Deadly Storm - A Kelli Storm Novel (Volume 3)

The interview featured below with author Kenneth Hoss was posted on April 22, 2013.

 

Ken's third Kelli Storm novel is now available in print at Amazon.

 

Deadly Storm - A Kelli Storm Novel (Volume 3)

 

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Deadly Storm - A Kelli Storm Novel (Volume 3) by Author Kenneth Hoss

 

 

My guest today is a good friend, fellow author and member of The Independent Author Network, Kenneth Hoss. Ken was born at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas and served a combined total of fourteen years on active duty in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. His tours of duty took him to such diverse locations as Europe, Hawaii, Guam, The Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, the Middle East and Pakistan. 

Welcome, Ken, and thank you for participating in a Fast Forward interview today to discuss the second novel in your Kelli Storm Police Procedural series. A story’s protagonist often reflects an author’s personality, or displays characteristics the author has chosen to explore. Can you please share with us some of the back story that defines your protagonist, Kelli Storm, but isn’t included in the published novels? 

KENNETH HOSS: Well, there isn’t much to add to Kelli’s story, as her life is an open book, no pun intended. She is a composite of people, both men and women, which I have interacted with over the years. There is, I will admit, some of myself in her too. We have both had our trials and tribulations.

 

 

FAST FORWARD: After writing the first novel in a series, it seems that subsequent novels would flow out fully formed. The author has the basics down: format for the storyline; a feel for the proper number of plot lines and chapters; techniques for creating a charismatic protagonist and supporting characters; secrets to making the antagonist likeable; and guidelines for adding conflict right up to and through the denouement. How has writing become easier for you; and what remains as difficult now as when you wrote the first novel? 

KENNETH HOSS: It has become easier in the sense that both Kelli and I have gotten to know each other over the course of the first two books. I know how she thinks, how she will react in a given situation. With the first book, I had a basic idea of Kelli, but I didn’t really know her until the end of the book. With the second book, I wanted the story to go in a different direction from the first book, but Kelli didn’t and it took five false starts before I listened to her. After that, it flowed. What I am still finding difficult after the first book is my discipline. I still find myself procrastinating instead of writing, though I am getting better. 

FAST FORWARD: To hold a reader’s attention, a series protagonist must continue to grow or change in each novel. In Sue Grafton’s ABC series, Kinsey Millhone does not age (much), or get married, or acquire children, but she expands her knowledge of the job, begins to carry a gun, and discovers family relatives who are woven into the storyline. Without revealing any spoilers, how has your protagonist developed or changed from Book #1?  

KENNETH HOSS: In the first book, Kelli would let her anger take over, get the best of her at times. In book two, she is learning to control it, not letting it run her. I won’t say that she doesn’t still get angry, but at least she hasn’t threatened to blow someone’s head off lately. 

FAST FORWARD: A series requires the presence of a continuing main character. Often, however, there is another recurring character. The almost infinite pairings of main characters with guy/girl Fridays or wingmen could claim its own category on Jeopardy. Two Mystery/Suspense series authors and their interesting (equal or supporting) characters that come to mind are Tess Gerritson’s Rizzoli & Isles; Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino. Is there a recurring secondary character in your series? What is the purpose/role of that character within the plot?  

KENNETH HOSS: There are several recurring characters in my books, though the main one would have to be Kelli’s ex-husband, Kevin. He first appears in book one when Kelli needs his help. There is still a spark between them after several years and this only serves to complicate her life even more.

FAST FORWARD: Researching a new novel takes the author on a journey to many new places, whether through books, movies, newspapers, or physical travel. What did you most enjoy about the research process of your second novel, and where did your research take you? 

KENNETH HOSS: I enjoy everything about researching a book, and I am always learning new things. In book two, my research took me deeper into the world of the Colombian and Mexican drug cartels, and it was extremely eye opening. I read things that I could not include in the book due to the graphic nature, even though there are several descriptive scenes in the book. Most of my research was taken from current events, at the time of writing, which was and still is some very scary stuff, especially since I live in North Central Texas.

 

Where can fans of your novels find you and your books on the Internet? 

