Blog Hop - Fred Lichtenberg

THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

Welcome to this blog hop.

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way that readers can discover new authors, because with bookstores closing and publishers not promoting new authors as much, we need to find a way to introduce readers to authors they may not see in their local bookstore.

Here you have the chance to find many new authors. And, you’ll find information about me, what I’m working on now, GOOD LUCK BAD LUCK, an outrageous and zany story about two unlikely protagonists, an eighty-year woman and former schoolteacher, and a thirty five year old ex-con following a botched car theft. The story has all the trappings of South Florida: pill clinics, Medicare fraud, stolen medical equipment, and a good old Ponzi scheme.

Fred Lichtenberg is the author of Hunter’s World, who novelist Alice Duncan called ‘a fast-paced, fascinating mystery. Highly recommended.’ Lichtenberg’s second mystery, Double Trouble, brings the reader to the dark world of mistaken identity when one of the identical twins separated at birth discovers his birth twin was a hit man for the mob who also stole diamonds from his boss. Not a good time to be the wrong twin.

I’d like to thank fellow author Michael Haskins for tagging me to participate. Click the link below to find out about Michael’s Mick Murphy series. www.michaelhaskins.com.

In this particular hop, my fellow authors and I, in their respective blogs, have answered 10 questions where you get to learn about our current work in progress as well as some insights into our process, from characters and inspirations to plotting and cover decisions. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

My current release is Double Trouble. My next book, due out in 2013, is Good Luck Bad Luck.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea for Double Trouble came from my interest in the psychology of identical twins separated at birth. Researching, I discovered that identical twins not only have identical features but also generally have the same sensibilities. However, environmental changes, such as upbringing, can produce two different individuals. In my case, one twin is a washed out detective, the other a hit man for the mob. When you toss in the mistaken identity component like stealing diamonds from your boss, the other twin will have a lot of explaining, running, and dodging bullets. 

3: What genre does your book come under?

Mystery/thriller, though my next book, Good Luck Bad Luck is more Carl Hiaasen and Elmore Leonard.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

For my main character, Hank Reed, in Hunter’s World, I would love to see Matthew McConaughey play the role. I immediately thought of him after seeing his vulnerability side in The Lincoln Lawyer. As for my main actress, Maggie, I would love to see Callie Thorne, the terrific actress in the TV series Rescue Me.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Hunter’s World: Relationships can be deadly.

Double Trouble: The sacrifice for family redemption.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Five Star, a traditional publisher, published Hunter’s World.

Double Trouble, released in June 2012, is an e-Book and a trade paperback on Amazon.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I generally get the first draft completed within six months, but after it’s nice and pretty with the help of an editor and cover designer, the book is ready in one year. Using a traditional publisher takes longer, sometimes eighteen months from signing a contract to publication. My eBook, Double Trouble, was completed and out the door in less than a year. 

8: What other books would you compare Hunter’s World to within your genre?

In terms of style probably some of John Grisham’s earlier works like The Firm. And Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent.

9: Who or what inspired you to write your books?

I realized that I was a pretty good storyteller from a young age. As a teenager, I read only mysteries and thrillers. So once I gave writing serious consideration, I chose those genres. 

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Aside from the locales (South Florida/New York City to name a few), my readers are treated to fast-paced chapters with hooks, and surprising endings. Judging from my readers’ feedback, I have not disappointed them. 

The Next Big Think Blog Hop

Welcome to this blog hop.

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way that readers can discover new authors, because with bookstores closing and publishers not promoting new authors as much, we need to find a way to introduce readers to authors they may not see in their local bookstore.

Here you have the chance to find many new authors. And, you’ll find information about me, what I’m working on now, KEY WEST LATITUDE, the 7^th book in my Mick Murphy series, five of them are set in Key West, two on the West Coast, LA & Tijuana, Mexico. Library Journal Reviews said, “The latest Mick Murphy thriller (Car Wash Blues) delivers abundant action, car chases, boat chases, and an alphabet soup of weapons. Toss in some subterfuge and a brewing hurricane, and you’ve got the perfect beach read. While lighter than T. Jefferson Parker, Haskins explores similar themes.” 

I’d like to thank fellow author Beth Terrell-Hicks for tagging me to participate. Click the link below to find out about Beth’s Jared McKean Mysteries go to www.elizabethterrell.com .

In this particular hop, my fellow authors and I, in their respective blogs, have answered 10 questions where you get to learn about our current work in progress as well as some insights into our process, from characters and inspirations to plotting and cover decisions. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

My current release is Car Wash Blues, my next book, due in a few months, is Key West Latitude.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea for Car Wash Blues came from my following the drug war in Mexico for many years. I spent a lot of time in Tijuana, Mexico, and have friends there. I found a way, betrayal of trust, to bring one cartel to Key West, looking for Murphy and the second cartel tries to find Murphy to keep the first one from retrieving the $20 million it believes Murphy stole from them.

Key West Latitude is the follow up from Stairway to the Bottom. It’s a lot different from my other books – same characters in my series A Mick Murphy Key West Mystery – in that it begins outside Key West and in Norm’s voice (Norm being my secondary main character). When the story weaves its way back to Key West, Mick Murphy begins to tell it. It is also about friendship and what real friendship will endure.

3: What genre does your book come under?

Mystery/thriller. Today, I believe, both genres have overlapped.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Mick Murphy would need a Boston actor like Ben Affleck, or an unknown Boston actor like Affleck used to be. The accent has to be real. Norm, someone like Bruce Campbell from TV’s Burn Notice, Tita I’ve always imagined as either Cote de Pablo or Angie Harmon. Hopefully, they’ll fight over who gets the part!

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Car Wash Blues: The betrayal of trust amongst friends.

Key West Latitude: What real friendship will endure between those that share it.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Car Wash Blues is from Five Star, a traditional publisher.

Key West Latitude will be an eBook and a trade paperback on Amazon.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I usually spend a year per book from beginning to end. My eBooks go to an editor and cover designer. Once edited and cover designed, publication comes much quicker than a traditional publisher. It took almost two years for Car Wash Blues to be traditionally published. Stairway to the Bottom was edited, the cover designed and online for sale as an eBook and trade paperback on Amazon in less than six weeks. 

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

All my writing, including my shorts stories, have been written because I enjoy telling a story and by putting stories in writing, I reach a lot more than I would telling the same story over and over at one of the local watering holes. Hopefully, my books and short stories will be available long after I’ve gone.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?                                                         I’ve kept true to the island and city of Key West in my writing. People who have visited, and even locals, tell me that certain chapters reminds them of something or other about the bar or restaurant or street. If you’ve been to Key West, you know the locale I’m writing about and if you haven’t you might want to come after reading one of the books.

Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blogging, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on WIPs and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!

1.      Don Bruns – www.donbrunsbooks.com

2.      Deb Sharp – www.deborahsharp.com

3.      Fred Lichtenberg – www.fredlichtenberg.com

4.      Mel Jacob – www.neilduvall.com

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