Interview & Book Giveaway: Steven James ♣ Author of 'The Queen'

Steven James is the author of the newly released Patrick Bowers Thriller 'The Queen'. Here is the book description:


While investigating a double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the Middle East.


In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a multi-layered storytelling tour de force that not only delivers pulse-pounding suspense but also deftly explores the rippling effects of the choices we make.

The Queen is a techno-thriller that will leave you breathless, offered by the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."

~♣~

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Steven! I'm pleased to have you here. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 


Ever since I was a child I’ve loved stories, but I never thought I could be a writer until I finally ventured out and started writing magazine articles back in 1996. I guess I’ve known all my life that I wanted to be a storyteller, I just never thought I would be able to make a living doing it.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?


I received my first book contract in 2000 and I guess I was 31 at the time. It seems like a lifetime ago! 

Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?


My novels usually take between six to ten months to complete. It really depends on the story, the length, the complexity, etc… I tend to write very involved, complex stories with lots of subplots and twists (because those are the kinds of stories I like) but it adds a lot of time on to the writing schedule. 

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?


Hmm . . . Good question. I recently bought a music stand so that I can stand and edit rather than sitting on my hind end all day long. So I will stand there with my noise-canceling headphones on, sometimes trying to balance on one leg just to make things interesting. Pretty weird to imagine, I know. But hey, you need to break things up and try to see what works for you personally.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?


I do a lot of research and fact-checking on my books. As far as ideas, I have no trouble with that. They come from life and from thinking hard about my stories all day long for months and months at a time. You just can’t help but come up with ideas when you are constantly asking yourself, “What would this character naturally do next?” and “How can I make things worse?”

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?


I learned that sharks are the only animals to have a scientifically-proven sixth sense. That was surprising. I write about it in The Rook.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?


I’ve written over thirty books now, including five novels. I would say my favorite nonfiction book is “Story” and my favorite novel so far is my latest one, “The Queen.” Or maybe “The Rook.” It’s hard to say.

What do you think makes a good story?


A compelling and empathetic character who is taken to the brink and then makes a discovery that changes his life.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?


I like to go trail running, play disc golf, rock climb, watch movies, hang out with my daughters and date my wife. 

What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?


My notebook, my pen, and my Cheetos.

Are you currently working on any new novels?


I’m actually in the middle of writing two novels, the prequel to the Bowers series—a dark and atmospheric novel, probably the most chilling one yet, called “Opening Moves.” And I’m starting a new series of thrillers, with the first book entitled “Placebo.”

Do you plan on writing more Patrick Bowers Thrillers?


In addition to “Opening Moves,” which I mentioned earlier, I am planning to write “The King” and then ”Checkmate.” After that, who knows. I might be convinced to bring Bowers back if enough people beg me to . . .

Where can we find you on the web? 

www.stevenjames.net and www.facebook.com/sjamesauthor

You can also follow my twitter feed at sjamesauthor. 

~♣~

Book Giveaway!

One winner will receive a SIGNED copy of 'The Queen'! USA residents only. To enter the giveaway use the Rafflecopter below (it might take a moment to load). There are two mandatory entries - follow via email & leave a blog post comment answering this question: Have you read any of the 'Patrick Bowers Thrillers? The rest are all optional! Many thanks to Steven James for this giveaway! Giveaway ends November 1st.

This giveaway is now closed!