What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Promoted with Tenure?
Promoted with Tenure was inspired by my love of a good mystery thriller, coupled with the ten years I spent in academia as a biologist. Some thrillers are written simply for the sake of a good story, whereas others are written to deliver an underlying message or pose a question for the reader. This novel falls under the latter category.
Promoted with Tenure is meant to get you thinking about the current state of identity politics in the United States and, more specifically, how often our subjective beliefs and biases drive the decisions we make in everyday life—including what we believe to be objective.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Promoted with Tenure, what would they be?
For the novel in general, I’d say Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic” and Nickelback’s “Woke Up This Morning.” Both of these songs are referenced in the novel, where they set the stage for major turning points.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read an equal amount of true crime and mystery thrillers. True crime provides me with fresh ideas for my own writing and allows my mind to get a break from thinking about fiction. Reading other mystery thrillers shows me what’s been done before in the genre and keeps me motivated to explore new ways of storytelling.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz, Lust Killer by Ann Rule, and The Collector by John Fowles.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The final scene in the novel was my favorite to write. This is where everything that might have seemed random or insignificant falls into place. In essence, Promoted with Tenure is a story within a story, where identity politics are intertwined with a murder mystery. The final scene is where the two stories come into focus as one.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Although not too quirky: I always need a fresh cup of coffee, I have to write in order (no jumping ahead to later chapters), I edit my previous chapter first thing in the morning before moving on to the next chapter, and my wife reads each and every chapter as I finish them.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“The deepest sin against the human mind is to believe things without evidence” – Thomas Huxley. This is also the quote at the beginning of the novel that sets the stage for what is to come.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Think for yourself. In a time when the opinions of others are becoming more important than self-image, stand out as an individual—even if that means standing alone.
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