Welcome to
THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF!
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About the Book
ISBN-10: 1984926691
ISBN-13: 978-1984926692
CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Paperback: 246 pages
March 3, 2018, $12.99
Genre: Mystery
Series: Beth Bowman Series
Also available in Kindle edition
Beth Bowman is a PI in Coral Lakes, FL who works with a homeless group. When one of them turns up brutally beaten to death, Beth feels obligated to become involved. She learns there is a group in town to demonstrate, Friends Intent on The Environment (FITE) who could be involved. Another murder occurs and evidence points to Dabba, one of Beth’s friends. Beth sets her sights on FITE as their demonstrations become more violent. Cloie Morales, the leader of FITE is a formidable adversary, causing Beth to reach deep inside herself.
Interview with the Author
What initially got you interested in writing?
That’s hard to answer, but I’m sure it starts with my lifelong love of reading. I don’t remember when it began, but it goes farther than my memory can trace. Also, I was blessed with teachers who insisted I write, not that I was thrilled with it at the time. Sometimes, it was a paper on a specific subject, and at other times, it allowed me to test my imagination. Usually mine came up in the B – C area—not for lack of story, but for grammar and spelling problems. I still have to stay on my toes for those two.
What genres do you write in?
Oh, me. Wherever my imagination takes my next story. My first effort was Young Adult, then I moved into Mystery. Wrote a few of those before taking on Historical Fiction, Thrillers, and even some shots at Fantasy. I guess you’d say I’m all over the place. Of course, that doesn’t count short stories. My latest, SAVING DABBA, is a mystery/thriller featuring Beth Bowman. She delves into the world of “professional” demonstrations.
What drew you to writing these specific genres?
I have to harken back to my reading habits. I read about everything except Romance and Sci-Fi, although I will slip in a Sci-Fi if it comes recommended high enough. I’m also a news junkie. So, my writing takes on a mix of the news-of-the-day and the genres I enjoy. The one thing that is consistent across all, though, is the “cleanliness” of my books. I see no need for gutter language in life or in literature, so I stay away from it. Also, blood and gore are absent from my writing.
How did you break into the field?
Nothing fancy about it. Writing the best books I can, sending out queries, attending conferences, meeting agents, editors, and other authors, joining Mystery Writers of America, performing volunteer work, etc. For many years, I was a key volunteer with SleuthFest, the conference sponsored by the Florida Chapter of MWA, including chairing it several years. I served on the board of FMWA and was its president. Through these efforts, my name and my writing became known. The one thing I didn’t do and cannot do is shove my books in the faces of prospective buyers, whether it be an agent, an editor, or a reader.
What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
My hope is that each and every reader will simply enjoy their time with me. If they find a smile along the way, that’s even better. I write for my enjoyment and for theirs. Since I pride myself on accuracy in those areas where fiction gets a boost from non-fiction, I love it if a reader learns from one of my stories. For example, my wife was kind enough to help me research the bra gun that Beth Bowman uses. The concept works.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
First and foremost, someone saying, “Randy, I enjoyed your book,” whether face-to-face or in a review or an Internet post. Yes, I admit it makes my ego swell. I also enjoy meeting readers at book signings, appearances, conferences, etc. And when someone says, “I read your book . . .” That’s rewarding.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
Accuracy and reality. As I said above, the non-fictional parts that appear in my books must be correct. I dig to make sure they are. The second aspect of that is putting my characters in “real” situations. I won’t have a hero or heroine “leap tall buildings in a single bound.” Not realistic. Not logical. My people function within a real world, perhaps stretched a bit for the sake of storyline, but one a reader can recognize.
What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
That’s the easiest question on the list. Read, read, and read, then read some more. Learn from the best. That does NOT mean copy. It means learn. Develop your own voice, your own style, but let the books you enjoy teach you.
What type of books do you enjoy reading?
Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Main Stream. About anything except Romance. But, no matter what the book is, I expect it to be well written and have gone through the torturous process of editing. I will not accept badly written books. There is no excuse for them.
Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you?
I was a career US Army officer and enjoyed it. I hope people will honor those who are currently keeping our country safe. It’s not about me, it’s about freedom.
What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work?
Email me (Please!) at RandyRawls89@gmail.com. I love to hear from people. Amazon has all my books. Some are out of print, but those are available as EBooks. And, of course, through this blog.
About the Author
Randy Rawls was born and reared in Williamston, North Carolina, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. From there, he says he inherited a sense of responsibility, a belief in fair play, and a love of country. As a career US Army officer, he had the opportunity to learn, travel, teach, and hone talents inherited from his parents. Following retirement, he worked in other ventures for the US Government. Every job has in some way been fun. Even the dark days of Vietnam had their light moments, and he cherishes the camaraderie that was an integral part of survival in that hostile world.
Today, he has short stories in several anthologies, and a growing list of novels to his credit. As a prolific reader, the reads across several genres and takes that into his writing. He has written mysteries, thrillers, an historical, and two fantasy/mystery/thrillers featuring a Santa Elf. The count is now at fourteen and growing. He is a regular contributor to Happy Homicides, a twice annual anthology of cozy short stories. He also has a series of short stories featuring a cattle-herding burro. Wherever his imagination will take him, he follows.
https://www.facebook.com/randy.rawls.315
Buy links for Saving Dabba
Buy link for Jingle and his Magnificent Seven:
