down if you have to keep pleading with your characters, but they always tell a better tale than I had in mind.

When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?

I read at least a book a week. Most of the time, I have three books going at once. If a book is particularly thought-provoking, I’ll stop, take some notes, and put it down for a day. If an author does that to me, the story is well-done and multi-layered. That’s a compliment. It means I need to digest before moving on. When that happens, I start another book in a different genre. But I always finish one book every week. And I always leave a review.

Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)

I never set out to be a mother. I was ambivalent about it because I was told I could never conceive. But I did, and the pregnancy and birth of our son was so uneventful, we tried again. Sadly, the attempt to have another child led to several tragic years. But it cemented the idea that we wanted children; that we wanted to expand our family. Just when we started discussing adoption, I learned I was pregnant with our daughter. Bed-rest and medical heroics were involved, but we were blessed with another incredible child. We wanted three, but decided we were ahead of the game. Now, we can’t imagine life without them.

I think Douglas Adams said it best: “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I ended up where I needed to be.”

What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?

Never stop reading. Keep a little notebook and write down things people say that make you smile: a turn of a phrase, a word you’d never heard before… Or record that on your phone. Find a good critique group and attend as if it was a job. Critique groups will teach you to write to a deadline and how to receive constructive criticism. Know, with all your heart, that constructive criticism is neither good nor bad. Comments are someone’s opinion and a chance for you to hear what readers experience when they read what you wrote.

If you can’t stand critiques of any sort, stop now. You’re wasting your time. Agents and editors are not in the business of coddling clients. And, if you go straight to self-publishing without benefit of any voice other than your own, you are in for a shock when readers leave reviews.

How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?

I’ve been involved with a writing community since early adulthood, and members have always been gracious and generous. I may have had some innate talent, but that will get any of us a rough draft at best. Workshops, critique groups, and writers’ retreats are fantastic places to hone your craft and network. I’ve been blessed in that two mentors—authors who had nothing to gain by helping me—each took the time to read and mark up my work. Both also advocated when it came time to submit.

There are no shortcuts in writing, but community helps.

How do you handle a negative critique?

It’s only happened to me twice, and both times the offending party should have read the room. The other participants were annoyed and probably thinking the same thing I was. “Well, that wasn’t very helpful.” Neither of these people remained with the group, which says a lot.

Besides, it’s your story. You don’t have to change anything.

Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?

I write but have never published any horror. I’m not sure what I think will happen if I try to put these stories out there, but they bother me. Mostly, I’m surprised that I’m capable of thinking up such scenarios. It’s almost as if someone else wrote them. Maybe I’m just superstitious, but since the tales are so alien to me, it feels as if I don’t really own them.

How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?

It is essential that your characters and world be as real and three dimensional as you can make them. I recently attended a workshop on world building and was surprised to learn that most authors have reams of paper, volumes and volumes of background on their characters and the places in which they live. I thought I was the only one who did that. Not true. One of the speakers actually draws maps, and another goes so far as to calculate weather patterns for his worlds. How much is too much? When character development and world building keep you from telling the story, that’s too much. But for me, research and development are the most enjoyable part of story writing.

Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?

I never thought I was anyone I wrote. Recently, I learned I am everyone. That’s a sobering thought. As the saying goes, write what you know. I thought that meant, don’t try to describe things you have never seen. Turns out, we all write ourselves into our books.

Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?

Taylor Greer from Barbara Kingsolver’s Pigs in Heaven: that’s the character I can’t forget. She’s so real. I missed her after I finished the book. It felt like a friend had moved away. That is a well-developed character, and the mark of a great author.

Tell us about your most recent book.

Shadow Runner is a Victorian fantasy/adventure, a little Sci-Fi. It’s definitely a genre meld. I thought the audience was YA but it turns out my readers are largely women between the ages of eighteen and eight-five. That is hilarious. I don’t know what to do with that information. It’s certainly not helpful as a marketing data-set, but it made me chuckle.

