Interview with Neil Low

Interview of Neil Low, 

Author of Deadly Attraction

Interviewed by Roy Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m a career police officer, having joined the Seattle Police Department forty-five years ago. I’ve risen through the ranks, starting as a teen-aged cadet, making captain twelve years ago. I still love police work, figure that I’m contributing to society, and I enjoy serving as the Night Commander, which means I’m in charge of all police emergency services when the chief is in bed—like the battalion chief at a fire department. I’ve been interested in writing since first reading Joe Wambaugh’s New Centurions, when I returned from Naval Service in Vietnam. After reading Wambaugh’s stories, I vowed I would write someday, but first I had to go out and gain police experience, developing my own stories, as well as learn how to write them in an entertaining fashion. I did just that. After several years on the street, I went back to college and graduated cum laude from the University of Washington Bothell, 2003.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

While in Vietnam I lost my lucky hat. Knocked off my head, it fell overboard, and I watched it sink slowly into the muddy water of the Mekong Delta. I dramatized the telling of this non-event to my mother, implying that it was a best friend who had died at sea. She was completely taken-in by the story and didn’t find out until the very end of the letter that it was just my blue cap that was missing. She scolded me for teasing her, and told me that I had writing talent worth pursuing.

Were you inspired by someone or something?

When I first read Joe Wambaugh’s New Centurions and The Blue Knight, I was impressed to find an author who understood police officers and could tell our story, something people wanted to hear if told well. Joe was an active L.A. police sergeant at that time, with a Masters degree in English. I had read detective novels before this, but I think Wambaugh was the first to capture what real police officers dealt with on the street. It was much grittier than Adam 12 or Dragnet had ever been. Later, when I went back to college, a professor encouraged me to write a paper on Raymond Chandler and his crime fiction novels, and that was the spark that changed my whole perspective on what and how I wanted to write. I had been a police detective for several years by then, and I was extremely impressed with Chandler’s style and his craftsmanship in telling stories. I decided to emulate him while telling my own. He continues to be my inspiration. I think I’ve read everything he’s ever written.

What do you like about writing a story?

I enjoy the storytelling process. I write organically, meaning I don’t use an outline; I let my characters tell me their story. But as I say this, I know that I have a built-in boiler plate, knowing what is necessary for a criminal case to go to trial. For a novel to be complete enough for publication, it has to meet the same standards as a case for prosecution. All the leads must be followed, and the facts have to logically point to a satisfactory conclusion.  I love sitting down at the computer with the hint of an idea and then typing out what I’ve learned by paying attention to my characters interacting with each other. BUT—this is only part of the fun. I have since learned that there is pleasure to be had in the rewrite, while polishing the novel, if you take pride in craftsmanship. I appreciate the creation of a well-turned phrase, and I love injecting foreshadowing and alliterations, as well as metaphors and similes, wishing I could write them as well as my writing idol. I love the feedback I get when a fan tells me how much he liked my stories, and then he quotes a passage back to me that resonated with him—makes me feel like Raymond Chandler. This is probably a good point to mention that I have an art background and am a very visual person. I write hoping that my readers will see what I see, appreciating the detail that makes a story feel real to both of us.

Can you tell us about your book?

DEADLY ATTRACTION is based on two true crimes and other factual history that I discovered combing through old and cold cases, while I was the Homicide Commander for the Seattle Police Department. The primary murder involves the discovery of an attractive, young woman's body near the Green Lake walking path. Audrey Lockhart is a recent college graduate from an East Coast school and was in Seattle to visit her dying father, whom she hadn't seen in years, while on her way to Hollywood. Since the case involves a potential conflict of interest for Seattle detectives who have crossed swords with Lockhart's uncle, the King County Commissioner, private detectives Alan Stewart and Vera Deward are called in once again to help the police, something that wasn't all that uncommon back in the 1920s and 30s. Alan and Vera's skills shine as they discover clues and links to other crimes, while working with stalwart police detective, Ben Kearney, who is based on a real policeman I had the pleasure of working with during my early days in Seattle. Chasing the suspect(s) involves door to door searches in Shanty Town, as well as fist fights in Skid Row bars, gun play, and knife fights along the Seattle Harbor and waterfront.

