About the book

What is the book about?

The Collectors is the third book in the Chance Cormac legal thriller series. Chance is retained by a client who  claims he has been the victim of art fraud. Chance’s former investigator, Damian, gets caught up in the dangerous black market of human organs in Costa Rica.

When did you start writing the book?

2024

How long did it take you to write it?

One year.

Where did you get the idea from?

Cases and articles regarding fraud in the sale of forged art. Articles about organ transplants  from patients who have not died.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Chance’s personal and professional crisis. His loss of faith in the legal system and loss of his first love, Sally.

What came easily?

Dialogue between the characters. By the third book, they speak for themselves.

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

My characters are all fictitious but they are based upon my experience as a courtroom attorney.

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?

Yes. Michael Connelly, Elmore Leonard, and Cormac McCarthy.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes. Adults who enjoy legal thrillers and surprising twists.

About Writing

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

Yes. I normally write every morning for four hours. Then I will edit throughout the day. I send the manuscript each evening to my editor, who returns it to me overnight with her comments.

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

No.

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

I continuously edit each day.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes. Barbara Ellis is a gifted editor who has edited all of my books.

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

Yes. I have a playlist I use for practicing when I play the drums. Mostly classic rock with strong percussion.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes

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

No publishing house offered to publish my books.

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

Covers have been professionally done.

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

I have marketing plans. Sakshi Bagai does my social media and Amazon marketing. I am using Books Forward to do PR for The Collectors. I have received numerous awards for my first two published books

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

Amazon KDP is the most user-friendly way to self-publish. There are algorithms that determine keyword placement based upon reviews and sales. Social media is the best way to drive sales on Amazon.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Garden City, Long Island, NY

Where do you live now?

Ridgefield , CT

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am the author of three Chance Cormac legal thrillers: Facts Are Stubborn Things, Punch Line and The Collectors.  They can be purchased on Amazon.

What are you working on now?

The fourth Chance Cormac novel, Against All Odds, will be published in 2026. A pilot script for a TV show based upon the Chance Cormac series, titled Brooklyn Law, is being considered for production.