In Shadow Runner, my protagonists, Ada is destined to live a life of luxury—yet all she wants is freedom. A series of seemingly supernatural events unexpectedly deliver her from the mundane—but no one could have predicted the darkness that comes with it. Raised by a secret society, she’s groomed as an assassin. As Ada comes of age, she must become a predator, targeting members of the very nobility to which she was born. The only other choice is to leave the organization as a fugitive. And if she leaves, she must forsake the two people she loves more than herself: her captor and her adopted sister, both of whom would be slain as punishment for her disloyalty.

How did you come up with the concept?

One of my mentors invited me to write a short story for an anthology he knew about. It was a Kindle World to boot, so the details had to be spot-on-canon. I spent more time researching the details for that story than I have for any other story, ever. But the anthology failed to launch, and the publisher gave me back all rights. I had so much time and effort invested, I turned it into a novel. The rewrite was extensive because I had to take it out of another author’s world. It took me three years to rework the story, but I ended up with three books instead of one. It was the first time I had ever considered writing a series.

How did you come up with the title?

This is going to sound so hokey, but I swear it’s true. It came to me in a dream, as if someone had whispered it in my ear. I remember this because I had to get out of bed and go in search of pen and paper and, by the time I had finally recorded this little tidbit, I couldn’t go back to sleep. I sat up for the rest of the night, writing.

From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?

I like all my characters, even the evil ones. So let me answer that another way.

My most well-meaning character is the Shadow Runner’s protagonist, Ada. She’s a survivor and the most like me. Although I’ve never been kidnapped and raised by a criminal society, I have had cancer—three times. Ada is probably me working through impossible choices.

The most interesting character I’ve ever written is from the same story: the deeply flawed and charismatic Dieb. She will lie to you and make you laugh all in the same line. Dieb has a good heart, but her biggest fear is that you’ll feel sorry for her. I’m not a liar; in fact, I’m honest almost to a fault. But there is some of me in Dieb as well. I can be full of piss and vinegar, but, if we’re friends, I’m the person who has your back.

At the moment, Shadow Runner is only available through our publisher, Black Rose Writing, but if you order now, you receive 15% off:

http://www.blackrosewriting.com/youngadult/shadowrunner

Author/media contact information:

https://www.instagram.com/katfieler/

https://www.facebook.com/kat.fieler/

https://www.tiktok.com/@katfieler

https://linktr.ee/katfieler

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did, and I hope you check out Kat’s new book, Shadow Runner.

What is Good Writing?

Ahh, the million dollar question! What we strive for, work at, sweat about. What we lose sleep over. I think this graphic sums it up well.

Can it really be that easy? Yes, I think so. Red Smith said, “Writing is easy. All you have to do is sit down at the typewriter, cut open a vein, and bleed.” Stephen King, who I quote often in my posts said, “But the only real requirement is the ability to remember every scar.”

I think that’s what the graphic is telling us. The writer has to not only bleed (Smith) and remember the scars (King), though. The writer has to write what is important to him or her. The scary stuff. The things that keep you up at night. Because if the writer does that, the reader will feel it.

I knew I was onto something early in 2014 when one reader screamed at me in a text using all caps and multiple exclamation points after reading Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy: “That brown-haired boy better not be Brett!” And then two days ago, another message from a different reader after reading my newest, Fan Mail: “I held them back (tears) but they were absolutely there. Billy’s reaction to Jeremy’s ‘heart thingy”; Tony’s dad’s reaction to finding him with a guy; Brian … sweet, sweet Brian and how terribly Jeremy handled things with him …”

Those, and some others in each of the books, were difficult passages for me to write. Honestly, I wept as I wrote them and then again when I did the editing. If the writer feels it, the reader will too. It is bound to happen.

So, what is good writing? Hell, I don’t know, but I know it when I sit down in front of the laptop and it rolls off my fingertips. I know it when I read it- my work, other author’s work. You just know. Much like listening to a song that grabs you: the melody, the lyrics, the voice. You feel it in your gut. You feel it in your heart. You feel it in your soul.

It takes practice. It’s word after word after word. It’s sweat and toil and persistence. It’s loving the craft and working at it. It’s willing yourself to write even when you don’t feel like it. It’s reading other’s work- reading constantly.

