Author Interview - Neil Stenton

Today I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Neil Stenton, author of the NYPD thriller, Saving Carrie. One of the things that I believe makes the book unique is that Neil is a British author. So when I had the chance to interview him, I jumped at it. I hope that you enjoy it and pick-up a copy.

Me – Neil, describe your debut novel for my readers in 25 words or less.

Neil Stenton (NS) - An NYPD thriller about a team of detectives under pressure to keep an organized crime trial on track, protect a witness and solve a kidnapping.

Me - How on earth did you ever get dragged into the seedy world of being a professional writer?

NS - It’s something I always wanted to try my hand at and when I realized I had the makings of a storyline I thought it would be nice to give it a go. I didn’t think I could do it to be honest, but I enjoyed the mapping out of the story, the research and plotting the twists and turns needed to keep the readers guessing until the end. I’d love to do it full time, but I’m still waiting to be discovered and dragged into the big time!

Me - I have to admit that I am intrigued by a guy from England writing a book involving the NYPD. What drew you to write about them and not the Met?

NS - I’ve always enjoyed the NYPD TV shows (NYPD Blue is one of my favorites) and the thought of writing something set in New York had great appeal. I’ve visited twice and can’t wait to go back. But until then the closest I can get is writing about it. I also think it has more appeal than writing about the Met in London (apologies to those writers who do just that), it’s certainly something I read a lot about and that makes it easier to write about. And, as you say, an English guy writing about the NYPD that’s intriguing in itself and hopefully a good enough hook to pull people in to see if I’ve managed it.

Me - As a fellow NYPD writer, I know how hard it is to create an accurate picture of department operations. I had twenty years with the department to draw from, so how did you resolve that issue from 3,000 + miles away. Did you have any inside help, from professional cops, when you were creating the background story?

NS - Not really to be honest. I’ve got a great imagination and just went with the flow on the first book. I mapped out every chapter in one sentence, worked out the twists I needed to include and based a lot of what goes on procedural wise, and language, from the many shows and films I’ve seen. I drew up floor plans of the precinct building, worked out where it was situated, who sat where and why, who worked with who and built up some back stories for each character. I had a raft of street maps and directions as well as leaflets to use. That said I’ve since corresponded with John Mackie who’s ex-NYPD (he’s written a great series of books about a character called Thorn Savage) and he’s been a great help for answering some of the more technical aspects, and inside knowledge type questions I’ve had. And now there’s you of course!

Me - Mystery writers are an odd bunch. Alcoholic beverages aside, what, or who, would you say has influenced your work the most?

NS - I’m a big fan of most crime writing. From what’s called ‘Tartan noir’ which includes the likes of Ian Rankin, Peter May, Stuart MacBride, to Scandinavia and Henning Mankell’s Wallender series, right across the Atlantic to James Lee Burke and James Ellroy. I guess some of that has rubbed off on me, but my style is very much my own I suppose. I like to build in things I’d love to say and do, but realistically couldn’t get away with in real life.

Me - Most people pick up a book and don’t realize just how much WORK actually goes into writing. What would you say was the hardest part in writing?

NS - Editing, no question. After that it’s getting people to notice you, as a self published author it’s all down to me to get the messages out. I’ve picked up a good base of readers from my first novel and they all want to know when the follow up is coming so hopefully that’ll help to build up a wider base as they spread the word as well. But being so close to the storyline, having lived with it for so long in your head, it’s hard to be objective when editing. It’s my baby after all and I want people to love it as much as I do.

Me - When I was writing my first novel, I had this vision of ‘and they lived happily ever after’ playing out in my mind. That didn’t work out quite so well. Did your original idea for the ending actually survive until the end or did you alter it along the way?

NS - The ending pretty much went according to plan, the only thing that changed was who the mystery person behind it all was. That was tricky leaving it open so it could have been anyone of three or four people. Along the way I had to be sure to leave those people enough room to maneuver so they could have been involved. Even after they’ve finished the book I get people saying that they still think one of the other characters is a bad guy, and why. And, maybe they’re right, I’m building a series of books so who’s to say what might play out in the long game.

Me  - I know your fans are anticipating the release of the sequel. Can you tell us what the premise of this novel is going to be and what the time frame is for its release?

