Rogue's Angels Present: Out of Hiding by John Feldman

Please welcome John Feldman author of Out of Hiding

John Feldman will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Out of Hiding

by John Feldman

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GENRE: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

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INTERVIEW:

What or who inspired you to start writing?

My late friend and roommate in college decided we lived exceptional lives. In reality, they were nothing special. But one day he looked at me as we sat on the front step of our college home, empty beer cans lining the perimeter of the house like a bed of mulch, and he said to me, “We need to write a story about our lives.” And it was that simple comment that planted the seed in my mind. 

How did you come up with your idea for your novel?

Writer’s block. While away at work in Jackson, TN (because although James Patterson made $95M off of his writing last year, I only made about $95, so I need to supplement my income), I met a beautiful woman who would turn out to be my wife. And one day I asked her to “Give me a name; any name.” And she said, “Emily.” The story branched out from there. 

If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why?

None. Without giving away too much, I’ll say that I wouldn’t want to put myself in any of the situations. They’re all looking over their shoulders. But I spent three years with these characters as my best friends, so the fact that I put them in these situations might mean I have some issues myself. 

What elements are necessary components for this genre?

Twists. Or anticipation of twists. As a suspense and thriller reader myself, I know how easy it is to lose a reader. Even some of the best writers have had me drifting while reading. So the main thing I like to concentrate on when writing is to keep the reader needing–not wanting–to turn the page. It’s difficult to capture this 100% of the time, but I try to stick as close to the path as I can. 

As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I never realized how many people are trying to “make it” as writers until I began writing myself. And especially when I began to submit my work. I’ve read a lot of these Indie writers and there are some gems out there. 

Initially, my writing goal was to become the next Stephen King/James Patterson/JK Rowling. But as I get older, the only thing I really want to do is be able to write full-time. No more 4 AM writing sessions before work. No more thinking about writing while withering away doing something redundant. And if I can achieve that by the time I’m 40, I’ll be happy. 

What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

In today’s age, when there is so much information at our fingertips, it’s tough to decipher what’s good and what’s bad. I follow many publishing and writing newsletters and spend about an hour each morning reading. And I could read something one day that seems like the greatest idea ever, and then a week later there will be an article contradicting it and I’ll think THAT is the greatest idea ever. The only advice that I can really say I ever stuck to is just to write what I love and not to worry about what every reader will think about it. Because it’s impossible to please everyone. 

Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does it help or hinder your writing?

In Stephen King’s On Writing(something I think every writer should have), he mentions the idea of a critique group and how it’s…well, basically useless. I attended one writer’s group meeting in my life, and when I went, the group was critiquing the work of another member. Every member had something to say, but nothing was universal. One person’s critique would glorify an aspect of the writing and then the next person would come along and slam it. It brings us back to the idea that you can’t please everyone. 

How do you maintain your creativity?

I’m always writing. If I’m not physically writing because I need to work so the mortgage company isn’t breathing down my neck, well then I’m thinking about writing. And when I’m not thinking about writing, I’m criticizing myself for not thinking about writing. I’ve never wanted anything so bad in my life and I feel like every second of every day I’m not working on my craft is time wasted. 

Can you give us a sneak peek into your book?

In one paragraph? I don’t know if that’s possible. But there’s a sneak peek up on my website. Feel free to take a look. I hope you like it!

Anything else you might want to add?

If I could reach my arms through this computer screen and give each of you a big hug, I would. Not only because I’m a hugger, but because I’m grateful for your time. I really am. I know how busy life can be and finding free time is tough. But for you to take the time to read this—whether you purchase the book or not—means a lot to me. 

BLURB:

Charles Dampor was supposed to be a blessing, but instead turned out to be a curse. A family torn by deception and greed now saw Emily for what she was, and a co-worker with a vicious past of his own now has his own personal vendetta against her. If Emily doesn't open her eyes and see the doors she's unlocked, she'll find herself at the bottom of Lake Bermin...with Charles's ex-wife.

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EXCERPT:

Maybe it was the push-up bra she’d worn in combination with her ultra-deep v-neck shirt. Or maybe it was her constant smile and flirtatious laugh. Maybe she’d batted her eyelashes just the right amount. Whatever it was, it worked. Because Charles invited her to have dinner with him. Not a weeknight date. Not an afternoon date or a group dinner or coffee. A Saturday night date. 

“And what brought you to us?” Charles asks. 

Us. He isn’t an arrogant man. He isn’t egocentric. He’d created his own empire, yes, but he doesn’t think he’s better than everyone else. Us, he said. Not me or my company. It’s hard to find people like this these days. A business owner out to dinner with a factory worker? Very atypical. 

“I saw an ad online,” she responds. 

“Oh,” Charles says with a smirk. 

“Why?” Emily asks.

“I feel old,” he says. “I always placed my ads for employment in the newspaper. That was back before I had Mary.”

“I wouldn’t have found it if it was in the paper,” Emily jokes. “Good thing for Mary.”

“Good thing for Mary,” he laughs. 

The laugh from the comment carries them into talk about work, about people at work. Charles tells her about some of the people who work upstairs, the management team. He tells her more about Mary, and about what Mary had to say about Emily when discussing their job opening with Charles after her round of interviews had commenced. 

“All good things,” he jokes. “No worries.”

“I’d assume so,” she replies. “I got the job.” 

They share a smile and after a brief pause, he says, “I’m glad.” 

The drinks continue to come and conversation carries on. The topic of work remains, but only briefly. Emily points out the pissed-off old guy who works in Station A and Charles laughs. 

“That’s just Herb,” he says. “He’s been here for a while. He’s a good worker.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

John Feldman was born and raised in southern New Jersey, but has since moved to Florida at the request (demand) of his beautiful wife. He has written several short stories and novels, including his newest release, OUT OF HIDING. He writes a lot, thinks a lot more, and is currently wondering why he’s writing this in the third person.

For more information, visit www.johnfeldman.com, or email him directly at askjohn@johnfeldman.com. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.feldman.5686

Twitter: @johnfeldman_

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/John-Feldman/e/B00JG75SCI

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6036936.John_Feldman

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

John Feldman will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2648