Packed with local Seattle settings and true history, Deadly Attraction, was written to grab the reader’s attention and not let go.

How did you come up with the story?

While working on a famous Seattle story involving a vault burglary, I started crafting the back story on the main characters, which took me away from the outline I was drafting. While fleshing in Alan Stewart, I added information a friend had shared concerning the death of his dad in the 40s, dying from a beating at a union meeting. When I asked if the police had caught whoever killed his father, he said, “I think it was the police who killed him.” Since we were both police sergeants at this time on the same department, I asked how that could be, and he replied, “It was a different era back then. The department had corruption then like we’ve never seen in our careers!” Before long, Alan’s back story stretched to eight chapters, and of course it begged the questions: Who killed Mackie Stewart and why? So I followed my instincts and went with the story, letting my characters explain what happened to them. I felt like a scribe recording the story told by ghosts.

What genre best fits for the book?

I write noir murder/mystery.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

THICK AS THIEVES led to a sequel, SIGN OF THE DRAGON, and I’ve followed that with UNREASONABLE PERSUASION, UNHOLY ALLIANCE, DEADLY ATTRACTION, and my sixth, THEATER OF THE CRIME, which is due for release mid-March, 2014. All have been published by Kristen Morris of Tigress Publishing (Seattle and L.A.) who has been an absolute joy to work with. She’s been very active in the book designs, promotions, editing, and concept development.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

Learn as much as you can about writing. Read Stephens King’s On Writing, Robert McKee’s Story, and everything else you can find on your craft. I started reading Writer’s Digest, and now read various blogs on writing. And as Ray Bradbury has said, I urge would-be writers to start writing and make it a habit. Bradbury suggests starting with short-stories, completing one a week, which is what he did, and it’s also how Stephen King honed his skills. I also took every college class I could find on writing or literature, because it is all about learning your craft. I’ll also reiterate what other authors have said: If you want to write, you need to read. Read everything you can and expand your taste in reading. Educate yourself.

Purchase at http://
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Review of SAVAGE PAYBACK

Review of SAVAGE PAYBACK

Written by Seumas Gallacher

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Action packed is what I call SAVAGE PAYBACK. With revenge in his mind, an ex-SAS agent puts into motion a crime wave the leads to the theft of a major jewelry district and the death of a many good people.

This thriller keeps you trying to stay ahead of ISP, International Security Partners, and Interpol’s endeavors to curtail or eliminate the vengeful perpetrator and his paymaster, who wants ISP destroyed man by man.

There are enough moves made based on greed and payback by the participants that the reader will be entrenched in the story.

Mr. Gallacher has presented his followers, of which I’m one, with an excellent follow-up to other ISP novels that reveal what may be happening in the world of international crime – human, drug, and the diamond trade. He takes the “What if?” and makes it seem plausible.

Do the governments of the world have their own outside groups to take care of business like ISP? If they don’t, is one needed? In this and other novels with ISP being the enforcer of the law, using unconventional means, the job gets done. And, Mr. Gallacher makes it entertaining with little melodrama.

SAVAGE PAYBACK is a quick read. I read it in one sitting last night while on my sick bed. It kept my mind on the story and not on my flu. I’m better for it.     

 Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2ls6M

Interview with Seumas Gallacher

Interview with Seumas Gallacher

Author of 

SAVAGE PAYBACK

      

Questions by Author Roy Murry

Hi, Seumas, how’s your self-publishing experience developing these days?

Hello, Roy. First of all, thanks a bundle for inviting me back onto your blog page. It’s an honor to be allowed a second visit to talk with you. The indie publishing adventure rolls on apace, with the third title in the Jack Calder crime thriller series, SAVAGE PAYBACK, recently up on Amazon. It’s still a terrific buzz being involved with this wonderful, global quill-scrapers family on the Web. The down-loads on all three titles have exceeded my wildest expectations.

