Genres: Mystery/Suspense
by
A fatherless boy growing up in a small Texas town is taken under wing by the local lawmen. They work with the town leaders to provide his basic needs and help him escape the shame and poverty of his circumstances. One in particular becomes his guardian.
Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
I am a Texan. Need I say more?
How long have you been writing?
Writing — narrative reporting actually — has been part of my entire professional life. As a uniformed police officer (first responder), it was important to present the facts succinctly in a format enabling the detectives to quickly pick up the thread of events leading to the crime and move forward with the investigation.
As a detective, it was important to summarize the facts in a manner that would aid the prosecutor in the courtroom presentation. As a magistrate, the ability to articulate the evidence presented, your evaluation of the evidence and the application of the relevant law with the rendering of your decision, in a clear and concise manner, were important. As a counselor, the reduction of evaluation (formalized assessment), treatment plan, therapy notes and case reports should provide a record of the journey from issue to solution.
So, you see I have been engaged in illustrative, creative, writing some 49 years. However, my first novel was started in 2012 and published in 2013.
What do you think most characterizes your writing?
Hopefully my writing is characterized by the artful articulation of reality.
What cultural value do you see in writing/reading/storytelling/etc.?
Wow, what an interesting question. So, let’s address it by reversing the words cultural and value. Now allow me to address the question by saying that I believe writing becomes a value to the culture (society) in which the story line is based when it brings to light, encourages, produces questions, and suggests solutions to given behaviors within said society.
How does Guardians In Blue relate to your spiritual practice or other life path?
All of my books contain references to my faith and belief systems. I try to state them in a straightforward manner that provides insight without declaring exclusivity.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
In Warriors and Guardians, I enjoyed bringing to light that which was unknown to the general public and in giving credit long delayed to those who by action of government or the indifference of command had never received it.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
This book? Let’s take two of the listed books, Arctic Warriors and Guardians In Blue. In both. the act of writing brought the events forward from their position(s) deep in my memory to the instant. The pain was so real that I was often reduced to tears and had to stop writing as my subconscious released that which it had repressed.
Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured if your book?
Every day, all around this celestial globe, the men and women of our armed forces stand against tyranny in defense of liberty. On a regular basis, these Warriors are dispatched on assignment(s) that place them in direct armed conflict with the tyrannical forces opposing liberty. Many if not most of these events are never known of by the public and never acknowledged by the government. These then are the perfect illustration of the unsung heroes of freedom.
Not all Guardians wear blue but all who wear blue must serve as guardians. Many have told the story of the street cop because of the action. But few have provided a behind the scenes look at the reason(s) one becomes a guardian, the process involved in the journey, the failures, and the pain and the joy of being there for those who need a guardian. I try to do this in Guardian.
How do we help those in need within our community?
Stop looking and start acting. Get involved with the many aid organizations. Help establish safe places for abused women and children. Back the Blue in their efforts to provide a safe and secure environment, do not let the fringe elements control by fear and intimidation. Get involved…you don’t have to wear blue to be a guardian…you don’t have to step between combatants…see, report, and be willing to testify.
Who would you cast to play your characters in a movie version of your book?
A young Robert Duvall, a young Tommy Lee Jones, and of course George C. Scott.
Who are some of your favorite authors you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
I love James Michener. I read a lot of John Grisham. Their ability to tell the story in an entertaining manner is what I want.
What literary character is most like you?
Hmmmm….maybe Captain Augustus McCrae in Lonesome Dove or Horatio Hornblower in the C.S. Forester sea novels.
What book do you wish you could have written?
To Kill A Mockingbird, Texas, Lonesome Dove, and Roots.
If you were a superhero, what would your name be? What costume would you wear?
Patton, the uniform of the United States of America. Corny, okay. But you asked and I answered.
If you were an animal in a zoo, what would you be?
An Elephant. Live long, don’t worry about weight or wrinkles.
If you could speak with any accent from anywhere in the world, what would you choose?
I speak with the accent that I most desire —- TEXAS
Ken spent 35 years in public safety. A veteran of the United States Army, he was with the military police in the Alaskan Command. He holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, M.S. in Human Relations / Business Management from Amberton University, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville (Florida) Theological Seminary. Ken and his wife, Trudy, have been married 46 years. They live in McKinney, Texas.
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