Monday, September 6, 2010

Author Interview - Wayne Farquhar



Winner of print copy is:  Sue B!!

Congratulations, Sue!!


      Thank you for stopping in to meet today’s crime-thriller author of Blood Over Badge. Before we begin, please take these blue covers for your shoes and don’t touch anything. The San Francisco Police Dept has granted us permission to watch and learn here on location. We’ve promised them we'll cross the crime scene tape so please help us stay within their parameters.

      I’d like you to meet Wayne Farquhar. It’s a pleasure having you with us today, Wayne. Let me give them a run down on your background then we’ll get started. Wayne Farquhar is a 28-year veteran working with the San Jose Police Department in California. He has worked through the ranks from officer to lieutenant with detective assignments in Sexual Assaults, Homicide and Internal Affairs. He has also worked undercover assignments in Child Exploitation, Child Pornography and Vice. He spent 10 years as a street cop and hostage negotiator. Wayne has worked on Federal Task Forces with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). He has appeared on national television, /America’s Most Wanted/ on a murder investigation. BLOOD OVER BADGE is his first effort in crime-thriller fiction, and he hopes to write more books and speak to larger audiences about his experiences in law enforcement. Wayne lives with his family in the San Francisco Bay Area.

     Those are pretty exceptional credentials, Wayne. We’re anxious to get to know you. Tell us a bit about yourself that our readers might not know?

     Most readers know about my police/detective background. What most don’t know is I enjoy writing music, playing guitar and cooking. I guess it all falls in the same creative category. Lots of cops have hobbies that give them relief from the daily stresses of police work. Daily workouts have been a lifesaver for me as well.


     My husband used to be an officer. He’s told me some pretty gruesome stuff of what happens out there and how hard it all is to deal with. What made you want to become a writer?

     Most and foremost, I had a good story I wanted to tell. Like many others, I’ve always dreamt of writing a crime novel. I also wanted to be a good role-model for my son. He’s witnessed “first-hand” the discipline it takes to write. He’ll carry that learning experience forever into his life.

Do you write under a pen name?

     I don’t write under a pen name. Initially, I wanted to because of my job and because I lacked confidence in my writing. One of my first editors recognized my experience was the key to my credibility. The only way to validate my experience was to know my real name. Today, I have no regrets.


     As authors, we love all of our characters. Is there a certain type of character that is easier to write than another?

     I like to write sarcastic lines because they make me laugh. I also enjoy making characters creepy. Creepy characters let me dig deep into my experience and show the reader the types of people cops deal with everyday. The creepy characters are easier for me to write because I’ve met so many of them!

     Do you read in the same genre that you write in?

     I do read the same genre. One of my absolute favorite authors is Nelson De Mille. But I also love reading other genres as well. I couldn’t put down “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Cold Mountain.” I also enjoy reading screenplays.

     All of us write differently. Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

     It’s not as romantic as most would think. I try to write several hours a day. It’s best if I can write straight through, but it’s not always possible. I prefer to write first thing in the morning. It’s quiet and peaceful. Writing “fogs” me up a bit because my level of concentration is very deep. After several hours of writing, I enjoy doing cardio exercise to clear my head and bring me back to reality. Fortunately, I’m able to easily dive back into writing at a moment’s notice. I’ve always been a “task manager” and my family and friends know I’m always working on “something.” Success is the direct result of ambition and persistence.

     Most authors have pretty vivid imaginations when it comes to story lines. Where do your story ideas come from?

     My ideas come easy… I’ve lived them. Now I’m telling them in a fictional way. Readers can stay informed about my books on my website and purchase them from Amazon.

     Wayne, I appreciate you being with us today. I know your tour is keeping you very busy. Thank you for offering to give one lucky reader a copy of Blood Over Badge. I know the winner will be thrilled. Wayne will pick one winner from those who leave a comment; feel free to ask him questions also. He’ll be in and out throughout the day to comment back.
     Wayne, I wish you luck with your future releases and we’ll visit your website for info on your possible movie deal for the book! Good luck with everything. Readers, don’t forget to follow Wayne on his tour.



6 comments:

  1. Read your book blurb on your website. Sounds very interesting. I watch a lot of crime dramas on tv but; I really haven't read too many crime thriller in fiction. I like sarcastic in a book. And I think creepier brings out the characters more. Just my feeling. Continued success to you. I was wondering if this is based on something you have seen in your 28 years in the police department? And are you working on your next book? Enjoyed your interview.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  2. Thanks, everyone, for stopping in! I know Wayne appreciates it. Be sure to visit his Amazon site!

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  3. Thank you all! I had a great time with the interview.
    Katsrus- Thanks for having a look. I appreciate it very much. The book is absolutely fiction, but I've seen and lived everything in the story. The story really does capture real life police drama. The police officers and detectives that read the book, find it right on target.
    I've written about half of the sequel to Blood Over Badge, but I had to pull away to work on the screenplay.
    BTW- Our cat's name is Lele!

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  4. Deanna-
    Thanks again for having me!

    Best,
    Wayne

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  5. Thank you so much! I think your book woll make for very interesting reading.
    Sue B

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