Q. What inspired you to write TREASURE COAST & BLUE RIDGE
A. I had the inspiration for TREASURE COAST when packages of cocaine and several 'square groupers' washed up on the beach late one night. (A square grouper is a bale of marijuana. It's also the name of my favorite beach bar.)
The inspiration for BLUE RIDGE has been with me since the early 1960’s when I watched news reports about the Civil Rights movement with my grandmother. Those reports were my first introduction to racism and they stayed with me.
Q. Do your books have an underlying theme?
A. First and foremost my books are crime thrillers. They’re meant to be exciting and entertaining. Like all good stories, there is an underlying theme that I hope inspires my readers to make the world a little better.
Q. There is a dog in your stories. What can you tell us about that?
A. Marley is my actual dog. She’s my best friend and is the only character who has her real name.
Q. How long did it take you to write TREASURE COAST & BLUE RIDGE?
A. TREASURE COAST took about three years to complete. BLUE RIDGE was written in about half that time.
Q. Was it difficult to write a book for the first time?
A. Yes! I made every mistake you can make so finishing took much longer than it would now.
Q. Did you work with an editor?
A. I was very fortunate to meet best-selling author and veteran editor, Laura Taylor, at a writer's conference. I couldn't believe my luck when she agreed to work with me.
Q. Do you have any advice for new writers?
A. There’s a lot to learn about writing so stay curious, keep at it, and don't give up. You get better with practice.
Q. Who are some of your favorite authors?
A. I grew up reading Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series and was hooked from the start. John Grisham, Ken Follett and David Baldacci are other long-time favorites.
Q. How will we know when your books will be available for purchase?
A. TREASURE COAST is being published by Black Rose Writing and is scheduled for release on February 13, 2025. Pre-sales will be available sometime ahead of then. I’ll provide more information as the date gets closer.
Q. Are you working on a third book?
A. There are plans for a third book in this series which will be set on Catalina Island. Presently, I’m working on a manuscript titled THE AMERICAN BOYFRIEND, a thriller that takes place in Baja, Mexico.
