Deadly Triangle

How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.

After many years writing for fun I retired and joined a writers group. The people have become mentors and helped me organize my ideas into novels. In less than two years I have self published five novels and am working on three more. Thank you Write Publish and Market.

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

That happens frequently, I will flesh out a chapter or so to remind myself what the story will be about, but then go back and finish the current project.

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

Steve Hartshorn, because he is much of the inner me and the thrust of all the novels.

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

Before I start a novel. I know the subject matter I will cover and know the beginning middle and end in my mind. From there I let the Protagonist do the heavy lifting. What would Steve do in this situation?

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

Anything by Carl Hiaasen, The Dortmunder Novels by Donald E. Westlake, all of Randy Wayne White, Tony Hillerman, Elmore Leonard Lee Chiulds Reacher Novels and all of C.J Box.

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].

Crime, humor, mystery and chaos. Sort of like life...Ha

What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?

Keeping the story true to the weapons and modern conveniences so the reader can follow along with out me throwing in a curve.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?

Absolutly. My twenty years traveling to Indonesia helped me write Deadly Kalimantan. Twenty years in radio and music is a running theme in the series. Most beneficial is my encounters with odd and unique people who leave deep impression's on me.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

I was a high school football player and ruined my knees so badly that I was not able to play in College. Steve Hartshorn has many of those traits and regrets in his character. Steve is my protagonist in all five novels to date, and his chronic pain and attitude toward life are many of my inner feelings.

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

Murder, Mayhem, Mystery and Mirth(Humor)

Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?

Laughter...No matter how gritty the plot I try and sneak in some levity.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

Yes, I guess it is unusual, if an idea strikes me in the middle of the night, I go immediately to the office and get it down.

As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?

I suppose the most nagging critique is my use of language, I was raised in Spanish despite being American and have always been sensitive to my lack of English Grammar.

I am thrilled when readers enjoy my plots and sense of travel to different countries I weave into my novels.

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?

Read out loud or have someone read your stuff' Our minds fill in the blanks that we leave out of the story. Read it out loud and you will find out it is not what you thought you had written down.

"I feel more like I do now than I did before."

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

The ocean scenes in Deadly Coco Loco coming out in January 2024. The plot twists took a lot of planning and intricate details. I am thrilled with the results.

What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?

After going to five years of Military school, I think male friends are absolutely important and can not be over stated. The stronger the man the better the character. That said I write in many foibles to each person, to keep them real.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I have sometimes but I just go on with life and the blockade will resolve itself in my dreams. It has never been a real problem. However don't be afraid to discuss it with others to get some new ideas.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Just live life to the fullest.

Was there anything you had to research for the book?

Yes, I had to read up on drug smuggling, and New York city where some of the novel takes place.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

Completely, I direct my designer in all areas, well as much as you can direct an artist.

What can we anticipate from you moving forward?

I have a funny send-up of pro-football coming next year and an autobiographical history of the Dominican Republic during the turbulent 60's. The sixth Steve Hartshorn adventure is in the works as well.

Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?

Not as of yet. I do however write my novels with film stories in mind.

Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Well I always loved the ocean, I was a spearfisherman at the age of 11. Writing was in the back of my mind always but I never felt like I had enough life experience to write about. With age that finally changed.

How long did it take you to write this book?

Thirty years, due to my working life. Once I got into actually writing it it took less than a year. I wrote the second novel in a few weeks. The others varied but I have released five books in just over a year and a half.

Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?

Home office, and in bed as I am falling asleep, I find myself fleshing out ideas that go on paper in the morning.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Rarely do I listen to music while working only because I love music so much it makes me lazy and wanting to stop and follow along. You will find plenty of my taste in music in my series. I also have playlist on the website. stevehartshornadventures.com

What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?

Travel, an occasional fine cigar, music as a retired DJ in the good ole days and time with close friends.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?

Yes I can say many characters are loosely based on acquaintances. I love to use odd habits quirky traits and lovable idiosyncrasies in my characters.

Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?

Oh my yes, I took many of my inspirations from people and place's I am familiar with. It gives the story a great deal of credibility. Knowing what and who your characters are is a must to write a compelling novel.