We're happy to have J. Mark Bertrand with us today talking about his book, Back on Murder. To learn more about Mark and his book, read on!
1) How did this story come to you?
It started with the “suicide cop,” Roland March. When a fellow officer commits suicide, the thankless task of investigating gets dumped on March. How did he end up in this position? What kind of mindset would he have? The deeper I dug into those questions, the more Back on Murder came into focus. It’s the story of a once-promising detective’s restoration to grace.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Dave Long, now my editor at Bethany House, asked whether I’d ever considered writing a detective novel. If I was interested, he told me, he’d be happy to take a look at the result. Since I’ve always loved crime fiction, and had published some short stories in the genre, I didn’t need much convincing.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
First, I write a blog called BibleDesignBlog.com, dedicated to “the physical form of the Good Book.” The number of people interested in Bible design and production continues to amaze me. Second, I was the runner up in a child modeling contest back in 1972. If only I could have held onto my good looks! Third, I have a shoe fetish that would put Imelda Marcos to shame.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I’m working on revisions to Pattern of Wounds, the second novel in the March series. If you thought things were bad for March in Back on Murder, just wait. His next case threatens to undo everything he’s achieved. It’s a nail-biter.
5) Parting comments?
Writing Back on Murder has been a game-changer for me, and I hope that comes through in the story. If you love crime fiction, I think you’re going to love Roland March.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Check out www.BackonMurder.com for more info about the book, and visit my blog at http://www.crimegenre.com/ . And for information on everything I’m doing, bookmark http://www.jmarkbertrand.com/ .
1) How did this story come to you?
It started with the “suicide cop,” Roland March. When a fellow officer commits suicide, the thankless task of investigating gets dumped on March. How did he end up in this position? What kind of mindset would he have? The deeper I dug into those questions, the more Back on Murder came into focus. It’s the story of a once-promising detective’s restoration to grace.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Dave Long, now my editor at Bethany House, asked whether I’d ever considered writing a detective novel. If I was interested, he told me, he’d be happy to take a look at the result. Since I’ve always loved crime fiction, and had published some short stories in the genre, I didn’t need much convincing.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
First, I write a blog called BibleDesignBlog.com, dedicated to “the physical form of the Good Book.” The number of people interested in Bible design and production continues to amaze me. Second, I was the runner up in a child modeling contest back in 1972. If only I could have held onto my good looks! Third, I have a shoe fetish that would put Imelda Marcos to shame.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I’m working on revisions to Pattern of Wounds, the second novel in the March series. If you thought things were bad for March in Back on Murder, just wait. His next case threatens to undo everything he’s achieved. It’s a nail-biter.
5) Parting comments?
Writing Back on Murder has been a game-changer for me, and I hope that comes through in the story. If you love crime fiction, I think you’re going to love Roland March.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Check out www.BackonMurder.com for more info about the book, and visit my blog at http://www.crimegenre.com/ . And for information on everything I’m doing, bookmark http://www.jmarkbertrand.com/ .