My ninth book, Fan Mail, is cleaner than my first book, Taking Lives. It has to be, because if I didn’t grow, didn’t learn, didn’t understand the arc of my characters and the events in their lives, I would be standing still. And if you’re standing still, your writing will suck! There has to be improvement. I mean, a guy going to the gym who works on his body every day or every other day, the gal who begins walking and then running, will improve. The same is true with writing.

When I began writing, I had no idea where it would lead. Did I have dreams of riches and talk shows? Oh yeah! But unless your last name is Patterson, Baldacci, King, Deaver, or Connelly, you might have to have day job, one that pays the bills.

I write because I like to tell stories. I write because I love my characters and I love dreaming up challenges for them, situations and circumstances that anyone can identify with. Truly, I had no idea I would win awards. I kept getting rejection letters: agents, publishing houses. Enough rejections to wallpaper a room in my house.

But then, an agent believed in me. A publisher, no longer in existence, believed in me. And then, another publisher, Black Rose Writing, believed in me- so much so, they republished my first four books and every book since then.

And then, people began to notice. At first, friends and family. Then, others, not only in the United States, but in other countries. And I began to win awards.

Humbling, really. Satisfying, to be sure. But these awards keep me hungry. They drive me to be better, to write stronger and more meaningful stories that I love, knowing that if I love them, there will be someone out there who might love them, too.

So, what is good writing? I will repeat, hell, I don’t know. But I know when I read it, just like you know when you read it. It brings a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and sometimes it rips your heart and soul from your body. The tuning fork becomes perfect in its pitch. That might be good writing.

Meet Deanna King – An Author!

Deanna and I write in almost the same genre, but with a few differences. I write thriller-crime-mystery with a coming-of-age threaded within each story. Deanna writes in the mystery-crime genre with a bit of thriller thrown in, but without the coming-of-age bent I have. I think the difference is my main characters are my patchwork group of seven adopted brothers, while Deanna’s characters are adult.

She describes herself as just a good ole Texas gal who’s lived in small Texas towns with names like Blum, Trent, and Manor and whose life has come full circle from wanting to be a published author of one book- to being a published author of 6! “I’m living my dream.”

With that, here’s Deanna King in her own words. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!   

What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?

I loved English composition and telling a story. As my reading progressed from the classics to Nancy Drew to Harlequin, in my young adult years, I wanted to write romance. Ah, I have a trunk full of several unfinished manuscripts; hand written or done on a typewriter; you know, back in the good old days before computers. Then my life delayed my life. Married with 3 kids- then divorce with three kids- kids grew up- still single and working with a different sort of life- 24 years of being divorced; met my new husband- still working outside the home. One day, after being on the job 16 years, I was downsized; and my husband, knowing I loved to write, suggest I write a crime novel; and well, here I am. 

As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?

That’s a tough question because I’m in what I call ‘A Sea of unknown authors.’ If I were to pinpoint one thing, it would have to be something other than writing, because there are so many talented authors, known and unknown. When you see me at a book event, I stand out. I am a tsunami full of enthusiasm, and my hubby says my excitement is infectious. I’m not at all shy- and if we’re at an event with multiple authors and you don’t read my genre- well, heck, I’ll point you to the table you need to be in front of!

How do ideas for your stories present themselves?

Oh my goodness, that’s a tough question too. For example, when a contestant on America Idol sings one of Whitney Houston song, the judge might say “well, now, that sounded just like Whitney; now can you make it yours and not Whitney’s?” That’s me, since crime is not new, so I take a crime and make it mine, put my twist into it; and my personality.

How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?

My BETA Readers are my best answer to this question. They read the genre; if they are interested, then I go with it. And really, deep down an author can feel it- it’s there inside of you, in your head and you just know, or at least I do.

What genre do you write, and why?

Crime/mystery–those are the kinds of stories- shows and movies I gravitate too, however, I write more than that. I also write young adult fantasy time-travel- and I have a Children’s book. I have more in the works for my young adult fantasy/time travel and children’s books; and my detective series, too. I just hope to have the time and the years to pump out more!

