1) So, who are you and what have you written?
I’m an ink-stained wretch, having spent more than twenty years as a journalist specializing in crime stories. My serial killer thriller Deadly Fare was published on Amazon in October and is available in both paperback and ebook. I’m currently working on another novel that involves eco-terrorists and carries over some of the key characters from Deadly Fare.
You can also check out Deadly Fare on my website – this is also where I’m assembling a photo gallery of images that relate directly to the storyline. I started doing this January 1 and will post 100 photos, one per day. It’s meant to enhance the reader experience and perhaps allow book clubs to have some fun should they choose Deadly Fare as a discussion subject! You can LIKE my Facebook page, here.
2) Why do you write crime fiction?
When humans break the law – morally, ethically, legally – it’s always fascinating to see what led them to that juncture. As a crime reporter, I got to witness and write about plenty of misbehavior. The subject still intrigues me.
3) What informs your crime writing?
I spent six years working the overnight police reporter’s shift at a daily newspaper, where I encountered all sorts of atrocities and ghoulish scenes. I also was the newspaper’s federal and state court reporter, where I was privy to the backstories of many murder and organized crime cases. My police contacts were another source of information. As a firefighter and EMT, I also get to see the underbelly of places that are often hidden from public view.
4) What’s your usual writing routine?
My writing routine varies because I wear a lot of hats. Two days each week I’m a college professor. At least one day I’m an EMT on a 911 ambulance. I still work as a photojournalist doing primarily magazine assignments. I’m also a volunteer firefighter and a member of my town’s Ocean Rescue team, which is busy year round.
On the homefront, my wife and dog add to the connected strings, as do my two adult children who live independently. Bottom line: I try to write every day, whenever a time slot frees up, but never in the back of an ambulance while speeding toward the hospital emergency department.
5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?
I loved the complexity of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. The plot, the dialogue and the depth of the relationships were spot on. The author has such talent. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention James M. Cain’s The Postman Always Rings Twice, and Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Impressive background, David. Loved learning more about you. Deadly Fare is on my TBR list!
I’ve known David a long time and he is modest, in addition to being all of the other things he mentioned. I loved Deadly Fare. It was more than a notch above the usual serial killer novel. In fact, more than a notch above most mysteries I read, and I read a lot. I also live in the Boston area and he captures the atmosphere and history of the city perfectly. I recommend it highly.