What are you writing now?

The story lines for the Jack Calder franchise are a long way away from being exhausted. The current work in progress is KILLER CITY, with more lethal immersion in fighting international crime syndicates.

Have you changed the style and content much from the first book in the series, THE VIOLIN MAN’S LEGACY?

As a matter of fact, yes, the story lines have taken on a grittier, and at times, harsher reality, where the good guys get their share of setbacks. Combating heavy-hitting international drug-trafficking syndicates is a perilous activity. I like the way that has developed, and readers share that they also like it.

Remind us what your books are about?

THE VIOLIN MAN’S LEGACY and VENGEANCE WEARS BLACK were the first two in what has now developed into the Jack Calder series. SAVAGE PAYBACK carries on in the same mode as the first two. The novels spin around a trio of Ex-SAS commandos who form their own specialist security firm. The stories involve international crime, drug peddling, people trafficking, murders, arson, and all these cuddly things bad people get up to when they’re not being angels. It’s not about the SAS a la Andy McNab, because being former commandos; these guys are not bound by the usual terms of engagement when they set about the bad lads.

Where do you get the ideas for the stories?

When I was corporate trouble-shooting in the Far East, part of my career involved looking after a financially-distressed shipping company, which needed clearing out of some serious criminal elements. During the course of that engagement, I received death threats which resulted in me being protected with an armored car and a squad of armed bodyguards. These were trained by a former SAS officer who also was a personal friend. I guess that’s where the concept started.

I know you’re an avid social networking proponent. Do you have any tips for other authors with regard to that?

Yes. These days, it’s important to recognize that writing the stuff is only the beginning. The ‘building the platform’ of a social media network is vital. The most enduring way to do that is by reciprocating constantly. Get into the habit of helping other writers through Re-Tweeting on Twitter, sharing on Facebook and so on. ‘Paying it forward’ is a gratifying feeling. The global writing family is the biggest-hearted bunch of people I've ever known. I spend about half of my ‘writing business’ time on the social networks and the other half on the writing.

Blog                : seumasgallacher.com

Twitter            : @seumasgallacher

Facebook       :  http://www.facebook.com/seumasgallacher

Email              : seumasgallacher@yahoo.com

Review of Souvenir

A Collection of Short Fiction

By Mary O Paddock

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Souvenir is the first in Ms. Paddock’s short collection of stories and poems, which deals with a pregnant woman’s day that seems to have reoccurring and insightful events. FUM, the last in the collection, has reoccurring events, which are more psychologically upsetting than the first.

The stories that are told in between by Mary also leave you thinking, which is one of my past times. Each has its uniqueness, not necessarily with a beginning or an ending, but leaves you to your imagination, a pleasant way to end a reading. This I find to be the heart of a good writer of stories.

I particularly liked the story “Wrong number.” I have heard similar versions, but Ms. Paddock’s take on it I found amusing. And, she starts it off with a quote from Sigmund Freud. Need I say more?

Mary Paddock’s stories are all well thought out and have a point to make. I won’t be presumptuous and state my thoughts, because they are many and would confuse a reader.

There are fourteen shorts and a hundred thoughts that will arrive into your brain when you read this collection. I stopped reading a number of times and pondered. I believe a woman would understand more because of the liked circumstances entwined.

Souvenir is something to think about when looking  for thoughtful and pleasant reads.

Her website that can point you toward the various sources and is a great place to find updates as well as ways to get in touch with her: http://maryopaddock.com/

Interview with Mary Paddock

Interview with Mary Paddock,

Author of Souvenir,

A Collection of Short Fiction

Interviewed by Author Roy Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I was born in Houston, Texas, but have spent the majority of my life in Ozarks.  I’m the mother of four boys (all teens and young adults) and I’ve been married to my closest friend for nearly twenty-five years.  We live near Table Rock Lake in SW Missouri with a larger than average number of dogs and cats.

