The idea came from a short story that I had written years before but had never tried to get published. Of course, by the time the final draft of the mystery was finished, the plot was not like the short story whatsoever.

Bentley Turner – 26 March 2021

The Back Flap

In this suspenseful thriller, Thomas Marks, a young, intelligent man, admits to being with both women just before they were murdered. Though investigators don’t believe him, he claims to be innocent. The only problem is none of the evidence corroborates his story nor confirms the guilt of anyone else. When another suspect surfaces, Thomas thinks he’s in the clear, but appearances can’t always be trusted. Will an arrest stick? Find out in this mystery mayhem of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

About the book

When did you start writing the book? 

I started writing it years ago. 

How long did it take you to write it? 

As I mentioned, I started writing it years ago.  After the first two or three drafts, I put it away for two or three years.  Then I went back to it and worked on it off and on some more.  To make a long answer short―years.

Where did you get the idea from? 

The idea came from a short story that I had written years before but had never tried to get published.  Of course, by the time the final draft of the mystery was finished, the plot was not like the short story whatsoever.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled? 

Yes.  I wrote draft after draft in an effort to flesh out the characters and improve the plot.

What came easily? 

Perhaps the names of the characters and their personalities.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know? 

None of the characters are borrowed from actual people I know.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you? 

I have read numerous mysteries as well as other genres over the years.  Although I read certain writers, especially today, I don’t necessarily think any particular writer has influenced my writing.  Of course, I try to remember what I was taught years ago.

Do you have a target reader? 

Well, The File on Thomas Marks is aimed toward adults who enjoy reading police procedurals and other mysteries.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Sometimes an idea comes to me (unfortunately, ideas for fiction don’t come to me as often as they used to) and I try to get it on paper as soon as I can.  Then I’ll go over the draft again and again, trying to improve it each time.  Then I’ll leave it for awhile and do something else.  When I return to it, I’ll go over it again, trying to improve it.  Depending on how long the piece is, I may take weeks, months, or one or two years before I’m satisfied with it.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences? 

Sometimes I’ll work with an outline.  Most of the time I’ll make a list of the characters’ names and what each does and describe the plot in one or more paragraphs.  Then I’ll start writing the first draft.  By the time I’m finished with the final draft, the work will have changed considerably.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished? 

Most of the time I’ll wait until I’m finished with at least a chapter or several chapters before I start editing.   

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping? 

I seldom listen to music when I’m trying to write.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents? 

I submitted my first mystery to several large and smaller publishers before it was finally accepted.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process? 

It was not necessarily a conscious decision on my part.  I merely tried to find a publisher that published mysteries, no matter whether the publisher was large or small.  Of course, the publisher had to offer a contract that was satisfactory.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself? 

The publisher was responsible for it.  I provided one or two suggestions.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it? 

I have a plan, but so does the publisher.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors? 

I would not necessarily encourage any writer to try publishing a book and selling it.  Although some may find both appealing, I prefer sending my work to a publisher that understands both.

About You

Where did you grow up? 

In a small town on the Ohio River, not far from Cincinnati.

Where do you live now? 

I live in Tennessee.

What would you like readers to know about you? 

I hope they find my mystery a worthwhile read.

What are you working on now? 

An espionage thriller that is based―at least, partly―on fact.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The File on Thomas Marks from Amazon US or Amazon UK.