Interview with Author Mark Love #hot_seat #Fleeing_Beauty

Hello and welcome to my blog.  I’m so excited to have you here today. I know that the readers are looking forward to learning more about you.  Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Mark Love (yes, that’s really my name). I lived for many years in the metropolitan Detroit area, where crime and corruption are always prevalent.  Among other jobs, I worked as a freelance reporter, which was great training for writing fiction.  I have three mysteries published in the Jamie Richmond series, “Devious” “Vanishing Act” and “Fleeing Beauty” and several short stories.

I live in west Michigan with my wife, Kim. I enjoy a wide variety of music, books, cooking and the great outdoors. Currently I’m working on several other novels.

​The Jamie Richmond books are a wonderful read. I love the police action and romance between Jamie and her investigator boyfriend. Now onto some fun questions!
If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be and why? 
Peaceful acceptance of others. It shouldn’t matter what we look like, what religion we believe in, what our sexual orientation is or what culture we’re from. Embrace the global differences and views. Imagine what our world would be like if that was possible.

If you knew the exact date of your death down to the minute, what would you change about your life starting tomorrow?
Well, depending on how much time I’ve got left, I’d break out the maps and figure out where I want to travel to. I’ve heard about some incredible parts of this world that seem to beckon me. I’d start with the Amalfi Coast of Italy and go from there.  And I’d sign up for dance lessons!

When was the last time you felt alive? I mean really alive!
Two years ago I went to Japan for my oldest son’s wedding. Experiencing that beautiful country and the people was amazing. But seeing what an incredible young man my son has become left me speechless. (Pretty bad for a writer!) Watching the ceremonies, his interactions with my daughter-in-law and her family, was a form of validation of my life. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.

When was the last time you helped someone that was desperately in need? What did you do? Was this person grateful?
One of my neighbor’s has a son-in-law who has been struggling to get his life on track. He’s found a house to rent and wants to make a home for him and his children. I’ve offered to help him move and will be giving him some extra furniture we have.  He’s very grateful.

What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?
Last Man Standing.  We don’t watch many sitcoms.  Something about Tim Allen’s characters just resonates with me. 

Could it be because he's a Michigan actor? What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love to read. Getting lost in a good book is almost therapeutic.  That and a good glass of wine!

Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author.
Did you always want to be an author?
Yes, since I was a kid I was always intrigued with a good story.  I wrote a little bit in high school, but never thought I’d ever write a complete novel, let alone get one published.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?
I’m a mystery junkie. I read a lot of John D. MacDonald as a kid. When I got older, my tastes expanded. I was drawn to the great ones like Elmore Leonard and Stephen King.  Now I’ll grab Lee Child, John Sandford, james Rollins and Greg Iles every chance I get.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?
Gotta have music. I can’t work in silence, it drives me crazy.  And I can’t work with an outline, no matter how many times I try. I must have that freedom to create good characters and just turn them loose.

I'm a silence person... funny how that goes. What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?
That writing a novel is only half the game. You need to promote, to draw people to your tales. My creative time is limited due to other commitments. I’d rather work on a revision than do promotions, but it’s a necessary part of the business. 

Tell us about your latest release: (blurb, excerpt, cover)

FLEEING BEAUTY
A discovery of priceless artwork leads Jamie on a collision course with danger.

Jamie Richmond used to live a nice, quiet life. But last fall she witnessed the shooting of a police officer and figured out who did it. Then this winter saw her best friend targeted by a stalker and kidnapped. Yep, Jamie solved that one and came to the rescue. Now it’s summertime and the living is supposed to be easy. All she wants to do is write her novels and spend free time with Malone, the guy who has been by her side since all this craziness began. But that’s not likely to happen.

Jamie’s father was a very successful sculptor who tragically died more than twenty years ago when she was just a child. What she remembers about him is little more than bits and pieces. A storeroom filled with crates of his work is discovered in an old converted factory. This potential fortune in artwork has been waiting all these years.

Jamie recruits Malone and a few close friends to help her unpack the crates and bring her father’s gifts out to the light of day. News of this discovery leads to a robbery. Now Jamie is determined to figure out who is behind the crime.
 
Excerpt:
In a different century, Malone could have been a cowboy. He’s a little shy of six feet tall, with a wiry, muscular body. His dark hair is a perfect complement to the most incredible blue eyes I’ve ever stared into. I always think of the color cobalt when I see them. Malone’s got this disarming, calm quality about him that will occasionally slip to reveal the mischief brewing inside. Tonight was a perfect example. He didn’t say a word as he got to the picnic table. Malone just reached down and lifted me from the bench. Then his lips were on mine, surprising me with his intensity.

What’s a girl to do?

Malone wrapped me in his arms, pressing me tightly against his body. The feel of his muscular chest and arms was quickly getting me aroused. Still too busy kissing me to speak, Malone’s hands found my waist. Now he lifted me off my feet and placed me on top of the picnic table. But not before he managed to work the shorts off my hips. My legs were dangling off the end of the table. His lips moved to my neck and he began to nibble me.

“We have a very comfortable bed inside,” I managed to say.

“I’m in the mood for a little moonlight madness.”

The way he was kissing me was driving me mad. I reached for his belt, but he brushed my hands away. As Malone was sucking on my earlobe, I heard his zipper slide down. He cupped my head with his left hand and eased me onto my back. I reached up to caress his face. Malone caught my wrist in his free hand and moved it above my head. Holding both of my arms above me, I felt him enter me.
 
How did you decide on your story plot?
I usually start with a basic idea and sketch it out. Then I’ll try a few subplots, to see what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes it all comes together quickly.  Sometimes I’ll get ten thousand words into a story and realize it’s just not coming together. So it’s back to the beginning.

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story?
I use the Metro Detroit area for most of my stories. It where I’m from and after more than forty years there, I know the area well. I always incorporate landmarks and people you might recognize if you’re from the area or visiting it.  Names are important to me. Often I’ll use a name that might give you a clue as to how the character will behave.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?
In “Vanishing Act” there’s a scene where Jamie and Linda go to a friend’s house to learn how pole dancing is an exercise program.  I interviewed a fitness instructor for a minor character in the book and she admitted this was something she did. The most important instruction she gives every group of women is “you will always end up on the floor. Just remember to get up sexy!”  She read the scene after I wrote it and claimed it was perfect. 

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?
Malone. He’s a stand up guy who does his best to keep up with Jamie. He can be adventurous and spontaneous, which is a good balance for Jamie.

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you…
https://www.facebook.com/MarkLoveAuthor
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009P7HVZQ
https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
http://motownmysteries.blogspot.com/
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Thank you Mark for stopping by! I hope readers will check out Fleeing Beauty! Here's where they can pick it up! And don't forget to leave a review... reviews are like water to an author's soul....
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