Mark Love
What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? Read! Seriously, I’ve been hooked on books since I was a kid, starting out with Hardy Boys adventures. I read about a book each week, unless it’s one of Stephen King’s gigantic tomes that go beyond 700 pages. That takes me a bit more time.
If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself? Wow, that’s a great question. I’d probably encourage my younger self to write more and see where those stories take me. That could have led to a different educational path and even more adventures for me and my characters.
For what are you grateful? My family, first and foremost. I’ve been married for over thirty years to my sweetheart and we’ve raised two remarkable young men together. My working life has led me to several unusual careers, which in turn has provided many great stories and experiences. That includes the chance to teach at the local college, which I’m really enjoying.
At what age were you the happiest? What triggered such joy? Probably in my early thirties. That’s when the kids came into the picture. Seeing life through their eyes and their activities was precious. Recalling some of their youthful stunts always makes me smile.
What is the number one lie you tell yourself? How is that working out? That I’m a good cook. I don’t complain when it’s my turn in the kitchen. There are a few specialty dishes I make that always turn out well, but I’m a long way from being proficient in the culinary department. At least, I haven’t burned the place down yet!!
Now about you as an author…
What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? As an avid reader, I quickly grew bored with the Hardy Boys and similar stories. Mysteries always appealed to me, but I could never get into the Agatha Christie books. In my early teens, I discovered John D. MacDonald, who created the Travis McGee series, along with a number of other novels. McGee was not your typical hero, but one I could identify with. From there it was Elmore Leonard with his crime stories. Then I shifted gears and discovered Stephen King, John Sandford, Joseph Wambaugh and so many others.
Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer? (teacher, family member, friend)
I went to Catholic schools, both elementary and high school. (I’ll pause here for you to express your sympathies!) There was a nun in elementary school who taught English. One day the homework was to write a short story. Afterwards, she said, “You’re pretty good at making things up.” I hoped that was in reference to the assignment. There was also a creative writing professor in college who encouraged me to submit short stories to a literary magazine. There was a young lady in college who knew I loved to read. She gave me a book that she enjoyed. Thirty pages in, I figured out who done it and why, but I kept reading to see if I was right. Turned out I was. When I gave it back to her and told her that, she scowled and said “if you’re so damned smart, why don’t you write one?” I had to take her up on that challenge. (Wonder whatever happened to her…)
What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite? Writing dialogue between my characters is absolutely my favorite thing to do. It gives me the opportunity to convey all the emotions that the scene may warrant, whether it’s serious, tense, humorous or sarcastic. Getting the dialogue right is vital to the story. It’s got to be true for the character. Not everyone speaks in complete sentences. When it comes together, it’s a kick to sit back, reread that passage and think to myself ‘damn, that was good!’ My least favorite aspect is marketing. I know it’s essential, but it takes me away from the actual writing of the stories.
What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on? Editing. It’s a necessary evil, but it can be difficult, especially if you’re in the process of reading over the manuscript for the fifth or sixth time. I think it’s better to walk away from the story for a week or two, then come back with fresh eyes.
Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? Music. There’s gotta be music. It’s essential to life. I cannot work in silence, it’s too distracting. I’m all over the board with music, (no rap, country or opera). Sometimes the music helps set the pace. If it’s an action scene, there is a good bet rock and roll is playing. For romance, I’ll dial up something smooth, like Sinatra, or Marvin Gaye.
Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books? All of my stories take place in Michigan. The Jamie Richmond novels are set in the Detroit area. “Stealing Haven” happens in South Haven, a resort area on the shore of Lake Michigan. I prefer to use locations that are real and familiar to me. Oftentimes a reader will recognize a landmark and can related to it in the story.
If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself? Wow, that’s a great question. I’d probably encourage my younger self to write more and see where those stories take me. That could have led to a different educational path and even more adventures for me and my characters.
For what are you grateful? My family, first and foremost. I’ve been married for over thirty years to my sweetheart and we’ve raised two remarkable young men together. My working life has led me to several unusual careers, which in turn has provided many great stories and experiences. That includes the chance to teach at the local college, which I’m really enjoying.
At what age were you the happiest? What triggered such joy? Probably in my early thirties. That’s when the kids came into the picture. Seeing life through their eyes and their activities was precious. Recalling some of their youthful stunts always makes me smile.
What is the number one lie you tell yourself? How is that working out? That I’m a good cook. I don’t complain when it’s my turn in the kitchen. There are a few specialty dishes I make that always turn out well, but I’m a long way from being proficient in the culinary department. At least, I haven’t burned the place down yet!!
Now about you as an author…
What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? As an avid reader, I quickly grew bored with the Hardy Boys and similar stories. Mysteries always appealed to me, but I could never get into the Agatha Christie books. In my early teens, I discovered John D. MacDonald, who created the Travis McGee series, along with a number of other novels. McGee was not your typical hero, but one I could identify with. From there it was Elmore Leonard with his crime stories. Then I shifted gears and discovered Stephen King, John Sandford, Joseph Wambaugh and so many others.
Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer? (teacher, family member, friend)
I went to Catholic schools, both elementary and high school. (I’ll pause here for you to express your sympathies!) There was a nun in elementary school who taught English. One day the homework was to write a short story. Afterwards, she said, “You’re pretty good at making things up.” I hoped that was in reference to the assignment. There was also a creative writing professor in college who encouraged me to submit short stories to a literary magazine. There was a young lady in college who knew I loved to read. She gave me a book that she enjoyed. Thirty pages in, I figured out who done it and why, but I kept reading to see if I was right. Turned out I was. When I gave it back to her and told her that, she scowled and said “if you’re so damned smart, why don’t you write one?” I had to take her up on that challenge. (Wonder whatever happened to her…)
What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite? Writing dialogue between my characters is absolutely my favorite thing to do. It gives me the opportunity to convey all the emotions that the scene may warrant, whether it’s serious, tense, humorous or sarcastic. Getting the dialogue right is vital to the story. It’s got to be true for the character. Not everyone speaks in complete sentences. When it comes together, it’s a kick to sit back, reread that passage and think to myself ‘damn, that was good!’ My least favorite aspect is marketing. I know it’s essential, but it takes me away from the actual writing of the stories.
What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on? Editing. It’s a necessary evil, but it can be difficult, especially if you’re in the process of reading over the manuscript for the fifth or sixth time. I think it’s better to walk away from the story for a week or two, then come back with fresh eyes.
Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? Music. There’s gotta be music. It’s essential to life. I cannot work in silence, it’s too distracting. I’m all over the board with music, (no rap, country or opera). Sometimes the music helps set the pace. If it’s an action scene, there is a good bet rock and roll is playing. For romance, I’ll dial up something smooth, like Sinatra, or Marvin Gaye.
Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books? All of my stories take place in Michigan. The Jamie Richmond novels are set in the Detroit area. “Stealing Haven” happens in South Haven, a resort area on the shore of Lake Michigan. I prefer to use locations that are real and familiar to me. Oftentimes a reader will recognize a landmark and can related to it in the story.
BLURB:
Doing a favor for an old friend. What could possibly go wrong??
It was supposed to be one simple favor. Randy was the nice, charming guy who drew Jamie into a steamy romance, two years ago, during her vacation. Now he’s in town, nudging her curiosity with the request for some help. What could possibly go wrong?
Jamie’s skills as an investigative reporter made for a smooth transition to writing mysteries. And Randy’s request seemed harmless enough. Doing a favor for a friend is really no big deal. But things are rarely as they appear when Jamie starts digging. When she uncovers the answers for Randy, she’s faced with another request for a favor. Who knew she could be so popular? Now Jamie’s spending her time, chasing after favors.
While researching Randy’s situation, Jamie stumbles upon something that doesn’t seem quite right. Most people would just ignore it. Or chalk it up to a coincidence. But Jamie’s never been a believer in those. Sensing there is something more going on in the background, Jamie becomes determined to figure it out. And if she’s right, she intends on stopping the bad guys in their tracks.
CHASING FAVORS features the beautiful redhead whose nose for trouble has her stumbling into police business. Mark Love’s series is perfect for fans of the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs or Diane Capri’s Michael Flint series, where solving a mystery and danger abound. Even though you can read Chasing Favors as a standalone, why would you? Especially when following Jamie through her romance and adventures will entertain you through the night.
Doing a favor for an old friend. What could possibly go wrong??
It was supposed to be one simple favor. Randy was the nice, charming guy who drew Jamie into a steamy romance, two years ago, during her vacation. Now he’s in town, nudging her curiosity with the request for some help. What could possibly go wrong?
Jamie’s skills as an investigative reporter made for a smooth transition to writing mysteries. And Randy’s request seemed harmless enough. Doing a favor for a friend is really no big deal. But things are rarely as they appear when Jamie starts digging. When she uncovers the answers for Randy, she’s faced with another request for a favor. Who knew she could be so popular? Now Jamie’s spending her time, chasing after favors.
While researching Randy’s situation, Jamie stumbles upon something that doesn’t seem quite right. Most people would just ignore it. Or chalk it up to a coincidence. But Jamie’s never been a believer in those. Sensing there is something more going on in the background, Jamie becomes determined to figure it out. And if she’s right, she intends on stopping the bad guys in their tracks.
CHASING FAVORS features the beautiful redhead whose nose for trouble has her stumbling into police business. Mark Love’s series is perfect for fans of the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs or Diane Capri’s Michael Flint series, where solving a mystery and danger abound. Even though you can read Chasing Favors as a standalone, why would you? Especially when following Jamie through her romance and adventures will entertain you through the night.
What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? Rule number one: Never stop writing. Rule number two: Listen to your publisher and editors. Take their suggestions into consideration. They are probably smarter than you are. Rule number three: Share your efforts and successes with others who are interested in writing. I don’t have any secrets about the work. Rule number four: See rule number one.
