Author spotlight: James Moorer
This week's featured author is screenwriter, producer, and soon-to-be director, James Moorer. His bestselling book, TWO FOR THE PAIN (book 1, Eddie Gideon Mysteries), debuted in the top on several genre lists, including a #1 New Release ranking!
EXCERPT:
"I'm thirty-eight, divorced, in good health, with no desire to bear any of the politically correct, hyphenated cultural distinctions that appear to be in fashion these days. I'm a Black man, plain and simple. I’ve been shot, beaten up, and threatened. But these are normal occurrences in the life of a private investigator."
What is TWO FOR THE PAIN about?
Well, in a nutshell, it's "Passing" meets "The Postman Always Rings Twice." Private Investigator Eddie Gideon is jolted awake with two guns in his face and a dead body on his bed. He’s naked, handcuffed, and has no memory of what happened to the woman he loves. But nobody’s better at finding the truth than he is, and he discovers she was a lie dressed in silk stockings and Jimmy Choo pumps.
Tell us about the main character, Eddie:
He loves jazz, coffee, and righting wrongs. He's implicated in his lover's murder so he needs to solve the murder to clear his name. His passion, his past, and the police all get in his way.
What inspired you to write it?
The books of Mickey Spillaine and Ed Goines, and the films "Imitation of Life" and "Body Heat."
What inspired the title?
The title is actually an Easter egg for the story and the theme.
Without spoiling the ending, what can you tell us?
There's a tragic twist that will hopefully creates buzz about love, loyalty, and race.
Did you learn anything while writing this story?
That great stories don't always have happy endings.
If TWO FOR THE PAIN had a soundtrack, what would be on it?
Simple Things (Dirty Vegas), Woke Up This Morning (A3), Sister Moon (Sting), My Heart Belongs to Me (Barbara Streisand), Bad Girl (Madonna), It's Probably Me (Sting).
Who or what inspired you to be a writer?
An Esquire magazine story written by Truman Capote.
What is a recurring thread in your writing?
Growing up in Cleveland taught me to love the underdog. My stories are about survivors more than winning the day because that's reality.
Who is your hero?
The hardest working man I know, my dad.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less:
Determined. Disciplined. Blessed. Pancake-lover.
What are you passionate about these days?
Telling stories I never had as a child.
Something quirky about you:
I love Barry Manilow.
A writer whose brain you'd love to pick for advice:
Ray Bradbury
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Age 13.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would you say?
Shut up, sit down, keep writing. You don't know shit yet.
Advice for new writers?
My formula is simple: ass plus chair equals script/story.
What's next for your writing?
As a writer of Color and a writer over 50, I've found that people have underestimated me. I'm deceptively prolific. I am full of amazing stories for the world--I've got half a dozen books on the way to publication and several scripts in various stages of development. The future is bright.
What gives you hope?
My kids, grandkids, and sunsets.
JAMES MOORER is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He lives in Los Angeles with his family. He's an award-winning screenwriter, bestseling author, producer, actor, and former DJ--so don't mess with his playlist, his pancakes or his alma mater: THE Ohio State University.
photo credit: Kris Garfield
Independent publisher