Thom Reese

My guest today is author Thom Reese. Welcome, Thom.

How many books have you written and in what genre(s)?

This is a busy year for me. My first novel, a supernatural thriller titled THE DEMON BAQASH, was released in January 2011, followed in February by my short story collection, 13 BODIES: SEVEN TALES OF MURDER AND MADNESS. I’ve also been contracted to write two books based on my audio drama series, MARC HUNTINGTON ADVENTURES. These books are action/adventure novels following the exploits of recovery specialists Marc and Dana Huntington as they traverse the globe to recover stolen treasures and missing persons. The first novel, DEAD MAN’S FIRE, should be out late this summer, the second, CHASING KELVIN, in early 2012. As well, my novel, THE EMPTY, about a race that has no genetic matrix of their own and must infuse DNA from humans and animals alike, is set for a 4^th quarter 2011 release. I’m in the midst of writing CHASING KELVIN right now and am throwing in plenty of twists and turns as well as dabbling on the fringe of horror/sci-fi concepts while keeping the overall feel true to the thriller genre. I think it’s going to be a fun ride.

Wow! You certainly are busy.
Thanks for taking time out to visit.

Tell us about The Demon Baqash.

There are two releases which came out almost simultaneously. THE DEMON BAQASH follows Trent Troxel as he tries to put his life together after personal and professional failure. He’s approached by Baqash, who claims to be a demon of hell. The demon leaves countless ancient artifacts with Trent, among them strange writings on an unknown substance. Trent soon learns that these are the demon’s own journals detailing his fall and subsequent life as one of the damned. Trent and his family are soon drawn into the demon’s scheme to undermine Satan with the goal of redemption. But there are other even more sinister powers at work, devious powers, and soon Trent must fight not only for his family’s survival but for their souls as well.

13BODIES is a collection of short stories based on my audio drama series, 21^st Century Audio Theatre, which began as a weekly radio program. Several of the audio dramas have since been published by Speaking Volumes. I was then asked by my publisher to write this short story collection based on the dramas. The book is a true mixed bag, there’s sci-fi, horror, suspense, psychological thrillers, even comedy. My favorite of the stories is FAMILY LEGACY, a tale about a family in which the greatest honor that can be given is for a family member to kill another family member with great creativity and style. There’s another story about a vegetarian vampire, some murders, a Twilight Zone style sci-fi. Every story takes the reader to a different place.

Were any of your books more challenging to write than the others? 

I think the Marc Huntington books have brought with them a particular challenge. In addition to the fact that I tend to write more horror than anything else, I had originally developed the characters for an audio drama series. Just as with the short stories of 13 BODIES, Speaking Volumes approached me about doing a book series based on these characters. I was excited – and still am – but found that I needed to approach these characters from an entirely different mindset. The audio dramas are fun, action-packed adventures, the characters entertaining and prone to banter. This worked perfectly in the audio dramas, but in a novel these characters needed much more depth, a more three dimensional quality. The reader needs to care for the characters and so Marc and Dana needed to be transformed into people with multi-faceted relationships, flaws, strengths, motivations. They needed to be rounded out in a way that never could have occurred in a 30 minute audio drama. As well, the story lines needed to go through the same process. I’ve brought in subplots that never would have worked in the other format. I’ve added characters, back stories. These books have been challenging and fun.

How do you develop characters, Thom?

To me a story is always about the character. If I don’t, at some level, care about the protagonist than I really don’t care about the story. There can be wonderful plot twists, surprises, reversals, the works, but if it’s all plot with cookie-cutter players I’m not onboard. For my characters, I try to give strengths and weaknesses, goals and beliefs that are at odds with one another. Real people aren’t consistent. Someone who is for the most part a good person might make some horrible choices. A person might make one decision on Monday, but on Tuesday, when faced with the same situation, take another route. I give my characters detailed back stories. Even if the information never makes it into a book, I need to know where this person has come from, what he/she believes, what the person’s goals and ambitions are, what personal demons he/she faces. I never create a character based on a real person, but I do sometimes borrow traits from people I’ve encountered and throw them into a character’s mix. I’ll use speech patterns, mannerisms, style of dress, but never more than one from the same individual, and even these, I usually add a twist to make something fresh. Once I’ve created a character, I place him/her into a situation and try to write the responses based on how I believe this particular individual would react. This will often help to determine the direction of the plot. “What would this person do when confronted with this problem? What if this was revealed to him/her? What would be the reaction?”