Tell us about your latest release: (blurb, excerpt, cover)
How far would you go to achieve the goal of your dreams?
All Nicholas Burr wants to do is traditionally publish a mystery novel. Sure, he’s had some success as a ghost writer for a young adult series, but that’s not the same.
It’s not even close.
Camille, his long-suffering wife, has had enough. She’s tired of being the bread winner. Tired of listening to him prattle on about his next project. Tired of…him.
Nicholas Burr is desperate. Would he do something rash? Something unexpected?
Something so outrageous it would get everyone’s attention.
Yet if there’s one thing he knows, it’s that he must follow the rules.
EXCERPT: Nicholas Burr would never forget the first time he wanted to kill his wife.
He didn’t picture himself as a violent man, but sometimes, things just spun out of control. And once set in motion, such a thing can be difficult to stop.
Who could ever really say what triggered it? Perhaps it was something unrelated, like how the clouds hung low and blocked the sunlight. Nicholas sniffed the air, studying the row of small townhouses facing the street, two dozen identical soldiers standing at attention. He could smell smoke. Twenty-four different dwellings, each one the same: a narrow, solitary bedroom with a bath the size of a cracker box and a living room that would fit in your back pocket. Yet, one positive feature was a fully functioning gas fireplace ideal for taking the chill off on those wintry Michigan nights.
Nicholas stopped on the porch and sniffed again. Yes, it was definitely smoke. Someone was burning paper. He turned the key and limped inside. The apartment was dark, the shades drawn. His eyes landed on the fireplace. It was glowing as he pushed the door shut. Why would Camille have a fire today? It was April and almost sixty degrees outside.
"What's burning?"
"Sure as hell isn't me." Camille's voice came from the corner of the room where they kept the few liquor bottles and the cabinet with his manuscripts.
How did you decide on your story plot? I start out with a basic idea of a conflict. Then it’s a matter of selecting the main characters, putting them into the situation and letting them go. Despite the efforts of the good nuns in school, I can’t work with an outline. It’s too restrictive.
Do you have a favorite scene? Why? There is a favorite scene in each story I write. A favorite scene from Rules of Desperation is when two detectives are assigned the missing person's case, which is brought to their attention by Camille's boss. Sergeant Pruest remarks that it's odd that her husband Nicholas Burr never reported her missing. Woodson replies "If your old lady vanished, you'd be doing the Electric Slide down Telegraph Road in the middle of rush hour."
Tell us about your latest release: (blurb, excerpt, cover)
How far would you go to achieve the goal of your dreams?
All Nicholas Burr wants to do is traditionally publish a mystery novel. Sure, he’s had some success as a ghost writer for a young adult series, but that’s not the same.
It’s not even close.
Camille, his long-suffering wife, has had enough. She’s tired of being the bread winner. Tired of listening to him prattle on about his next project. Tired of…him.
Nicholas Burr is desperate. Would he do something rash? Something unexpected?
Something so outrageous it would get everyone’s attention.
Yet if there’s one thing he knows, it’s that he must follow the rules.
EXCERPT: Nicholas Burr would never forget the first time he wanted to kill his wife.
He didn’t picture himself as a violent man, but sometimes, things just spun out of control. And once set in motion, such a thing can be difficult to stop.
Who could ever really say what triggered it? Perhaps it was something unrelated, like how the clouds hung low and blocked the sunlight. Nicholas sniffed the air, studying the row of small townhouses facing the street, two dozen identical soldiers standing at attention. He could smell smoke. Twenty-four different dwellings, each one the same: a narrow, solitary bedroom with a bath the size of a cracker box and a living room that would fit in your back pocket. Yet, one positive feature was a fully functioning gas fireplace ideal for taking the chill off on those wintry Michigan nights.
Nicholas stopped on the porch and sniffed again. Yes, it was definitely smoke. Someone was burning paper. He turned the key and limped inside. The apartment was dark, the shades drawn. His eyes landed on the fireplace. It was glowing as he pushed the door shut. Why would Camille have a fire today? It was April and almost sixty degrees outside.
"What's burning?"
"Sure as hell isn't me." Camille's voice came from the corner of the room where they kept the few liquor bottles and the cabinet with his manuscripts.
How did you decide on your story plot? I start out with a basic idea of a conflict. Then it’s a matter of selecting the main characters, putting them into the situation and letting them go. Despite the efforts of the good nuns in school, I can’t work with an outline. It’s too restrictive.
Do you have a favorite scene? Why? There is a favorite scene in each story I write. A favorite scene from Rules of Desperation is when two detectives are assigned the missing person's case, which is brought to their attention by Camille's boss. Sergeant Pruest remarks that it's odd that her husband Nicholas Burr never reported her missing. Woodson replies "If your old lady vanished, you'd be doing the Electric Slide down Telegraph Road in the middle of rush hour."