NS - It picks up straight after the first book, with the same team of detectives but on a new case. This time though, unlike the first book where events took place over the course of about48 hours, this story unfolds over a week or so. But it brings events from the past, involving links to one of the detectives, right up to the present day. Unlike my first book which I mapped out in full, I’m just seeing how the story unfolds this time. But what I can say is that there’s a sniper on the loose in Manhattan, he’s picking off seemingly innocent bystanders, and there’s some key landmarks included just to allow people to relate to the landscape, even if they’ve never been to NYC. There’ll also be a shock or two along the way. I’m about half way through now and had hoped, in fact still do, to have it out before Christmas 2014. That very much depends on how quickly the story spills out of my head and how long the proofing and editing takes. If not Christmas 2014, then early spring 2015 should do it.

Me - Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers?

NS - I really enjoyed the process of writing my first novel and the whole publishing and promoting aspects. I’ve met some great people along the way and linked up with fellow writers, and readers to share experiences and grow as a writer. I just hope that, if I write it, you’ll like reading it, but not think too harshly of me if you don’t.

Me – Neil, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for taking the time to share your story with my readers. For those of you interested in connecting with Neil and staying up to date with writing, please visit the links below.

Website: www.neilstenton.com

Twitter: @neil_sten

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neilstenton/174921702697483

Remember to support your indie authors and pick-up a copy of SavingCarrie.

Small Town Secrets (Chapter One - Excerpt)

CHAPTER ONE

Alex Taylor awoke to a stream of bright sunlight coming in through the half closed plastic blinds, of the living room window, in the small efficiency apartment in Penobscot, New Hampshire.

It was a sleepy little community, nestled among the rugged mountain ranges in the northern part of the state. It had a regular population of fewer than ten thousand residents, but those numbers had swollen to nearly fifteen thousand, now that summer had arrived, due to its location on Lake Moriah.

The lake was renowned for its bass fishing, hosting both state and national championships every year. Its proximity to Northern New Hampshire University also ensured that it was a summer mecca for students.

The small room smelled of stale cigarettes and whiskey, both of which presently occupied a space on the oak end table that doubled as a night stand when the sleeper couch was open. Directly under the front window an old wall mounted air conditioning unit struggled to keep the interior of the room cool, even as the late July temperatures outside steadily gained traction on the thermometer.

Even at six a.m. it was brutally hot and humid.

The apartment itself was located up on the second floor and was smaller than most of the other units. However, beggars couldn’t be choosers, especially at this time of the year. Finding an available house or apartment in Penobscot wasn’t exactly an easy affair. It depended more on who you knew or, more importantly, how you were related to them.

The sleeper couch occupied the majority of the front of the room and was positioned directly across from where an old 27” color TV sat on a faux oak entertainment center. A small kitchenette took up the other half. It came furnished with a 1950’s era chrome and Formica topped table along with two matching chairs with red vinyl seats. The bathroom was in the back, next to the rear door which led out onto a small wrought iron patio. It would be a couple of months before sitting outside would be a viable option.

Taylor rolled over and sat up with a groan, fighting the urge to go back to sleep. It would be a futile attempt as the alarm on the cell phone would be going off in a few minutes anyway. Still, it didn’t make it any easier to get up.

The half-finished bottle of scotch sitting next to the glass tumbler was far too appealing a target to pass up.

“Hair of the dog,” Taylor said and knocked back the freshly poured shot.

The feel of the cool liquid on the back of the throat quickly turned into a warming sensation. It felt good, in that old familiar sort of way. Taylor then reached over to grab the pack of cigarettes, tapping one out and lighting it, before drawing in the first breath deeply. 

Alex sat on the edge of the bed, letting the combination of the morning sun; whiskey and a cigarette achieve the process of waking up.

As appealing as the thought was of staying in bed, or finishing off the remainder of the bottle for that matter, this was an important new day. As if on cue, the cell phone began to chirp its exceedingly annoying alarm ring tone.

Alex crushed out the remains of the cigarette then got up and headed across the room, flipping the switch on the coffee maker, before going to the bathroom.

The apartment itself might have been uncomfortably small, but it did have one thing going for it, water pressure. Taylor stood under the spray, feeling the stinging sensation of the hot water.

After delaying the inevitable as long as possible it was time to turn the water off. Taylor stepped out of the shower and stood in front of the mirror which was now shrouded in moisture.  There was a threadbare washcloth on the counter which Alex used to wipe away the condensation and stood there looking into the mirror.

