Richard Hacker is the author of CHAIN REACTION, the third installment in the Nick Sibelius crime series. Champagne Books released DIRTY WATER, the next novel in the Nick Sibelius series after TOXIC RELATIONSHIP, in June, 2013. His first novel, TOXIC RELATIONSHIP, released August, 2012 by Champagne Books was a 2011 Writer’s League of Texas (WLT) finalist, where in addition, SHAPER EMERGENCE won best novel in the Science Fiction category. He is a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
After living many years in Austin, Texas where he worked as a leadership coach, public speaker and management trainer, he moved with his high school sweetheart to Seattle. While he misses the big skies of Texas, Richard has grown fond of the Pacific Northwest. His writing partner, a springer spaniel named Jazz, helps with proofreading and ball fetching.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I currently live in Seattle with my wife, Sidney, and a Springer Spaniel named Jazz. We moved here about five years ago for Sid’s work. Before the move, Austin, Texas was home for many years. We actually met in high school in Austin, raised a family there and have many great friends and memories of the city.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Westchester, PA, moved to Birmingham, AL in the late 60’s, then went to Jr. Hi and High School in Austin, TX.
What is your fondest childhood memory?
Fishing with my Dad. He loved fishing and we had many great times on various lakes in Alabama (I think it was Lake Perdy) and on Lake Travis in TX. He would plop a lure in the water and say, “Fishy, fishy in the brook, come and take my little hook.” Fishing is also where I learned to drink coffee at any early age.
When did you begin writing?
I used to write short stories to take to ‘show and tell’ in my third grade class. So I’ve been a story teller for awhile now. I continued writing after college, but family responsibilities required I actually make some money, so I went into management consulting for many years. When we moved to Seattle, Sidney encouraged me to focus on the writing, which has been such a wonderful gift.
Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?
I write, revise or research Monday-Friday 4-6 hours. I leave the weekends free to rest and play.
What is this book about?
CHAIN REACTION is the third book in a series featuring a private investigator, Nick Sibelius. When Nick and his partner in love and business, Theresa, take a client caught in a grudge between competitive bass fisherman, they soon discover he has unknowingly entangled himself in a plot by healthcare magnate, Bruce Reynolds, to take over Texas and secede from the Union. Hoping to pass the case to the Texas Rangers, Nick is instead recruited to head the Governor’s special task force. He learns Governor Fran Adamson’s major campaign contributor and secret lover, Reynolds, has a plan to resurrect the Republic of Texas. Faced with Reynolds’ hit woman killing enemies of the Republic and a remotely controlled drone air force destroying strategic targets across the state, Nick and Theresa make a desperate attempt to prevent civil war, the destruction of the Governor’s political career, and Dillon’s murder, while keeping their love intact. In his scheme for glory, Bruce Reynolds didn’t plan on Nick Sibelius, who wants the wannabe secessionist to know, when he says don’t screw with Texas, he damned well means it.
What inspired you to write it?
I wanted to continue with Nick Sibelius’ story and I had a few ideas swirling. Gov. Rick Perry had called for Texas to secede from the Union—it was all bluster and politics, but what if someone was serious about secession and had resources? Drones were also in the news, so a drone air force didn’t seem too far fetched. And my serial killer hit woman, well I have no idea where she came from, but I do love her. I wouldn’t want to know her or be anywhere near her, but I love her.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My wife. Always.
Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?
Yes, I’ve got a great community of writers who meet regularly and we’re pretty good at giving straight up honest feedback. I also get feedback from my publisher and editor.
Who is your favorite author?
Tough. There’s so many! I’ll stick with the living. William Gibson, Carl Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard, Barbara Kinsovler, Umberto Eco, Gabrial Garcia Marquez, Alan Furst. I could go on, but I’ll stop there.
Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?
I didn’t have an agent for the Nick Sibelius books having pitched directly to a publisher. I do have an agent I’m working with for a future fantasy novel.
Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?
I made a decision five years ago to hone my craft and create my art regardless of the marketplace. There are many artists in many fields who don’t find financial success and many who only get discovered after they’ve died. Market success is not the measure of creative success. I don’t know if the two correlate, but it seemed like the moment I let go of using publication as a verification of my validity as an artist, opportunities opened up for me.
If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?
The publishing world is a mess right now for writers and readers. I think the best we can do is not let the chaos paralyze us. I chose a small press focused on ebooks. In the future I may look for opportunities with big publishing houses and I might self-publish.
Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Your favorite digital bookseller including Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo.
Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?
You can find my website and blog at www.richardhacker.com
You can also like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RWHacker
What is up next for you?
I’m working on a fantasy which combines elements of sci fi, speculative fiction, and historical fiction. It should be a real page turner. I’ll be sharing more about the work on my website as it gets closer to completion.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Thank you for the interview. I love talking with readers, so please come by the website, blog or Facebook and drop a comment!
BOOK GIVEAWAY!
Richard Hacker is giving away (2) 3 ebook sets of his Nick Sibelius series!
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.• Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter.
• This giveaway begins May 5 and ends May 31.
• Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, June 2.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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