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Monday, September 26, 2011

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

The Queen: A Patrick Bowers Thriller (The Bowers Files)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. 


The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files, #1)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! 

The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files, #2)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?”



The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files, #3)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. 

The Bishop (The Patrick Bowers Files, #4)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? 
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!

20 comments:

  1. I do follow your blog and am subscribed to your blog by email as well. I have read The Pawn and The Rook and loved them both. Steven James is a wonderful suspense author- one of my absolute favorites- I need to hurry up and catch up and read The Knight and The Bishop! But they are on my TBR list. Thanks! ihhcheryl(at)comcast(dot)net

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  2. What a great blog! Glad I found it using Book Blogs! Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome book!
    Allizabeth88@aol.com

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  3. These books are simply fascinating I like the chess like titles!great interview I never thought sharks have six sense O_O

    kimyunalesca(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. No, I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of these books before, but I would love to rectify that situation by reading this book!!

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  5. Have you read any of the 'Patrick Bowers Thrillers? I have not but I have had them on my TBR list for some time and I look forward to reading them. They sound amazing, especially after reading this blog.

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  6. I haven't read them yet, but they are next on my bookshelf. I have all of them, except Queen. I love Christian mysteries/suspense/thrillers. I can't wait to start reading these.

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  7. I have all of these on my to-read list. My husband is an avid chess player so just the titles caught my attention when I spotted them in Crossings book club. Looking forward to reading the entire series.

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  8. I haven't read any of these books, but I've read a lot of reviews on them and they sound so good!

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  9. Ihhcheryl - I totally agree! Steven James is definitely one of my favorite authors!

    Crystal - I really enjoyed reading them (especially 'The Queen')

    Everyone else - Thanks so much for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!

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  10. ...following on GFC as Hey Karrieann

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  11. Have you read any of the 'Patrick Bowers Thrillers? No, I have not had the pleasure yet.

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  12. No, I have not gotten a chance to read any of the books. They sound good and I look forward to reading the series. Thanks for the giveaway.

    GFC- Christine A.
    your1chef at aol dot com

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  13. Not yet..but they sound great!

    Thanks!

    katierox4you@yahoo.com

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  14. No, I haven't. In fact, he is a new author to me. But this is one of my most favorite genres so I am excited to be introduced to his books.

    Thank you for this giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  15. I have never read any of his books, but my teen daughter loves reading thrillers and suspense type genre. So she'd love it if I won thanks.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  16. I have not read any Patrick Bowers thrillers, but I love a good book.

    Tara H
    minkynopants@hotmail.com

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