MLC: Do you remember the first mystery you ever read? If so, what was it, and what pulled you into it?
AUTHOR: I don’t remember whether it was the first mystery I ever read, but I, the Jury, by Mickey Spillane stands out in my mind. It was a world of tough guys and sex that I had no experience with. I was also intrigued by the puzzle—whodunnit?
MLC: When did you first decide you wanted to write a mystery, and what led you to that decision?
AUTHOR: I wrote 4 “practice” novels, one of which was a mystery. My first published novel was a road story. I liked the structure of the mystery, as well as writing suspense, and I am a puzzle solver by nature so I decided mysteries were the way to go. My first published mystery came out in 2000.
MLC: Do you write in any other genres? If so, which ones?
AUTHOR: My road story, Walking to Denver, is more of a comedy. I have also written nonfiction books, one of freedom quotations: Freedom’s Light: History’s Champions of Freedom, and the other about walking adventures: Walking the World: Memories and Adventures.
MLC: Which comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
AUTHOR: I need to have a basic plot structure before I know who the characters are. The characters evolve as the story progresses.
MLC: When you are all wrapped up in the story, do you feel like you could solve the crime, or maybe even solve all the world’s mysteries?
AUTHOR: I think writers are egotistical by nature so yes, I like to think I’m smarter than the criminals. Or at least that my protagonists are. Since I’m in control my protagonists are generally one or more of the following: smarter, tougher, stronger, younger, more fearless, more charming or better looking than I am.
MLC: Do you write every day, or what kind of a schedule do you have? Do you write fulltime, or do you have a “day job”?
AUTHOR: I’m retired from useful work, but I do some volunteering. When I’m writing a book I try to write every morning, seated firmly in chair in front of the computer by 9 a.m. until I get too hungry for lunch to continue.
MLC: Other than your writing, what do you enjoy doing? What is the most important thing to you in your day-to-day life?
AUTHOR: I am a walker/hiker and a traveler. My wife and I have been to all seven continents and numerous countries and principalities. On a daily basis most important is my relationship with my wife.
MLC: Who are your favorite mystery authors? Do you try to emulate them in your own writing?
AUTHOR: I enjoy authors who write about California, including Sue Grafton, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, T. Jefferson Parker and Denise Hamilton. Ray Bradbury has also written California mysteries. Rather than copy or emulate them, I use their writing to expand my horizons and tell me how far I can stray from my comfort zone.
MLC: In your present book, is this part of a series, or is it a standalone book?
AUTHOR: Run into Trouble is a standalone, or perhaps I should say a run alone, since it’s about an ultramarathon along the California coast.
MLC: If you are doing a series, do you see an end to it sometime, or do you plan to go on for several years with it?
AUTHOR: I have written two 2-book series. I’ve never gone beyond two because they have reached logical conclusions.
MLC: Do your characters ever drive you a bit crazy by going off in their own direction? If so, how do you rein them in, or do you just let them run off on their own?
AUTHOR: I don’t want to sound psycho by saying that my characters control me, but they do reveal themselves a piece at a time. The surprise element is part of the fun of writing. I do exercise ultimate control, because after all I have to write a book of fiction that sounds as if it could really happen, something I don’t have to do with nonfiction.
MLC: Do you pattern your sleuths after yourself or someone you know? If so, do you let that person know they were your “pattern”?
AUTHOR: In one case I used aspects of myself for my protagonist, but made him better than I am in several respects. When I needed a female co-protagonist for Run into Trouble I used a woman I know who I could picture actually accomplishing the physical feats in the book, and I told her so.
MLC: How long did it take you to get published? How many rejections did you have to suffer through first? Were you ever tempted to give up? What do you think made the difference when it was accepted?
AUTHOR: As I said, my first four novels were practice. I often dragged my feet and put off writing books but never quit completely. The difference between having a publishable and non-publishable book is very often the experience of the writer. You have to write your million words…
MLC: Do you ever attend any conferences? If so, which ones?
AUTHOR: Occasionally. I have been to Bouchercon, Malice Domestic, Criminal Pursuits, and am attending Left Coast Crime 2010.
MLC: Do you have to promote your own work, or does your publisher do that for you?
AUTHOR: These days all authors have to promote their own work, even best sellers, although they may get a marketing budget from the publisher. Sue Grafton just made an extensive road trip for her latest book.
MLC: If you have to do marketing, what methods have worked the best for you?
AUTHOR: In person marketing such as talks, well publicized book fairs, book signings, etc. I have an edge if I can speak to readers face to face.
MLC: Do you have any idea how your book is selling?
AUTHOR: All authors watch Amazon numbers, although they are deceptive. I get quarterly reports from my publisher. Most authors shouldn’t pay much attention to sales figures or they will be discouraged.
MLC: What has been the best review you have gotten, and why?
AUTHOR: The review that gave me the most noticeable benefit was one published in Running Times Magazine for Run into Trouble. This was because it helped bring my book to the attention of people who might have an interest in it outside of the typical mystery readers.
MLC: Have you won any awards, either as an author or for your books? Please tell us about them.
AUTHOR: Honeymoon for Three won the American Author’s Association Silver Quill award and was named Best Mountain West Book by Reader Views. Walking the World: Memories and Adventures was named One of the Top Ten Walking Memoirs and Tales of Long Walks by walking.about.com.
MLC: Is there any one certain thing that a reader has written to you that made you just want to jump up and shout “Yes!!!!”?
AUTHOR: I’ve been compared to Dean Koontz (“I think he’s been reading your books”) and Sue Grafton. Now if I could only sell like them.
MLC: What is your next project, and when will it be out?
AUTHOR: A mystery about an amnesiac, currently in the first draft stage, no timetable for publication.
MLC: If you could write anything at all, ignoring what editors and publishers say they want, what would it be?
AUTHOR: What I’m writing now.
MLC: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring mystery authors?
AUTHOR: Write what you’re passionate about (Ray Bradbury) and get your million practice words down on paper. If you picture yourself as a writer—write.
MLC: Do you have any teasers for your readers and fans about the next book?
AUTHOR: Carol Golden isn’t her real name; she can’t remember her real name or anything else about her past life before she was found unconscious in a dumpster.
MLC: If a genie suddenly appeared and said they would grant you just one wish for your books, what would you wish for?
AUTHOR: A bestseller.
MMLC: Please give us your Web site url and your e-mail address where people can contact you.
AUTHOR: The Web site is http://alancook.50megs.com, and my e-mail address is alcook@sprintmail.com.
MLC: Thank you so much for giving us a little glimpse into your books and your life. We look forward to a lot more books from you.