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

As far as plot is concerned, I usually start writing with a vague idea as to where the story is going. I’ll write the first five or six chapters with no outline or thought as to how the story will end. Soon there comes a point where I need to start making real decisions. But, by then, I’ve had a chance to become better acquainted with my characters and with the general flow of the story. At this point I start writing down plot points. They aren’t necessarily in order yet, some of them may not even make it into the story, but I’ll write down every idea I have on 3X5 cards. Eventually, I take the cards and start putting them in order. “Well, this needs to happen before this. Oh! And if this happens, I need to add a scene earlier on that sets it up.” Often one or more of the original chapters is deleted in favor of another that fits the overall movement of the plot and characters. Again, I let my characters lead the way. I try to stay true to how a particular character would react under certain stimuli. And if the person acts contrary to character, there needs to be a reason. These cards become my outline. But, that said, I’m always willing to take an unscheduled turn if I think of something later in the process. In THE DEMON BAQASH, I added a significant event in my final draft, and that event is the one that most people tell me is their favorite scene in the book.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

Here are some links where you can find me, my books, and my audio dramas:

THE DEMON BAQASH, available in print as well as eBook formats: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+demon+baqash&x=13&y=19 )

13 BODIES: SEVEN TALES OF MURDER AND MADNESS, available in print as well as eBook formats: http://www.amazon.com/13-Bodies-Seven-Murder-Madness/dp/1612320031/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309538260&sr=1-2    

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1811384049

Blog: THROUGH THOM TINTED LENSES: http://thomreese.wordpress.com/

Blog: THE JOURNALS OF THE DEMON BAQASH: http://demonbaqash.wordpress.com/

Speaking Volumes (publisher): http://www.speakingvolumes.us/results.asp

L &L Dreamspell (publisher): http://www.lldreamspell.com/ThomReese.htm

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ThomReese   

Thanks for dropping by, Thom, and continued success!    

Gerard de Marigny and The Watchman of Ephraim

Gerard de Marigny  has lived an eclectic life – starting off as the lead guitarist for the hard rock band AMERICADE. He's worked for and owned a few businesses but always with the secret aspiration to write novels. He tried his hand at detective mysteries twenty years ago and then put his writing ambitions to bed for two decades. In that time,  he became an avid reader of Tom Clancy and W.E.B. Griffin. Right after reading Book One of Griffin's outstanding 'The Corps' series, he knew, "THAT'S what I want to write … thrillers!" Griffin writes historical thrillers, though. Gerard wanted to deal with current and future world issues more akin to Clancy et al. There are some fantastic writers in the genre now – a whole new breed including people like Brad Thor, William Tyree, Craig Hickman, Joseph Flynn, etc. He's working very hard at being counted with this group.

Welcome, Gerard. Congratulations on the release of The Watchman of Ephraim. What will readers like about it?

I try to write books that I want to read. The Watchman of Ephraim is a fast-paced thriller based around a lead character (Cris De Niro) whom I'd like to be, who is surrounded by people I'd like to know, who is doing something I'd like to do! (grin)

I hope the reader feels transformed into the story. I hope the settings, backgrounds, details, etc. of all of my novels are perceived as real (I put lots of time into making sure they are) because those are the things I like when I read thrillers.

To me, fiction is at its best when most of it isn't fiction when it's believable because when it's believable, I care and when I care, I'm hooked. I've felt very blessed from the messages that readers of TWOE have sent telling me how they were brought to tears in the beginning and how they were cheering for my man, Cris De Niro, at the end in other words, they cared, which means I did my job.

Can you share how you name your characters?

I usually use pieces of names of real people. For instance, if the character is an Iranian terrorist, I actually find names of real Iranian terrorists and morph them in some way. For other positive characters I've used bits and pieces of names of people I know and love. I've even been known to use names from old movies – but I won't say which. (grin) I've never just fabricated a character name though – down to the most minor character. Every name has a reason and meaning to me.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

In The Watchman of Ephraim the protagonist's name is Cris De Niro. De Niro is guy about my age, born and raised in the same place I was born, Ridgewood, New York but while I was in a heavy metal band, De Niro was becoming one of the top hedge fund managers and one of the youngest and richest in the world. 9/11 happens and he loses his wife and unborn son and he learns the awful lesson that all the money in the world can't bring back your loved ones … so that CAN'T be the point of life.

