1) So, who are you & what have you written?
My name is Andy Rausch and I write nonfiction books on popular culture, as well as fiction. My books include Mad World, Elvis Presley: CIA Assassin, and my newest book Riding Shotgun and Other American Cruelties. I have also edited several books and published a collection of short horror stories entitled Death Rattles. In addition to these things, I am also the screenwriter of the horror-comedy Dahmer vs. Gacy.
2) Why do you write crime fiction?
I am a disciple of Elmore Leonard, Quentin Tarantino, and Richard Stark. I am a big fan of crime stories, particularly mob-related crime stories. I suppose like everyone who does what I do, I have some secret desire to be a criminal. But you know what? I’m too lazy for all that nonsense and I have no desire to go to prison, so instead I just write stories.
3) What informs your crime writing?
I am a huge fan of dialogue-driven works by the likes of Leonard and George V. Higgins. My writing style comes from studying those writers, as well as guys like David Mamet and Quentin Tarantino. I have always loved crime movies, and my favorites are the stories that actually focus on the criminals themselves, such as Goodfellas, The Godfather Part II, and Pulp Fiction.
4) What’s your usual writing routine?
I try to write everyday, but it doesn’t always work that way. I’m pretty lazy. I might miss a day or two and then write for twelve hours on the third day. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.
5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?
Get Shorty is one that I definitely wish I’d written. I love that book. I’ve read it several times and it never gets old. Leonard was a master at his craft, and for my money there’s no one out there who can touch him.
BIO: Andy Rausch is an American film journalist, author, screenwriter, film producer, and actor. He is the author of several novels and novellas including Elvis Presley, CIA Assassin. He also wrote the screenplay for DAHMER VERSUS GACY and is the author of some twenty non-fiction books on popular culture.