What is your most memorable moment becoming an author and what might be your one mini-claim to fame?

Back in the late 80s early 90s when I was writing longhand or typing working on romance and historical romance (you know, no computers, no pagers, no cell phones, no email!) I mailed a partial manuscript to Harlequin in New York. Snail Mail!! I wasn’t expecting to get anything back; other than a canned letter that said ‘thanks, but no thanks.’ I knew about the ‘slush piles’ and how deep they were for publishing house and the likes. I cannot tell you how much time passed, but one day my phone rang. Yeah, the one that was attached to the wall, with no caller ID! I answered, finding myself speaking to someone who worked at Harlequin in New York City; and let me tell you my heart actually beat out of my chest! They called to let me know they’d received my partial manuscript, and even though it wasn’t what they were looking for, wanted me to know they loved my earthy writing style and that I should not stop writing. Now they could have mailed me a letter; a canned letter, but they didn’t they called! That was my moment of clarity; I was a writer; an untapped author; however, with a husband and three kids; like I said, my life thwarted my life. I will never forget that day; the utter elation I felt at getting that call when I know they could have sent the standard rejection letter. I have lived on this memory hoping ne day it would happen and that one day finally came!

Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?

Hmmm- I used to be a good bowler- but, lol, not anymore. I’m a good organizer/planner; and to be honest, I’m a pretty decent publicist for myself, so, if my author career decided to not go any further; maybe I could try my hand at being a publicist. I feel I’d be pretty fantastic at it. I wouldn’t be cheap, but worth the fee!

If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?

As a kid, Charlotte’s Web by EB White- it just captivated me; (as did most of the classics). I never wanted the story to end. I wanted it to just keep going on forever. As an adult; no one book in particular, however, I am not a huge fan of the Sci-Fi genre- but one Stephen King book comes to mind. It was so good I had it glued to my hands, and that was The Green Mile. The deal for me is, no matter what, if I can get into the book, and it keeps me coming back; then the author has done his or her job! Something I hope I am doing for my readers!

What authors do you read regularly? Why?

No one in particular right now. I just finished two Tess Garretson’s books, and just started a Harlan Coben book. Before that I read Killer Psychopaths by Paul Roland. I read a lot of books for research. As far as why I read who I read, there isn’t a why. If the book is good, no matter the subject; or genre and it grabs me; then by George I’m gonna read it.

If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?

My two grandfathers’, to hear about their lives; and their stories. I didn’t have them in my life as an adult and would have loved to have had that chance, and I think they would have been so proud of me. Sue Grafton, after something I read about her and her reaction to Edgar Allan Poe. She and I would have got along fabulously; plus, she was a mystery writer and I would’ve loved to pick her brain. King Tut; because I love Egyptian history; I would have loved to get to know a boy king. Lucille Ball- business woman and a comedic mind that was beyond her time. There are so many others- but these come to mind first. 

What is your writing routine?

I try to write daily- if not write, then I read and re-read- fix- re-write.

When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?

Oh yes, I am a diehard Pantser. If I had to outline, I’d never write a book. I keep a large whiteboard with notes. One thing I always want to make sure of is that I tie up all loose ends. It is also a good place to write an idea down you don’t want to forget.

When writing, how much do you read?

At first I read very little; fear of using something that wasn’t MY idea! What I was reading was all on the internet as I researched police procedures or the city of Houston; since that’s my story’s setting.

Do you read in or out of your genre?

Yes- If it’s a good book, doesn’t matter the genre!

Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)

I’ve written song lyrics; have a notebook full and always wanted to write music; but I can’t. So, I have a book of poems. I had to think about this for a moment longer, and you know, the better answer I can give you is this; I wish I had started my writing career a lot sooner; or back when I began writing in the latter part of the 1980s, wish I had not let my life impede my life.

What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?

Write every day- begin a story; change the story, work the story over and over until it makes you feel you have it right and you love it. If you love it, then others will too. Be confident in your work.

How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally?

