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.