I decided to utilize this forum to answer some frequently asked (and some not so frequently, but interesting nonetheless) questions this time around.
Q. When will your next book be released?
A. This is a question I get asked a lot. While I can't give an exact date at this time, I believe that the second Clay Sullivan book will be available by Summer 2021.
Q. Will you ever get back into wrestling?
A. I learned long ago to "never say never", especially where wrestling is involved. While it is highly unlikely that I will be an active competitor or promoter again, I do not rule out a creative or advisory role. Also, being involved in wrestling is an extremely broad field, so I may be involved in a capacity that I never have done before, which says a lot as I have been a wrestler, promoter, ring announcer, referee, manager, matchmaker, TV producer, merchandise salesman, commentator, ring crew, etc. etc. in the past.
Q. Who is your favorite writer/author?
A. That is a tough one. Narrowing it to one favorite is nearly impossible. Raymond Chandler, if I had to pick one, with a gun to my head. "Carolyn Keene", Dashiell Hammett, Robert B. Parker, Elmore Leonard, Michael Connelly, and Joe R. Lansdale are on the list of authors whose work I enjoy immensely.
Q. Who would play Clay Sullivan in a movie?
A. Is Dick Powell available? Seriously, if someone wanted to put up the money to make a Clay Sullivan movie, they can cast whoever they want, though I could see Jacob Pitts fitting certain aspects of the role well.
Q. Do you plan to release an audiobook?
A. This is a project that I am looking into now. I would lean towards answering Yes, but finding the time is a challenge currently.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional detective?
A. Phillip Marlowe probably gets the nod, as I am a big fan of 1930-40's era detectives. I also enjoy the many versions of Sherlock Holmes. In terms of TV, Jim Rockford of The Rockford Files is my favorite.
Q. Aside from writing, what do you do in your free time?
A. I don't have much "free time" these days, but I do enjoy traveling (and can't wait to be able to do so unrestricted again), good movies ("Man on Fire", the Denzel Washington version, is my favorite), attending concerts (again, I can't wait to be able to go to them again), eating and cooking, old school pro wrestling (mainly southern territories circa 1984-1995), swimming, and reading. The older I get the more I want to do things I have never done before, go places I've never been, and experience things I haven't yet. Late last fall, I found that I enjoy hiking and plan to resume that hobby when the weather warms up. I also love virtually anything associated with the University of Tennessee.
Q. Do you plan to write anything other than mystery books/stories?
A. While the mystery/crime genre is by far my favorite to write and read, I don't believe in placing limitations on anything, especially writing. One of my bad habits is starting several projects at once. When I have an idea, I outline so I don't forget it. Currently, I have a short story and a book started, outside the mystery genre. I am also working on 2 non-fiction books. After the next book is finished/released, I will need to settle on one book to focus on and complete.
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions. If there's anything you would like to know, shoot me a message via the Contact page and I will include it in a future blog post.