What was your childhood like? Tell us your fondest memory.
I grew up in a family of four. We didn't have a lot of money but we always had clothes on our back, warm bed and food to eat. My Dad had a major heart attack at 44 and had to quit work. I admired his perseverance to regain his health. When he had the heart attack, my Mom had gotten her nursing degree and she became the breadwinner. They pretty much switched places and they made it work. My fondest memories were doing stuff with Dad such as hunting and later weight lifting. Other fond memories were when Grandad took me fishing. I cast a line out once and I got the hook caught in my behind. I laugh about it now but I didn't think it was funny at the time especially with a great big night crawler on the hook.
Did you always want to be a detective?
No I didn't. I wanted to be a doctor but my number in the draft sent me to the military during Vietnam. I now support a 13 year old girl who lives in what was once N Vietnam. After I left the military I started taking civil service exams. I knew then that being a cop was in my blood. Genealogy says I am distantly related to Wyatt Earp. LOL.
Have you ever confronted a childhood bully, and if so, what was the result?
Yes I have. This older boy was picking on one of my younger friends. Well, I saw red and knocked the snot out of this kid. He didn't bother us any more. This is still when boys fought one on one and didn't have to worry about getting shot.
By whom are you most inspired, and why?
John B Brown III. He was my mentor. He was a DEA agent in Buffalo and even stood up for me in my first marriage. What an honor. John retired as Administrator of the DEA and we are still friends. He just might have been the persona for one of my characters.
How has been your experience of being involved in the law enforcement community for 25 years?
Most of it was great. Made some good friends but there were a few that could make life miserable. I carried over what I had learned as a cop into my career as a PI and Personal Protection Agent with many notable names.
Is it true that you can't send pictures or videos if you are doing undercover missions?
You get caught with stuff like that on your person by the bad guys you could end up dead real quick. But the equipment out there nowadays is pretty spectacular. Now being covert and they don't know your watching remotely then that is another story.
What sparked the idea for your book, “Showdown in Beantown”?
Well, I was dating a much younger lady and she was my inspiration for my main female character in Showdown.
Are any of the incidents described in "The Rise of Chloe" inspired by your real-life experiences?
I have had a ton of experiences but the Rise of Chloe is based on real characters, at least the good guys or girls should I say. But I had a lot of research to do on Eastern Europe, Russia, Italy and Sicily along with the people associated with those unique areas. I had a lot of fun writing this book and looking into the dark corners of my Italian heritage.
How many Cavazutti Crime Novel do you plan to write?
I will write as long as I have a unique plot even with recurring characters.
Who inspired the character of Agent Tammy Taylor in "The Long Road to Perdition"?
A long time friend and she is a badass.
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?
So far I have only had positive comments. But negatives reviews, well that is part of the writing game and not everyone will enjoy your hard work
What advice do you have for any budding writers out there?
Write, write, write and write some more. Polish it like a fine gem. Have someone you trust to review your writing, keep submitting manuscripts and query letters. Most will be negative and take forever to get back to you but all you need is one publisher to accept your document.
You are tasked to put together a team of video game characters (none from anime or comics) for undercover missions. Who would be on it?
I haven't a clue. I haven't played a video game since Pac Man.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
A Pirates Booty is the next one and can be a stand alone but they all start in Boston. The time period starts back during the golden age of Piracy around the late 1600's and bounces to the future.
How did you come to know about AllAuthor and what are your thoughts on this website?
I received an email and after I looked into AllAuthor I signed up. I like the format of the website and its ease of use.
