You’ve had such a diverse and intense career — firefighter, EMT, detective, instructor, and corporate security professional. How did each of these roles shape your perspective as a writer?
Together, they expanded my understanding of the complexities of human relationships, revealing the intricate ways individuals navigated their private worlds. I witnessed how people confront adversity with resilience and ingenuity, and I observed, at times, how entire segments of society came together in the face of tragedy, transforming grief into acts of compassion and positive change. Their stories illuminated the remarkable capacity for strength and connection that resides within us all.
Was there a specific moment in your professional life that sparked your desire to turn real-world experiences into fiction?
I can’t pinpoint a single event that sparked my passion for writing. During my time as a police officer, I served as the department's Crime Prevention Officer, where I not only engaged with the community but also penned articles for a local newspaper. Crafting those articles, along with the daily routine of writing detailed reports, marked my initial foray into the world of writing. I discovered a genuine enjoyment in the process of storytelling and sharing information.
Throughout the various roles I took on after my police work, writing remained a constant element. Whether it involved creating instructional manuals or composing monthly safety communications, I consistently found myself drawn to the written word. Deep down, however, I harbored a long-held dream of writing a book. That dream culminated in "Bone Deep Blues," a labor of love that took four or five years to bring to fruition. It was a journey filled with relentless rewrites, meticulous edits, intricate plot changes, and, yes, bouts of procrastination. Yet every challenge was a step closer to realizing the story I was meant to tell.
How do you balance drawing from actual experiences while still crafting original, imaginative stories?
I strive to maintain authenticity in my storytelling by immersing myself in extensive research. This often involves conducting interviews to ensure that what I'm writing is not only logical but also accurate. I pay careful attention to the time period of the narrative, ensuring that events, equipment, and other elements are consistent with that era. As a passionate movie enthusiast, I am often taken aback by anachronisms, such as a cowboy wearing a Rolex or a pilgrim casually holding a Starbucks cup in the background. It astounds me that such glaring discrepancies can slip through the cracks, distracting from the story's immersion and integrity.
Do you find writing to be a continuation of your service — a way to give back or shed light on aspects of these professions the public rarely sees?
I don’t think I started out that way. "Bone Deep Blues," as stated, has many plot twists and directional changes. It begins with a retired police official who is enjoying his retirement in Montana. He becomes the local sheriff and investigates a murder. However, I was later influenced by headlines and other media coverage of human trafficking issues, which led to Bone Deep Blues becoming a story with a message that aims to raise awareness about the issue.
What’s your process for translating the high-stakes, real-life intensity of your past careers into compelling storylines?
I immerse myself in the world of my writing, allowing the events to unfold as I place myself into the vibrant narrative. With each stroke of the pen, I weave together my thoughts and emotions, giving life to the characters and their journeys. The changes and plot twists in both books often arise spontaneously, emerging organically from the depths of my imagination rather than adhering to any rigid outline. Each surprising turn feels like a natural evolution of the story, adding layers of depth and intrigue that continually excite me as a writer.
Authenticity is a hallmark of your writing. How do you ensure that technical details about law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency response remain accurate yet accessible to readers?
I strive to maintain authenticity in my storytelling by immersing myself in extensive research. This often involves conducting interviews to ensure that what I'm writing is not only logical but also accurate. I pay careful attention to the time period of the narrative, ensuring that events, equipment, and other elements are consistent with that era.
Many writers struggle with pacing in action-driven narratives. Has your experience in high-pressure roles helped you master timing and tension in your books?
I draw from a diverse array of sources, including critiques of films and television. My voracious reading habit allows me to store information in a vast mental archive, nestled right alongside the myriad experiences and emotions I've encountered in real life. As a police officer and Security Manager, I've navigated numerous high-stakes situations where adrenaline surged through me like a raging river. When a character is embroiled in a lopsided altercation or stepping into a perilous environment, I often tap into those emotionally charged moments from my own career. I recall the intensity of facing danger head-on, whether it was during a critical police operation or a firefighting mission, and I transfer those raw emotions to my characters, breathing life into their struggles and triumphs.
Do you draw directly on past cases or incidents, or do you use them more as inspiration for creating fictional scenarios?
While I have experienced my share of unsettling moments in the past, the characters I create often confront far more perilous situations, laced with echoes of my own history. During my time as a firefighter, police officer, detective, and EMT, danger was a constant companion, an unspoken reality we accepted with a determined mindset. Our focus was solely on providing aid to those in distress; the thought of risk rarely crossed our minds beyond the confines of the rigorous training we underwent. It was less about fear and more about a steadfast commitment to serve, even in the most chaotic and life-threatening situations.
What themes from your professional life (such as justice, survival, courage, or sacrifice) naturally find their way into your stories?
During my time as a firefighter, police officer, detective, and EMT, danger was a constant companion, an unspoken reality we accepted with a determined mindset. Our focus was solely on providing aid to those in distress; the thought of risk rarely crossed our minds beyond the confines of the rigorous training we underwent. It was less about fear and more about a steadfast commitment to serve, even in the most chaotic and life-threatening situations.
Have your experiences given you a unique perspective on human nature that readers might notice in your characters?
Yes, without a doubt, my time spent as a first responder gave me a glimpse into the darker side of life and the seamier aspects of the human psyche. This experience is reflected in both the protagonists and antagonists, as well as the minor characters in my books.
In your view, what role does realism play in making a story impactful for readers?
To me, realism is key to any story. When I read a book, I need to believe the concepts, whether it was Scout's hiding place in To Kill a Mockingbird, or the vivid description of the sub's propeller cavitation in Red October. It is the realism that creates so many images in the mind that a movie can not do. This is as true for fiction and fantasy as it is for a nonfiction story.
How do your colleagues or former teammates react to seeing aspects of their world reflected in your books?
I have kept in touch with a few people. Those I have heard from have shared positive experiences.
What do you hope readers take away from the realism and authenticity you weave into your stories?
I truly hope they recognize the effort made to "keep it real" in presenting a story that not only entertains but also surprises and provides an exhilarating experience. If they can connect with the emotions, discover something new, or gain a fresh insight, then that would be a delightful bonus.
Looking ahead, are there other areas of your professional life that you haven’t yet explored in your writing but hope to in the future?
I spent many hours in the Emergency Room while becoming an EMT, and later, as a Life Safety Director for a hotel chain, which were uniquely different worlds. Could some of that find its way into future books? Only time will tell.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
I have truly cherished my experience as a member of AllAuthor. Being chosen as one of their Top 100 Amazon authors was incredibly gratifying. The ongoing support and promotion of my books have made a significant impact, and I genuinely appreciate the dedication they've shown. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the community and opportunities they provide.
