PENANCE is the first book in a series of crime novels featuring retired Boston homicide detective John Gilfillan. This story is about the race to find Lori Doyle. Ten years ago, Lori, as a teenager, witnessed a killing. Today, she has established a new life for herself and her daughter in Maine under an alias. Unbeknownst to her, all that’s about to change, as some are seeking her out to do her harm and some to do her good. A page-turner to keep you in suspense until the end.
Q&A
1. Do you always take a book/erader wherever you go?
Only on vacation and then I bring three or four books I’ve been wanting to read for a while. Unfortunately when I’m home and writing it leaves little time for reading but on vacation with something cold and alcoholic in my hand I seem to get a lot of reading done.
2. Say someone asks if they can use your name in a book. Would you rather be the ‘good one’ or the ‘bad one’?
Well, I think most characters are multifaceted, different shades of gray. That said I think I’d rather be the “bad one.” Usually they seem to be more interesting and as the bad one you can live out a few fantasies.
3. Where can I find you when you are reading?
In bed. It’s the only time I can squeeze it in at this point of my life. I have a stack of books next to my bed. Mostly well-known crime/mystery authors like Tess Gerritsen, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Harlan Coben, Bruce Coffin or Dennis Lehane. It’s slow reading since after my nightly two glasses of wine I am ready to pass out.
4. Where can I find you when you are not writing/reading?
To live in Maine year round you had better like some outdoor activities and I do. I play a pretty mediocre game of disc golf, really like cross country skiing and bike and kayak whenever I get the chance. Nothing competitive, just like to be out there and get some steps at the same time. I’m always checking my Fit-Bit.
5. Can you walk past a bookstore without going inside?
I love bookstores, especially the small independents with lots of seating. There is one near me that also has a bar and you always feel welcome. [Authors note: For the record alcohol isn’t a prerequisite for all my activities.] I do like to support our independent bookstores and try to spend some time there when I come across one. [The chains probably don’t need me.}
6. What are you most proud of?
That’s easy, my children and grandchildren. They all turned out so well and while I like to take some credit, I probably don’t deserve much.
5. What goes through your mind when you hold your new book in your hands for the first time?
Obviously pride, because it isn’t easy to get traditionally published. Lots of rejection and rewriting. I feel my novel Penance turned out well and I am proud of what it has to say. The fact that it’s getting noticed at all is extremely satisfying and confirms my long held belief that there is an audience for my work.
6. What piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep on keeping on. Don’t let the statistics or rejections deter you. Unfortunately, rejection hurts. Seek feedback wherever you can get it. I belong to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, [Yes, men can be members] and the Maine Writers and Publishers Association. All three of these groups have been extremely supportive and provide opportunities to get your work critiqued, as well as the chance to meet other authors, agents, and publishers. Another way to see if you are on the right track and to establish some credibility is to submit short stories to various publications. I’m not a short story writer but I wanted feedback so I submitted slightly tweaked chapters from Penance to magazines accepting short stories. The feedback was mostly positive and I began to get published. Two of my stories: Hit Men have Feelings Too and Pieces of the Puzzle were finalists in Adelaide Literary Magazine’s Best Short Story of 2018 and 2019 respectively.
7. Who would you like/have liked to interview?
The late Kent Haruf, the bestselling author of bestselling “Our Souls at Night”,” Eventide” and others. He wrote these sweet slice of life novels with well-developed characters going about their daily lives. No major plots, more like facing life’s daily challenges.
8. How do you choose the names for your characters?
None of my friends, relatives or former employees are safe. At times I draw a blank and I start googling.
Thank you for the interview! Edward Daniel Hunt
Thank you, Daniel Hunt and R&R Book Tours
About the author
Edward Daniel Hunt has an undergraduate degree from the University of New Haven and a graduate degree from Lesley University. His short stories have appeared in the Scarlett Leaf Review, Down in the Dirt Magazine and Adelaide Literary Magazine. “Hit Men Have Feelings Too” was named a finalist in Adelaide Magazine’s 2018 Literary Award Contest for Best Short Story. His short story “Pieces of the Puzzle” was named a finalist for Best Short Story in Adelaide’s Magazine’s 2019 contest. Much of his early work and social life was spent in restaurants and bars, as evidenced by his writing. He is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime New England. Adelaide Book Publishing has recently released his crime novel Penance. He lives in Old Orchard Beach, Maine within walking distance to the beach.
Author Link
Blog: https://edhuntauthor.com/blog/
Book Link
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086R51W78/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Giveaway
$25 Amazon gift card
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