His epiphany of faith is his biggest strength. He dedicates himself to doing his Judeo-Christian God's Will, in a way that means the most to him – protecting other Americans from the type of terrorists that murdered his wife. De Niro's other strength's include his aptitude – especially his financial savvy and his 'street smarts' from growing up in  a tough neighborhood and his affable personality. De Niro's the type of guy that could drink a cup of coffee with the President of the United States and a pint with a friend and come across with the same savoir-faire to both. His main flaw, although I'm not sure it's as much a flaw as an internal struggle is his dedication to his deceased wife. Ten years pass after chapter two when the towers fell and De Niro still can't come to terms with things like not wearing his wedding ring or becoming romantically involved with another woman.

Tell us more! Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

My debut thriller, The Watchman of Ephraim was published in January (2011). It's the first novel in 'The Watchman of Ephraim' series. The hardcover and (trade) paperback editions are available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and a host of other fine booksellers around the world. Signed copies are available on my website. It's also available in virtually every eBook format (Kindle, NOOK, iBook, Kobo, etc.) from Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.

Who are your favorite authors?

The authors that influenced me most outside my genre are Jack London (White Fang was the first novel I ever read), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and lots of pulp fiction writers, too many to mention.

My genre is thriller. The first thriller writer that knocked my socks off was Stephen Hunter and his great novel, Point of Impact. If you want to drill down to subgenre, The Watchman of Ephraim is a political thriller or geo-political thriller. In those genres, the writer who inspired me most was/is Tom Clancy. However, I'm probably most influenced by W.E.B. Griffin. I absolutely loved his The Corps series and although he writes mostly historical, war fiction WEB is/was my favorite! His son W.E.B. is now doing most of the writing, also a great writer.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I'm about half-way through with the sequel to TWOE. It's called Signs of War  and it will be available in September (2011) in hardcover, trade paper and all eBook formats.

I'm also developing a story outside of The Watchman of Ephraim series that I will be available in January and I'm doing two radio interviews, one on June 14th and then another on December 21st (both 5pm eastern time) with Fran Lewis and Marcia Cook on BlogTalkRadio.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events, Gerard

Here are a few places you can keep in touch with me and buy my books. I can mostly be found on my Facebook page (If you hit the “like” button, you can read 7 chapters of The Watchman of Ephraim for free) and on Twitter. My website will always have my most up-to-date info too. Thanks for this opportunity, Susan … peace everyone and hope to hear from you!

Same to you, Gerard. Best wishes on the success of your book!

You can keep up with Gerard de Marigny on his website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace.

Purchase personalized, signed hardback and paperback editions of _TWOE_ at his website.
Paperback Available at CreateSpace, Amazon.com  and BarnesandNoble.com!

Hardcover Available at Amazon.com  and BarnesandNoble.com!

Available for most eBook platforms at Smashwords.com, for Kindle at Amazon.com , for Nook at BarnesandNoble.com!
Tune into author Gerard de Marigny's irreverent blog, 'The World According to g'

Gerard de Marigny also publishes a special blog for self-publishers called 'Self-Publisher's Diary: Author's Log' where he journals his experiences as a self-publisher.

Laurel Osterkamp

Minnesota author, Laurel Osterkamp, is my guest today. Good morning, Laurel. Thanks for coming over.

Thanks for having me over, Susan.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written two full length novels, Following My Toes, and Starring in the movie of My Life. I’ve also written a semi-short e-book called Looking For Ward. All of them qualify as women’s fiction because they were written with a female audience in mind, but I like to think they don’t follow a specific formula.

Tell us about your latest book. Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

Starring in the Movie of My Life is available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Smashwords. It’s in print and in any e-book formula you could possibly want, including Kindle and Nook.

There are two main characters. Thirty-five-year-old Samantha acts without thinking. Her heart is huge while her sense of purpose is small; she's willing to fight for those she loves, but she's never learned to fight for herself. Eighteen-year-old Melody is cold and calculating, and she's driven by the desire to better herself. As these compelling yet deeply flawed women battle for the affections of 25-year-old Nathan, he becomes increasingly confused and torn between them. Starring in the Movie of my Life is told alternately from both Samantha's and Melody's points-of-view and relates two complete yet combined stories about love, acceptance, and redemption. It speaks to our universal desire to be saved by the ones we love, and the monumental effort required to save ourselves

How do you develop characters? Setting?

