A Quick One on The Side - CJ West

A warm welcome to guest author CJ West.

CJ describes himself as a "Thriller writer, Dad, Blog Talk Radio host, poker player, landscaper, and recovered golf addict". Raised in a tiny town in Massachusetts, CJ developed a love for the outdoors and wildlife. He actually wrote his first book in 1979 while bored during school hours and he admits that at that time writing was second to his love of golf. In 1985 CJ attended the Southeastern Massachusetts University, now UMASS, where he studied business management. This helped to advance his career in computer technology. He spent 20 years helping companies solve their computer networking and information management problems.
CJ began writing thrillers in 1999. He now writes fulltime. CJ's novels feature the anithero Randy Black and his search for redemption.
So here we go, ten quickies for CJ.....

Who is your favourite author?
"I'm heavily influenced by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Somerset Maugham, and Tim Hallinan. My favourite emerging writer is Tom Adair, who I'm convinced will make it big."

What would be your favourite book read?
"This changes often for me. Right now I'd say 'The Lock Artist' "
(Written by Steve Hamilton)

Who is your favourite band/group/musician?
"Jason Aldean."

What is your most listened to album?
" 'My Kinda Party' by Jason Aldean. I'm also listening to 'This is Country Music' by Brad Paisley."

What has been the best gig/concert you have attended?
"I'm not a big live music fan. I put on a murder mystery show last year and to prepare for that I went to see The Fools live because the lead singer, Mike Girard, was acting in our cast. The concert was great and the shows (we put on two nights) were a whole lot of fun."

What is your favourite food?
"I'm striving to eat healthy. My favourite food is dark chocolate. Yes that counts as a food!"

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"Home. My family hails from a small town we've lived in for over 100 years."

What would be the most autographs you've ever signed in one session?
"I haven't counted, but I think the most is around 100."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Often. I think I have one of those faces. The most popular was George Clooney about five years ago."

Well.....can you tell the difference?



How often do you get recognised?
"I was recognised in the grocery store last week. That's very unusual for me."

My thanks to CJ for dropping by to answer his ten quickies today.
As ever, many thanks for reading.....