A Conversation with 'Lion's Head Deception' Chuck Waldron & Win a Kindle Fire HD!

I am so happy to be hosting Chuck Waldron again at The Writer's Life. Chuck is back with his dystopian thriller, Lion's Head Deception, and he's agreed to answer a few of my questions about his book, his writing life and what's on the horizon for him. Don't forget to check out the Kindle Fire giveaway at the bottom of the post. Good luck!

Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life, Chuck. Can you tell us how long you’ve been writing and how your journey led to writing your latest book, Lion’s Head Deception?

My first story was written when I was around 8 or 9 years old. Alas, there was a large time gap between that first story and a chance class in creative writing many years later. Many influences along the way contributed to Lion’s Head Deception.

Q: How did you choose your title and was it your first choice?

It wasn’t my first working title, but as the storyline was developing the deception part seemed to fit. As a frequent visitor to Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula and the Lion’s Head area it was not a surprise that I chose that area for part of the setting and it’s place in the title.

Q: We all know that publishers can’t do all of the publicity and that some lies on the author. What has your publisher done so far to publicize the book and what have you done?

As an indie publisher all the marketing and publicity falls on my shoulders. I am convinced Lion’s Head Deception is a good story and touches on timely issues. That said, I am promoting through advertising, social media and radio interviews. I don’t ignore the personal touch. When I see someone reading a book I like to ask what they’re reading. If they like mystery/thrillers I love to tell them about my book.

Q: Open to a random page in your book. Can you tell us what is happening?

The conspiracy, so carefully planned, is finally being implemented. The first team is being sent to make an arrest and the first step is taken to rid the streets of persons the conspirators deem undesirable.

Q: Do you plan subsequent books?

I have two underway, a sequel to Lion’s Head Deception and a sequel to my third novel, Served Cold.

Q: What is the one thing you learned about your book AFTER it was published?

That it might be even better than I thought.

Q: What is your most favorite time of the day or night to write?

Early morning, but if my characters are talking, anytime!

Q: What is usually better – the book or the movie?

They each have advantages. A book can provide more interior thoughts and character development. Movies can show the action.

Q: You’re about to write your next book. What did you learn from your previous book to help you write your next book?

That it “ain’t gonna” be easy.

Q: Finally, what’s your best tip you can give to writers who want to be published?

Send out query letters and see what happens. Follow the dream. There are plenty of naysayers who will offer their words of discouragement. If nobody offers to publish your story screw up your nerve and take on the job yourself and self-publish.

Q: Thank you for your interview, Chuck. Do you have any final words?

Thanks for having me and letting me have a chance to meet new readers. I’m not above shameless self-promotion, so here’s my plug to buy Lion’s Head Deception, available in print and ebook.

About the Author:

Chuck Waldron’s latest novel, Lion's Head Deception, is a dystopian story about an investigative blogger who uncovers more than he ever imagines...and has no idea what to

do with his discovery.

An investigative blogger uncovers a sinister conspiracy, a billionaire's plan backed by select government officials, designed to exterminate citizens who do not live up to a predetermined screening matrix; under the guise of rioting and a destabilized city, the plan is implemented and the blogger fights not only to discover and reveal the truth, but to survive.

"I grew up," Chuck said, "listening to my grandfather, an Ozark Mountain story teller, spinning tales of the caves on his farm, describing them as hiding places once used by the Jesse & Frank James' gang. It didn't matter if the stories were true or not. Those legends set fire to my imagination, creating images that emerged slowly over the years, finally igniting as my short stories and novels."

Now, thirty-plus short stories and three novels later, ideas keep coming, with more novels under development. Do they share anything in common? Each has its own unique voice and tale to tell, yet, at their heart, his stories tell about the human condition - the good, the bad and the ugly.

As Chuck tells it, "stored images that echo in my writing include train whistles in the night, Norman Rockwell childhood scenes, U.S. Army memories, blue collar jobs, university, a professional career, and finally retirement. Many of my images are drawn from this pool of memories: places visited, sights seen, and people met. The rest I fill in with my imagination: dreams of places yet to be visited, sights yet to be seen, and people yet to meet."

His literary roots were planted in the American Midwest and thrived when transplanted to the rich, cultural soil of Ontario. He and his wife, Suzanne, are now warmed by the sun on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

His latest book is Lion’s Head Deception.

Visit his website at www.WriteByMeBooks.com.

Connect & Socialize with Chuck!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

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About the Book:

In the prologue, the backdrop for Lion’s Head Deception is set, amongst rioting and unrest in a destabilized city.

Matt Tremain is a shy, private person who discovers a passion for writing blogs—a mission that propels him into investigative reporting. A tipster warns him of a diabolical scheme Matt simply can’t ignore. After the tipster is killed, Matt honors his memory by going forward to investigate the truth behind the conspiracy. He meets a television reporter and a cameraman also investigating the intrigue. Are they potential partners or rivals? A detective offers his assistance, but Matt is unsure of his true motivation. He is equally unsure of the allegiance of those in the top administration of police services. Matt Tremain and his friends are forced to go on the run, evading the newly-formed security teams. They must expose the truth before they are discovered, arrested and perhaps exterminated themselves…

The reader is introduced to Matt Tremain when a test message warns him of impending arrest. The first part of the novel provides an understanding of how he learns about a conspiracy, and the person behind it. A television journalist is investigating the same treachery. Will they be able to join forces? The end of part one introduces a police detective. Will he be friend or foe?

Part two takes place at a private retreat. The antagonist, the scheme’s architect, unveils the complete details of his plan and gets the backing of his three co-conspirators. The location is the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. It takes place at Lion’s Head and gives the novel the working name.

In an action-packed run to the finish line, will Matt and his partners be able to face the challenges it will take to expose the lies and treachery behind Operation CleanSweep?