Links: 

Ken Hoss – Author – http://kenhoss.blogspot.com

Storm Rising – A Kelli Storm Novel - http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Rising-Kelli-Novel-ebook/dp/B0053GAWYU/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1 

Storm Warning – A Kelli Storm Novel - http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Warning-Kelli-Series-ebook/dp/B009B5CYJ0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1 

Twitter - @kennhoss

Fast Five Author Interview with Kenneth Hoss

Today’s guest, Kenneth Hoss, is the author of STORM RISING-A Kelli Storm novel. He is also a self-proclaimed "computer nut and Texas Rangers fan." Ken and I are members of The Independent Author Network, an internet site designed for like-minded authors and readers, where I discovered his action-packed book featuring protagonist Kelli Storm, a no-nonsense detective who takes a back seat to no one.

FAST FIVE: Welcome, Ken, and thank you for your participation today. Rather than an “elevator pitch” of 140 characters (#hashtags included) can you share with us a more detailed account of the novel and your research for STORM RISING- A Kelli Storm Novel?

KENNETH HOSS: Storm Rising is the first book in a planned three book series. It follows the main character, Kelli Storm, an NYPD Detective working out of the 33^rd Precinct in Washington Heights. Kelli is driven to find the person or persons responsible for her father’s death twenty years earlier. In the course of investigating the murder of a young woman, she discovers a link between the woman’s death and her father’s killer.

For my research, I enlisted the aid of a former NYPD Detective who now works for an unnamed Government agency. He provided me with Department policies and procedures, as well as information not readily available on the internet. (Nothing classified.) An example would be, in NYC, Police cars are not called squad cars, but instead they are called RMP’s or Radio Motor Patrol. Another item I had to know were the type of firearms that NYPD officers are allowed to carry, both on duty and off. It’s the little details like that, if incorrect or missed, can ruin your book.

FAST FIVE: As a reader, I always appreciate an author’s close attention to details, especially those that describe or enhance the role of a protagonist’s profession. For Detective Kelli Storm, is “the job” the most important part of her life?

KENNETH HOSS: At this point, “the job” is the only thing that keeps her going. She has to deal with her mother’s illness, an ex-boyfriend who thinks he still has a shot, and an ex-husband she still loves. As if that weren’t enough, she’s a recovering alcoholic. But she doesn’t let any of it stop her from doing her job.

FAST FIVE: The Mystery/Suspense genre is the focus of Fast Five interviews, but what unique twist makes your novel stand out?

KENNETH HOSS: That is a very good question. I would have to say what makes Storm Rising stand out is not so much the twist and turns, though there are several, but the main character. While she is not really “unique”, she is a strong and determined person. Her ability to overcome the odds is inspiring.

FAST FIVE: How does your main character’s profession draw her into suspenseful situations, (murder, for instance?)

KENNETH HOSS: Being a Detective on the NYPD, Kelli has seen her share of bodies. As for murders, she’s seen more than her share. (And will continue seeing them.)

FAST FIVE: Is this book part of a series, and are you working on a sequel?

KENNETH HOSS: Yes. I am currently working on the second book, Storm Warning, and plan to release it sometime in late Spring of this year.

FAST FIVE: Ken, the fast pace you set with Storm Rising guarantees that I will be in line to buy the next Kelli Storm novel, Storm Warning. The following is not a Fast Five question, more an “if/then” scenario: If Paris is not an option, then where would you most like to spend your time writing and why.

KENNETH HOSS: My “dream” location to write is a little spot northeast of Atlanta, GA. It’s a place I visited when I was out there several years back that really took my breath away. The spot overlooks Lake Altoona and is one of the most inspiring views I’ve seen. 

FAST FIVE: Okay, I admit I’ve never heard of Lake Altoona. As inspiration, though, it may end up on my list of dream vacations. Thank you for visiting today, Ken, and for offering a behind-the-scenes look into a writer’s life.

For more information about Kenneth Hoss and his novel, please check out these links:

Blog: http://kenhoss.blogspot.com

Twitter: @kennhoss

Available for Purchase ~ STORM RISING - A Kelli Storm Novel ~ at any of the following sites:

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Rising-Kelli-Novel-ebook/dp/B0053GAWYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326311561&sr=1-1

https://www.createspace.com/3623078

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11526436-storm-rising-a-kelli-storm-novel

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storm-rising-a-kelli-storm-novel-kenneth-hoss/1103391061

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/storm-rising-a-kelli-storm/id441096129?mt=11