At thirty-seven years of age Alex Taylor was far from old, but the carefree days of youthful indiscretion were now only distant memories. Still, age had certainly been kind. This was a fact that took on much more significance when one considered the battle scars borne from having spent over a decade and a half in the rough and tumble world of law enforcement.

Taylor had started with the NYPD in 1995, spending most of that time as a police officer in Brooklyn North, one of the toughest proving grounds in New York City. Hell, for that matter, Brooklyn North was one of the toughest proving grounds in the entire United States. It was one of those places where you either survived or you were simply chewed up and spit out. It tested the mettle of the strongest men, let alone a lanky, wide eyed girl from the well-manicured lawns and white picket fences of suburban Long Island. 

Small Town Secrets

by Andrew G. Nelson

Small Town Secrets (Teaser)

They all like to pretend that they’re so much different from the folks in the big cities, but they’re not. They have white washed houses with picket fences and everyone smiles and waves when you walk by. They talk about the virtues of faith, family and community. But their words ring hollow.

At the end of the day, when they close their doors and shut their blinds, they hide the same deep, dark secrets that everyone has. You see, you can change the location but you can’t change what is in a person’s heart.

Small Town Secrets - Anonymous

Coming - Summer 2014

Paranormal Author - Larry Wilson

I have a great update that I would like to share with everyone.

If you are interested in paranormal investigations, you are going to love this. Nancy and I have been honored to team up with noted paranormal investigator, Larry Wilson, to re-publish his two earlier books: Chasing Shadows and Echoes from the Grave.

Of all places, we met Larry at the gym. He and I used to talk about Baseball. Then one day his dear wife, Kathy, mentioned that he was an author as well. That chance conversation led to several talks about self-publishing and Larry asking us if we would help him to re-publish his older items and help him with his forthcoming third book.

Most of you know that I am retired from the NYPD and spent twenty years doing criminal investigations and chasing bad guys. Well, I have to tell you that Larry Wilson is the real deal on the paranormal side of investigations. He spent a decade as a private investigator, before turning his attention to the paranormal realm. To be honest, the man has cojones of steel, because you couldn't pay me to do what he does. In the course of our discussions he has shared some of what has gone on during some of these investigations and it is not for the faint of heart.

I have never been a skeptic, but I have been quite skeptical of some of the other purported paranormal investigators.  I can tell you that I truly believe that Larry Wilson is 100% legitimate. Nancy and I would not have gotten involved in this undertaking if we didn't unconditionally believe him.

If you are interested in learning more, Larry has a website (click the banner below) where you can stay up to date with the most recent goings on. You can also connect with him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

We will also be doing updates regarding the re-release of his prior books as well as his forthcoming one.

Summer Reading Promo

With the summer vacation in full swing, I have decided to giveaway the Amazon Kindle version of Perfect Pawn for only $0.99.

This offer won't last long, so please tell your friends and family to act soon. A great summer mystery / suspense read.

Here are what some of the reviewers are saying:

"Amazing!! Knowing that the author uses his knowledge and experience makes this the best read! I can't wait for the next"

"The book had me hooked and it read very easily. I had a strong emotional reaction to the characters."

"An intense action driven novel with enough twists and turns through it to keep the reader very alert and attached."

"The opening scene hooked me and then I became engaged by not one but two great protagonists."

Happy 4th of July

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe, happy and blessed 4th of July. As we enjoy our time with family and friends this day, let us never forget the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf.

To the airmen (and women), marines, sailors and soldiers, on behalf of a grateful nation: 

Thank you & God bless !

Plugging Along - July 2014 Update

I hope everyone's summer is off to a great start.

Things here have been going rather well. I am about 2/3 finished with the 3rd book in the James Maguire series. It will be another roller coaster ride. I always know when I am in a good writing place when I finish a chapter and think to myself: wow.......

However, writing can be a difficult thing. Sometimes the words just seem to flow easily; other times, not so much. There have been a few days where I have just had to close the laptop and walk away. You can't force the moment. The worst thing you can do is find yourself in a position where you are just writing for the sake of writing. Then you get caught in the old 'garbage in, garbage out' scenario.

This new book finds Maguire dealing with even more twists and turns. In addition to having to deal with recent events, we find that the world is still not a very happy and secure place. The threat of terrorism is still ever present and now he must contend with a hate crime that threatens to rip apart the very heart of the city. But things are never as they seem.

Who do you trust in a game that everyone is trying to win?

Happy Summer Reading !!