In 2010, after twenty-plus years of homeschooling and seeing the last boy off to public high school I decided it was time to finish my own formal education. I’m an English major at Missouri State University. When all is said and done, I want to teach creative writing.

I’m an obsessive gardener, love to read (everything—from sci-fi to literary fiction), camp, collect flea market china, and walk my dogs.    

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

The first story I remember writing as a kid was about an Indian Princess who ran away to join the circus because she wanted to be a lion tamer and she didn’t want to marry the Indian Brave her father had picked out for her.  (Had there been circuses that accepted runaways then, I most assuredly would have run away to one, because I desperately wanted to be a lion tamer or an elephant trainer).

I wrote my first “novel”, when I was about thirteen. It was about a homeless woman who was hitchhiking across the country I was raised in the 70s when one often saw people doing this and knew people who’d done so and lived to tell the tale).  Along the way she met and fell in love with two different men. Though I wrote other stories during those years as well, I wrote and re-wrote that particular one more than once throughout my adolescence, adding to it and editing it as I matured.  

Were you inspired by someone or something?

I’ve been inspired by lots of someone’s and something’s.  While growing up I was surrounded by “outside the box” thinkers and creative people.  When presented with a problem or a need, their go-to-solution was to make it themselves. 

Want a better doll? Make it yourself. Have a better kitchen floor? Learn to cut and lay your own tile. Want to have a better song - Write it (and sing it) yourself. Produce a better painting or carving? You’ve got it—do it yourself.  

So it stands to reason that when I wanted to read a story about a young woman who finds a stray dog with an unusual talent (Fassen Files), that I’d write the story I wanted to read.   

What do you like about writing a story?

I am addicted to two things—I love the high of stumbling into a new idea and piecing together something that works—it’s like meeting new people or starting a new job, only without all the inherent risks. 

And I love the satisfaction of coming to the end of a story. I’ll be honest, finishing a novel is an angst-ridden experience and I’ve been known to put off writing those last pages for months (even years) because I struggle so much worrying about getting it right, but once I’ve typed those final words, whatever they might be, I  know I’ve done something that is—for me—monumental.  This never gets old.

Can you tell us about your book?

My newest book, entitled Souvenir, is a collection of short fiction and poetry largely focused on women who are dealing with ordinary problems in extraordinary ways.  I am proudest of the newest piece in the collection, “FUM” which is a look at what would have happened if the Giant’s wife, in Jack and the Beanstalk, decided to leave him.

What genre best fits for the book?

It is largely literary fiction, but I’ve also included a couple of pieces that are probably best known as magical realism aka fantasy.  For those who’ve read my previous works, they need to know that this one is very different—largely more serious and not quite as much of the fantastic.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

I’ve just finished a novel I’ve entitled Bright about a middle-aged mother of three who had an affair and is attempting to mend her marriage. Her lover doesn’t take the break up well at all and decides that “if he can’t have her nobody can”, but his goals extend beyond killing Hannah. He wants to kill her family as well. However, he does not count on love being more powerful than death.   You can expect it to be a while before this one makes it to market as I plan to follow my own advice in number 4—as stated below.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

1     Read. Read everything. Take risks and read books you don’t even think you’ll like. Don’t skip the badly written works either—see if you can determine why they’re bad. The same goes for well-written works.  Know what works and why. 

2     

     Write—write a lot. Consider short fiction or poetry first because you stand a better chance of finishing what you start. Think—if you write a short story every week, that’s 52 stories. In all those stories—you’re bound to write a handful of stories worth re-working. Too, it’s also easier to publish short fiction than it is longer works.  Once you’ve had a piece or two published, you’ll never quit. It really is a heady experience.

3  

            I think it was Stephen King who once said that the difference between a writer and someone who wants to be one is that the writer finishes what they start. This is a habit you must get into if you really want to be a writer. As often as possible, make yourself see your work through to the conclusion, even if you’re fairly sure it’s junk. 

