| A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Author Interview: Andrew Nelson
by A.E. Albert
@aealbert23

Title: Perfect Pawn

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

What inspired you to write your first book?

When I wrote the original chapter of Perfect Pawn, back in 2000, It actually started out as a dare from my wife. Both of us are avid readers. One evening she commented that writing a book must be very hard. Silly me responded that I didn't believe it was.

My reason for this belief was that I'd just spent the last decade writing investigatory reports on criminal investigations. After the first dozen or so you looked for ways to keep the reader’s attention. The thesaurus and I became quick friends.

You also have to recall a lot of details from the scene. Writing for me is like watching a movie in my mind. I see the scene play out and then I write it. At the time, she encouraged me to continue writing, but then 9/11 occurred and our lives were thrown into upheaval for a few years.

How many books have you written?

I currently have three books out. My first book was Perfect Pawn. As I was writing the sequel, Queen’s Gambit, I decided to write a short story on a character I had in my mind at the time. It was intended to be a story that I would throw up on my website to carry readers over until the 2nd book was done.

I got about 30k words into it and gave it to my wife to proof. She fell in love with the main character, Alex Taylor, who was a 180 degree departure from the main character in Perfect Pawn, James Maguire. She politely insisted (read: demanded) that I expand the book, Small Town Secrets, to full length. While they are two different series, the main characters in each are from the same ‘world’ so there is a commonality between the two series.

Is there a message in your book and/or books?

I don’t think there is an underlying message in the storyline, but I certainly think there are messages that are incorporated in the characters. Some are subtle, while others are in your face. I write about things I personally know, from a world that I have lived in.

It is filled with flawed, imperfect people who need help. Some needs are physical, some are mental, while others are spiritual. But there is a reason for the messages, they are all plot driven. Some readers might not share the belief or idea, but I think that I have presented them in a way that will cause them to take pause and think about. At least that was my intent while writing it.

Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?

Yes, the one thing that cops have, are lots of true stories to draw from. Some are funny, most are sad, and a few others you even keep to yourself. But in the middle of that is a whole host of ideas and characters.

A lot of people have asked how much of Maguire is me and I say that he is a composite of myself along with several others I know. A lot of the situations, and locations he finds himself in, are based on things that happened in real life. This is true for some of the other characters as well. However, moving forward, the characters will definitely morph into new roles and relationships based on the unfolding storyline.

What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?

This is always an interesting question to me, because it is such an eclectic group. I have basically read and learned from the best. But to pin down a few of what I have really enjoyed: Tom Clancy (Patriot Games), Frank Herbert (Dune), Robert Parker (Night Passage), Robert Daly (Man with a Gun), Joseph Wambaugh (The Choirboys), George Lucas (Star Wars)

What has been your greatest challenge when writing?

Well, first and foremost, I would have to say I want to write a story that elicits a strong response from the readers. I’ve always thought of the plot line as a vehicle, and the characters as the drivers. You can have the greatest plot in the world, but without strong characters for you to connect with, it is going to be a boring ride.

The last thing I want is a lukewarm reader. You can love a character or hate a character, but I want there to be that emotion. It’s my goal to have you pick-up one of my books and the next time you look its two o’clock in the morning. I want it to be a struggle between reading the book all night and having to get up for work the next day.

What are you working on right now?

I just finished the rough version of the 3rd James Maguire novel. After the New Year I will be going back over it to tweak the story line a bit and add some additional dialog on some secondary characters. I’m about half way through the 2nd Alex Taylor novel, which I am very excited about. I have found that changing back and forth between the two different protagonists allows me to clear my mind between books and come back refreshed.

What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?

My biggest advice to aspiring authors is: Write! I know that may sound overly simplistic, but so many people have great ideas for stories and yet never put pen to paper. Will everyone love your work? No, but you’ll find your niche, if you persevere.

I have a copy of a letter that was written to Paul Hewson back in 1979 from an executive at RSO Records. They informed him that the demo tape he sent was ‘not suitable’ for their company. I don’t know what the record executive over at RSO is doing these days, but I certainly know what Hewson is doing, although most probably know him as Bono from the group U2, is doing. Imagine what would have happened if he had taken that rejection to heart!

About Andrew G. Nelson

Andrew G. Nelson is a twenty-two year law enforcement veteran and a graduate of the State University of New York. He served twenty years with the New York City Police Department, achieving the rank of sergeant before retiring in 2005. He is the author of the James Maguire series (Perfect Pawn & Queen’s Gambit) and the Alex Taylor series (Small Town Secrets).

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