A quote widely (but perhaps erroneously) attributed to Albert Einstein: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results. The truth is most of us do change, modify, adapt, whether it is intentional and measured or simply happens out of necessity. As we age, our bodies can no longer do the things we used to do, in spite of medications, exercises, and all methods of denying natural laws.

I have attended the OWFI writers conference for several years, was former president of KWA, and was a speaker at the Kansas Authors Club conference. I am co-host of Tikiman and the Viking Podcast. This is not intended to be a resume or a job interview. The point is that I am not Thomas Chatterton sitting in an attic garret and working painfully alone.

I recently had the opportunity to go to VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE. I do enjoy museums greatly and am not typically into high-tech exhibitions such as this. However, given the nature of the artist himself, I quickly understood what it was like to be him and to gather more understanding of his nature both as a person and an artist.

I signed my first contract with The Wild Rose Press in 2016 and my first book with them was “Ark City Confidential” which was released in January 2017. My first editor with them was Cindy Davis. I had two prior books released through another small press which is now defunct and those books are out of print. I worked with an editor then as well; she was pleasant and efficient but nothing like Cindy.

Such an amazing opportunity to have my main character interviewed.

Harold has two leads: an English gentleman the bank vice-president encountered and a unique phrase: ‘vulgar tin mouse.’ The late afternoon and a weariness approached about the same time. My resolve still held strong but the mental energy I expended thus far drove me to feel tired beyond measure. My final visit of the day to the library rejuvenated me, especially when Karla seemed giddy with excitement.

I have jokingly commented in the past that book trailers and character videos are the primary way I am using the degree in filmmaking I earned at the University of Miami. Given the fact that we used WWII Arriflex cameras and large editing boards, I might be overstepping my credentials. However, what I am using are the tools available to me now as well as the concepts of a good film to present information in a creative and visual fashion.

While working as an investigator for an insurance agency, Harold is approached to help a friend of his boss, the vice-president of a bank, who has somehow lost a day and a half of his life. “This past Friday, the thirteenth, I vaguely recall leaving work.” “I don’t understand, Mr. Johnson.” “I spoke with my secretary, Mrs. Juliet Gallison, around three in the afternoon.

When I was younger, in college, in my so-called salad days, or even in the beginnings of my creative re-emergence in Boston in the early 90’s, I could never have imagined writing novels in a series. I dabbled in contemporary crime fiction until discussions with my wife’s late uncle made me realize the rich history of small-town America in terms of criminal activity.

Harold’s case involves locating someone described only as a rich old lady’s confidant. He starts his research by inquiring at his old stomping grounds: the police station. A quick stop by the main police station was worth the possibility of any indirect information about Art Stover. Melvin Bronsky held down the fort. He enjoyed the extra shifts as a desk sergeant because of his five children.

YouTube video by hbtikiman

It’s been quite some time since I sent a query to an agent using the mail and providing an SASE. (For those too young to remember, that stood for Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope. Basically, you were providing the means for an agent to respond negatively to you…at your cost!) I can joke about growing up with a black rotary phone or how my first PORTABLE typewriter weighed as much as a bowling ball bag.