4    

     Seek out and embrace no-holds-barred, objective feedback. As a writer you don’t need your ego stroked nearly as much as you need honesty.  Learn how to re-write and re-write again until your work is the best it can be.

Where can people go to read your work?

All of my work can be found on Amazon. Sing and Fassen Files (two previous works) can also be found at a variety of eBook stores, including Barnes and Nobles. Amazon offers free samples. For the time being, if you have a Kindle, you can read Souvenir for free.

I have a website that can point you toward the various sources and is a great place to find updates as well as ways to get in touch with me: http://maryopaddock.com/

Do you have anything to add?

Yeah. I want to thank those who’ve already bought my previous works as well as those who’ve written reviews. And I’d also like to thank you Roy for extending the generous invitation to come here and talk about my work and writing your own review as well.  It means more than you know.  

Review of Orion's Belt

Review of Orion’s Belt,

Birth of the Hunter

Written by John Peter Ferris

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Another super hero is born in one Johnny Orion, Mr. Ferris main character. He is an endearing ex-Navy S.E.A.L., who, because of his physical and readiness abilities almost dies in saving another’s life.   

At the moment of his demise, Orion is brought back to life, using super biological technology never injected into a human. As with Superman, his strength and new persona develop into an action figure.

He has an incredible support team, mostly his ex-Navy cohorts and a medical research corporation to support his endeavors of fighting evil where it may appear.

Mr. Ferris has put much thought into this first book of a series for futuristic and adventure readers to enjoy. His detail is immense and at times overwhelming, but worth the involvement. It’s the basis for future Orion adventures that needs to be outlined.

Orion’s Belt is an easy to read story of good over evil. Good doesn’t always overcome, but Johnny Orion and his A-Team will fight off any enemy of those in the right.

The other main characters have their strengths and help propel the story along when they’re sent to save New York City from an attack, but it is Orion who saves the day.

If you like super heroes and their adventures, this series is for you. Mr. Ferris has found his niche and will shine.

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Interview with John Ferris

Interview with John Ferris
Author of Orion's Belt
Birth of the Hunter

Interviewed by Author Roy Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I'm a former construction mason & carpenter. I'm a father & grandfather to the best kids out there. My passion is in motorcycles, and modern day & futuristic science.

I was a member of the Armed Forces (USN) in the early 70's. From that time, I involved myself in reading & researching different sciences throughout the world. I always had the passion for writing, but raising a daughter on my own took preference.

Back in 2010 an injury from 36 years ago forced me into retirement. That is when I started on my Sci-Fi thriller that I was dying to write.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

Not really, in school I was really good at using my imagination in my writing in my early years.

Were you inspired by someone or something?

Oh definitely, since I was young I would read H. G. Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Philip K Dick, and other renowned Science Fiction authors.

What do you like about writing a story?

I love envisioning my work on the silver screen as I write, and then even act out the character parts to reveal the intense dialogue, I bring to my readers.

Can you tell us about your book?

The book is the 1st in my trilogy series that starts with the lives of two different people who have endured separate tragedies, and then to become involved with each other to triumph as one. To emulate it all, it is a continuous thrill ride full of twists and turns that will definitely capture my way of writing.

What genre best fits your book.

Sci-Fi Fantasy thriller, no question about it.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

I'm currently working on the 3rd installment of the "ORION'S BELT" trilogy. "Full Moon Fever". The story comes full circle.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? 

Sure do. If you're passionate enough in what you're trying to do, then keep forging ahead. Only if the passion is what you need to portray comes out, it will sooner or later catch the interests of those who feel it too.

Where can people go to read your work?

Amazon has it in paperback & kindle. Barnes and Noble have it on Nook and Kobo.com has it on e-reader.

Do you have anything to add?

I've only just started in my journey into the literary world of Science Fiction. But my main thing is to show my beliefs and philosophy in what I write. I hope in all this it will bring an epiphany towards knowledge and reflect possibly a thought of empathy & strive for the good of all mankind. Maybe my writing will scratch part of the surface.