I started by assigning both Melody and Samantha with a heroic quality, something that would inform the choices that they make throughout the story. After that the rest just fell into place. As for setting, I imagined a town not unlike Duluth, Minnesota, where I went to college. But my story takes place in Shannon, Wisconsin, which a fictional town.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

Samantha is tremendously loyal and brave when it comes to protecting the people she loves. Melody is, above all else, a survivor. Each one represents the flip side of the other. They are both very flawed. Samantha drifts from thing to thing, and has trouble with follow-through. Melody is driven, and ruthless to the point that she’ll hurt other people in order to get what she wants.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

I just revise a lot, and I make sure never go too long without writing so I don’t lose track of the story. I also meet with a writing group, so I get a lot of feedback during my writing process. They let me know when I something’s inconsistent or unrealistic.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

Well, I teach high school Film Studies and TV Production. So much of the story takes place in a high school, and there are countless references to movies and film making.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I’ve been focusing on developing my blog, "Laurel’s Open Page", where I post book reviews. I also write posts about reading and pop culture, and there’s usually some reference to teaching high school.

We'll have to check out your blog. Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

www.laurelosterkamp.blogspot.com

http://www.laurelosterkamp.com/                                     

Thank you for the interview, Susan.

My pleasure, Laurel. Continued success!

Tom Temple's Cheese Grits

Do you love cheese grits as much as I do? I couldn't resist interviewing Tom Temple.


Tom, welcome to the blog. You book's title got my attention. LOL. I’d be fascinated to know more about you.

How many books have you written? In what genres?

My latest book is Cheese Grits, Stories to Nourish the Southern Soul. It is a collection of short stories spanning the years from 1948 through 1968. It’s about growing up in the 1950s and 60s. It is a balance of stories about coming-of-age events from those times and the larger events that influenced and molded the values of a generation. These larger events are seen from the unique perspective of the children who lived through them. It gives some insights into how the values and priorities of the “sixties generation” evolved.

The first complete book I wrote is a massive how-to book about restoration of antique clocks completed in 2005. It is around 750 pages long with over 2,500 color photos and graphics. Because of its size, the volume of color photos and the relatively small audience, it was only practical to produce in electronic format. It was released in a pdf format and supplied on a single CD. I created a web site to promote the book (http://www.xrestore.com) then worked for several years to push the site to the number one search response for the keywords “clock restoration”. The book has sold well globally since being released and continues to sell well today. Just a few weeks ago, I released a paper version of the book in black and white.

What books or authors have influenced you, Tom?

Like a lot of reading enthusiasts, my reading tastes are broad. I love the non-fiction writings of David McCullough. His book, John Adams, brings our founders to life like no one has done before.

At the other extreme, I have read and reread everything Douglas Adams wrote in his foreshortened life. He had a unique way to compose a sentence and a madly imaginative mind.

What is your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

The thing I find most rewarding is when a reader looks up while reading something I wrote and says, “I know exactly what you are saying here.” In Cheese Grits, one reader, who is a baby boomer, said that she wanted her grandchildren to all read the book to understand what it was like when grandma was growing up. I found that the highest compliment I’ve ever received.

Is it available in print, eBook, and Kindle formats?

Cheese Grits is available in all popular formats: paperback and hardbound through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other traditional book sellers; eBook formats for Kindle, Sony, Nook, Apple and others.

Do you think your writing has improved since your first attempt?

I have written professionally since my mid-twenties when I created technical books and training materials. There is no doubt that my writing has improved over the years thanks in part to technology (there was no such thing as ‘spell check’ or ‘grammar check’ when I started out), but mostly to those people I trust for input and criticism. By keeping my ears open and my mouth shut, I’ve learned a great deal about how to improve a draft.

Were any of your books more challenging to write than the others? If so, why?

Extreme Restoration, my book about clock restoration, was easily the most challenging to create. I wanted a book that provided accurate, period-correct restoration techniques, presented in a form that the average restorer could follow. Unfortunately, many of original techniques were poorly documented or not documented at all. It took several years of research to nail down accurate procedures. Then, I had to carefully write up the procedures for each technique, including sourcing of period-correct materials. Finally, I had to accurately photograph the key steps of each process. All in all, I think I have over 2,000 hours in the first edition of the book.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track with your writing?