I think it came naturally; the story telling aspect; only because I love to read.

What lessons would you pass on to others?

Not to overthink it. (I still do at times). In this day and time, there is much more at our fingertips; use your resources. 

How do you handle a negative critique?

I already know I cannot please everyone; and I suspect that there are many people who thrive on giving you the negative. Read it, then move on and forget the negative. Just remember all the people you HAVE pleased. Live on that. However, never discount what others think when they are giving you criticisms positively; listen and learn.

Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write?

Science Fiction.

Why?

Probably because I don’t read this genre. (I’ve tried) One day I hope to find a Sci-Fi book that grabs me and doesn’t let go so I can finish it.  

How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?

Very important. You have to put your reader inside the setting, with the characters, (like they are standing inside the book- inside your head) to elicit emotions and feelings- a reaction to what they’ve read. Make them laugh, cry; make them mad, let them be sacred, get your reader into the skin of your characters and into the story.

Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?

I am all my characters in some fashion or form. The different quirks of my own personality are my likes; dislikes- what I find attractive, ugly, or irksome. Even what we believe in real life can shine through a fictitious character that we’ve created.

Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?

Yes, I’m currently working on a new FBI story based on a character from my last detective novel- he is a breakaway character who just begs to be written about. As an author, I feel powerful that I can give my characters what they desire- and he wants to be FBI Special Agent Kasper Bergman.

Tell us about your most recent book.

My last published work is Trust No One- A Jack West Novel– the fourth in my Jack West Series – it starts out a bit where the 3rd novel left off- and in the 3rd novel, my detective had a life-altering event occur. I also wanted my detective to work with a strong female in law enforcement; and she happens to be a DEA Agent. 

 How did you come up with the concept?

 I cannot give you a crystal-clear answer- I just write- (I am a Pantser, remember?) I just knew I wanted my detective to work with the DEA and have the chance to work in Mexico.

How did you come up with the title?

There’s a lot of watching your 6- in this novel, which in police lingo means to watch your back- and Jack didn’t know who to trust- (Trust No One) sometimes you can’t even trust the good guys!

From your book, who is your favorite character?  

Honestly, I have no favorite, not really. If I had to pick one in the last novel, I really liked my new breakout character, Kasper Bergman. He was so meek at first, then he got ‘attitude’.

Who is your least favorite character?

Stan Cleef  

Why?

Because I created a real slime bucket of a person, lol; I did my job!

Well, there you have it! What a fun interview. What I like most about posting the Meet … – An Author interviews is being able to introduce you to talented writers who deserve to become known. Good people, good writers, and I’m happy to bring them to you. I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did.

Author/media contact information:

https://deannakingwriting.com/

https://www.facebook.com/deannakingwriting/

https://www.instagram.com/deanna.king777/

https://www.twitter.com @Dkingnovelist/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19241704.Deanna_King

Link to your books on Amazon:  

Jack West Novels:

Twist of Fate-                         https://rb.gy/mffdub

Lethal Liaisons                       https://rb.gy/kxyuq5

Vicious Vendetta                    https://rb.gy/wbq0sl

Trust No One                                 https://rb.gy/uzjlht

YA Fantasy:

Saving A Sioux Legacy          https://rb.gy/slfian

Children’s Book:

Gracie’s Stories                      https://rb.gy/oz5tji

Meet David Shawn Klein – An Author!

I “met” David Shawn Klein on line and I connected with him because of his humor and the fact that he is a fellow thriller-mystery writer, though he describes himself as a “tortured writer.” He is also a lawyer and an avid reader, which as you know, helps any writer. If you don’t read, you don’t have the tools to write, to paraphrase Stephen King.

In any case, while David is a man of few words, he makes those words count and sprinkles his humor throughout. I think you’ll like this interview.

What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?

Sometimes an idea will intrude, entirely without invitation, that seems to demand being explored. I don’t know why the impulse to take it further, into a completed novel, any more than I understand the impulse to lie on a bed of nails.

As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?

I guess it depends which others you’re referring to. If I had to give one answer, I’d say, my sense of humor.

