I look at my book as a movie being produced by me and place each scene as such.
LINK – 18 June 2020
The Back Flap
City Detective, Sergeant James Jordan, experiences tragic, adversity and turmoil as his life revolves around a fast pace investigation. To add insult to his injuries, Jordan is assigned to a partner who is less than colorful in his ethics as a police officer. The two detectives of Cuyahoga Police Department (CPD) couldn’t be more different. Jordan is a fast tracker in the department and has ambitions of being more than a police detective. He’s looked upon as the pillar of his community and protector of the weak. Jordan’s partner is cocky, slovenly and set in his ways of doing things. In spite of their differences, this dynamic dual work together to bring down a local syndicates in the City of Cleveland. As the investigation matures, intricate parties become ally’s and love ones become collateral damage. Ethics versus politics evolves an alter ego in Jordan. He must change his way of thinking to bring these criminals to justice or lose his most precious possession. Will Jordan be his community’s keeper or just another “Shield” on a shelf?
About The Book
What is the book about?
My book titled My Brothers Shield reflects on the story of a city detective who’s full of ambition and experiencing turmoil at the same time. He’s further tasked with a major homicide case, which leads to corruption.
When did you start writing the book?
January 2019.
How long did it take you to write it?
About 12 months.
Where did you get the idea from?
Real life experiences as an undercover officer. Because these were true events which I had detailed information about, it was easy to build a storyline for my book.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I had no struggle in composing the book. I look at my book as a movie being produced by me and place each scene as such.
What came easily?
Choosing what scenarios went into my book. I had a lot to choose from.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
All characters are real.
Do you have a target reader?
People who are open-minded to stories about “REAL” Police and their families.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I have no specific writing process. Just reflected stories from my career, which is told by my inner-voice and written onto paper.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I use chapter headings and let my mind create the story from there. My book is not only structured by chapters, but each chapter has a title.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I would edit after each chapter. Sometimes after each four pages.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No. Music would distract me.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes. I submitted my project to “Dove and Dragon Publishing”. My publisher, Melisa Ruscsak is a talented icon who’s pushed my writing to a newer level. After she read the first three chapters, I was advised a few pointers that helped my writing flow.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Because of the nature of the book, My publisher felt Indie would be the way to get potential readers. Which was great idea, because I can now formed a great relationships with a noble company. I feel the indie world is strong support force to have in your corner.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professional.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Some self marketing is definitely into play, but I am open to any assistance.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Spend the money investing in a good editor and book designer, if you don’t have one on your team. I am fortunate to have Melissa Ruscsak, Dove and Dragon Publishing, on my side.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Cleveland, OH.
Where do you live now?
Nevada.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m a down to earth person from the inner-city of Cleveland, who used his athleticism to persevere his life obstacles and achieve higher learning. My small accomplishments lead to bigger ones as my life matured. I love to laugh and love to make people laugh because laughter truly is the best medicine. However, I’m very direct and fair when getting my point across. I chose law enforcement in the ladder of my career, because it was the mission void when I could no longer play football.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the sequel to my current book.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of My Brother’s Shield from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
The author LINK, being a first author wrote a book of equal action and sexuality. I was able to visualize each scene and I didn’t want to put his book down.
“My Brother’s Shield” is a book made for a movie. Great authorship for a first timer
After reading the book, “My Brother’s Shield”, I found him to have relationship with his readers while telling his story. The book illustrated knowledge about Ohio as well as action. It was a good read. I would recommend it for sure!
I truly loved the book and I can’t wait to read the second book since the author left such a great cliffhanger! And this book truly did describe the people he portrayed his Characters after. Such as Tyler being The real Agent-257 and Duncan (my character) being an Attorney, and his describing the ODI squad room in Warrensville, OH. So I’m very proud of the author/ former agent !!!