I usually get a thread of an idea then rush to get the essential points down in writing. This is particularly true of a story. This draft is very brief and usually not particularly interesting.

I then look at the sketch and try to determine the real point I’m trying to make.

What do I want readers to get from Cheese Grits?

Some stories were intended to be reflections of those coming-of-age events we all experienced (early dating, the differences between girls and boys, the less than intelligent things teen males often do). Other stories were intended to show how some events of those times deeply influenced the lifelong values of the children who lived through them. Things like the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the growing specter of Vietnam had a profound effect on the values and worldview of a generation.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?


I grew up in the south, in and around Atlanta. I left the south in my mid-twenties and only returned some thirty years later, in 2006. Returning to the south, as well as growing a bit older, has made me realize that the places and times of my youth were special and in some ways magical. Individual imagination, not video games, drove our lives as children. It is something I will be eternally grateful for.

I'm with you, Tom! I truly appreciate my roots and my over-active imagination too.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

Promotion, particularly as an independent writer, is challenging and requires imagination and commitment to a long term effort.

For the non-fiction Extreme Restoration, I created a strong web presence which provides free how-to information to interested clock restorers. I also work with the largest clock enthusiast organization by writing a series of how-to articles for their magazine. I communicate regularly with clock enthusiast clubs to stay in their minds.

Cheese Grits is targeted more to the general public or, more specifically, baby boomers. To promote this book, I created a new web site that encouraged participation in forums about events and remembrances of the 1950s and 60s. I’ve also distributed dozens of reader copies in order to promote reviews on Amazon and B&N. I promote the book on Twitter, Facebook, Booktown and other book-related social network sites. There are really dozens and dozens of book-related web sites interested in new works and willing to help an author get the word out. I try to find some new way to promote or increase awareness every day. I keep a log of my efforts to track what I’m working on and to keep me honest. Promoting a new book is a long term effort and a lot of work, but the results are worth it.

Can you tell us about current or future projects, Tom?

I’ve hooked up with several childhood friends as a result of Cheese Grits and we have begun sharing memories. It may lead to another book of stories or I may try to advance the current stories beyond its 1968 end point.

How wonderful!

I’m also working more on the non-fiction clock book angle. I find that there is a wealth of clock designs I’ve not touched on in current offerings. I continue to collect information with the intent of a second volume on high quality restoration techniques.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I have a number of web sites your readers may find interesting:

http://www.xrestore.com is the site created for clock restoration. It continues to evolve as I add new information.

http://www.cheesegritsbook.com/ was created to promote Cheese Grits, Stories to Nourish the Southern Soul. It is something of a nostalgia site where “boomers” can share stories.

http://www.timespastpublishing.com/ is a site I created to promote both of the current books as well as any future books. Times Past is an LLC I created to keep track of my writing and promotion expenses as well at any revenue generated.                                      

                                                           

Friendship Contest

Good morning, everyone! I hope you're having a fabulous morning. I just had a brainstorm I want to tell you about. I'm currently working on a new novel about life-long friendship.


I'd like to have original quotes about friendship to include. While I can Google plenty of quotes, I thought it would be more special to ask you guys to come up with a brief but profound quotation about friendship. If I use yours in the book, you will be cited underneath. If you're game, go for it in the "comments" section, but make sure it's original. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.




GOOD LUCK!

R.K. Finnell's Kickshaw Candies

R.K. Finnell was adopted by a single mother and became the youngest child in her family. Childhood was unconventional with experiences that helped to make her the writer she is today, drawing from these experiences to create a story.

She's been writing for years and never took it seriously until her own children were older. "For me it was just a fun thing to do. I believe it helped me find my voice and develop my writing style."


Welcome, R.K.

What books or authors have influenced you?


Thank you, Susan. The Elementals by Michael McDowell is a deliciously gruesome gothic horror. It draws on what truly frightens and gives one that feeling of chill.

I list McDowell, Clive Barker, and Stephen King among my favorites, but my writing is inspired more by things I see around me. I find my influence comes from life and my dreams.

Tell us about your latest book. Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?


Kickshaw Candies is a fantasy/horror based on Irish folklore. A different twist to the tales of the Bean Sidhe, Tir na nOg, and other myths.

It is available in print, ebook and recently, Kindle.