What genre do you write, and why?

I’ve been writing mysteries and thrillers, simply because I’m fascinated by the form and the challenge.

Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?

I used to be a pretty good jazz singer, and I performed all around NYC.

If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?

I fell apart crying after finishing The White Hotel, and had to stifle weeping after The Bridge Over San Luis Rey, because I was on a crowded car of the Long Island Railroad. Bartelby is a short story, not a book, but the strange mystery making it the most compelling thing I’ve read, and at the end it sums up the why of my weeping over the novels above: Ah, Humanity!

What authors do you read regularly? Why?

I read broadly, not consistently, but I have been through a bunch of Philip Roth and Willa Cather, and I’m reading everything by Henry Green. I love Roth for his almost supernatural energy and storytelling. Cather’s control of language through her major novels is why I love her work. Henry Green can do more with a brief exchange of dialogue than most writers can do in an entire chapter.  

If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?

My father, my grandmother, Sondheim, myself at 21, Mel Brooks. My father because he died when I was 32, before I had a chance to ask him stuff that I was, up to that point, bejeepers-scared to ask. My grandmother to thank her for being a whitewater of love. Sondheim so I can ask questions about his shows that DT Max, in Sondheim’s late interview, let get away. Myself at 21 for the usual reasons. Mel Brooks because no one has ever made me laugh harder.  

What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?

I write four hours a day, first thing in the morning, six days a week. I outline, write, and revise my outline, until I have a first draft.

When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?

I try to read every day. I’ll only read in my genre when I’m not writing, or I’ll copy.

What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?

I’d never assume I have a helpful hint. If someone were to ask a specific question, I’d try to answer as honestly as I could, and with much encouragement.

How do you handle a negative critique?

Ashes and sackcloth.

Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?

Even to write the answers to this interview is a tribulation.

How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?

They’re close to everything. A killer plot will sell lots of books, but as a reader, I’m mainly a voice guy. The voice, for me—which is basically another person sitting close and exposing intimacies to you, the reader—even more than behavior, lays open a character in all his complexities and contradictions (though maybe that’s not true of an unreliable narrator—though some unreliable narrators do expose themselves more than they intend). You can get great plot storytelling on TV or a movie, but you can’t get that great whispered-in-the-ear intimacy of voice except through a novel. 

Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?

There’s probably a little of me in all my main characters.

Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?

It’s funny, but no. Narrative voices, yes. Though two characters do stand out, Scout, from To Kill a Mockingbird, and especially Mrs. Ramsay, from To the Lighthouse. Mockingbird is a great example of a novel that is voice driven, but also has a killer plot. Scout tells us so much just by reacting to people and events, rather than explaining. Mrs. Ramsay you fall totally in love with: the depth of her emotion, her wisdom, her sensitivity. 

Tell us about your most recent book.

I’m trying to finish two, a mystery and a thriller. The mystery is about the murder of a popular NYC priest, and the thriller is about the murder of a young woman by a reclusive billionaire. Distinctions like mystery and thriller seem to be market and bookstore driven, as in, how to catalogue this or that novel. I’m not sure of the difference, but I’d guess that a thriller may or may not also be a mystery, and that when it is a mystery, the stakes might be higher than those in a straight mystery. But I could be wrong; I make a habit of it.   

  How did you come up with the concept?

  Before I could stop them, each idea popped into my head.

  How did you come up with the title?

  No titles yet.

From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?

In my published novel (my first), The Money, Henry is my favorite character because, though hapless, he has a good heart.

There you have it- short and sweet with a bit of humor thrown in. I didn’t think of it at the time, but I should have asked him why he left jazz singing for the courtroom. If I find out, I’ll let you know.

Author/media contact information:

shawn147@hotmail.com. 

Facebook: David Shawn Klein

Link to Amazon and B & N

https://www.amazon.com/Money-David-Shawn Klein/dp/1684336376/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1P4AW4ZWXT892&keywords=david+shawn+klein&qid=1673909024&s=books&sprefix=david+shawn+klein%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-money-david-shawn-klein/1138005833ean=9781684336371