Can you share how you name your characters?


For Kickshaw Candies I chose Irish names with specific meaning that reflected something of the character. Admittedly, I also named some just for a like of the name.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

I bring a lot of myself and my life experiences into my writing. While they say truth is stranger than fiction, sometimes it is better to pass it off as fiction.

I grew up watching every horror movie I possibly could and reading horror fiction. I draw from these to say what I want to say. I believe one can find inspiration within all different kinds of media.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

Currently, I’m working on the sequel to Kickshaw Candies. It will have less fantasy and more horror. I’m also toying around with an idea for a vampire novel, but it will not be what people are used to in the vampire genre.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

Blog- http://kickshawcandies.blogspot.com/

Facebook fan page-https://www.facebook.com/pages/RK-Finnell/178461001244?ref=ts

Kindle-http://www.amazon.com/Kickshaw-Candies-ebook/dp/B004U359HW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301390943&sr=1-1

Marvin Allan Williams: Death at Devil's Hole

Marvin Allan Williams is my guest author today. Marvin worte Death at Devil's Hole. Welcome to the blog, Marvin.

We'd be fascinated to know more about you.

I'm honored to be here, Susan.  Well, I didn’t start writing until I was sixty years old. The death of my long-time friend and business partner not only shocked me, but left me unemployed. My wife encouraged me to write the book I had been talking about for years. She even setup a writing place for me where I could work undisturbed.

The idea for my book came to me when I was in my hometown of Niagara Falls, New York and I visited Devil’s Hole State Park. The name conjured up an idea for a murder mystery and from that Death at Devil’s Hole was born. The story just sort of flowed out of me. I wrote the first draft without worrying about bothersome things like grammar and punctuation. I was afraid if I stopped I would never finish the book. Only when the draft was finished did I start the editing process.

How many books have you written? In what genres?

Death at Devil’s Hole is my first book. I am currently writing Death at Three Sister Islands, the second book in the Cadogan Cain Mystery series, and I am working on a mystery that takes place in the south where I have been living for the last twenty-five years.

Tell us more about Death at Devil's Hole, Marvin.

Death at Devil’s Hole is about the mass murder of ten teenagers in Devil’s Hole State Park in Niagara Falls, New York. The protagonist, Cadogan Cain is a retired Air Force veteran who returns to his hometown trying to escape twenty years of wars and bad dreams. Working as a photojournalist, he overhears a radio call on his police scanner and becomes involved in the investigation into the murders in the park.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

It's available in all ebook formats and as a paperback through most online outlets, Barnes &Noble, Amazon, etc.

Can you share how you name your characters?

I name my characters based on the personality I want them to have and their family ancestry. Cadogan Cain has a Welsh ancestry and the name Cadogan can be shortened to Cad which is perfect for his personality traits. His girlfriend Angie Bianco is of Italian descent and her given name Angelina means little angel. She is petite, but possesses a fiery personality so she is a study in dichotomy based on her name.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

Cadogan Cain is a man who uses his sense of humor to mask the inner turmoil he feels because of the secrets he keeps. He would be considered a social drinker if the circle were made up of blue-collar toughs and rat pack throw-backs. He has a driven need to see justice done no matter the cost and he loves one woman almost to obsession.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

Being raised in a blue-collar family with the belief that there are no free rides in life, I learned early on to be self-sufficient. My mother taught us the difference between right and wrong and left us believing there was little room for grey areas. So yes, my upbringing has and probably always will color my writing.

You and I were very fortunate to be raised that way. 

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

Promotion is something I should be doing right now, but I have never been much of a marketing person, but I guess this interview would be a good start. I will certainly play it up on my blog. I also use both Facebook and Twitter.

Marvin, I think you'll find that networking can help readers learn more about you as a person. Then if they're interested, they'll look for your books. Make it easy for them;-D

Note to visitors:
This would be another interesting topic for blog visitors to weigh in on. What draws you readers to certain blogs and authors? I'd love to have your comments in the "comments" section.

Marvin, where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I have a blog at http://marvinallanwilliams.wordpress.com/ and I can be found on both Crimespace.com and Goodreads.com. I am a bit new to all of this, so I don’t currently have events planned.

I thank you, Susan, for giving me a spot on your wonderful blog so people can learn a little more about me and my book.

You're certainly welcome, Marvin. Now get out there and promote! Wishing you well!