Interview with Thomas J Thorson

Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I’ve lived in or near Chicago, Illinois all of my adult life. I have three daughters ranging in age from 26 to 31. I pay my bills as a lawyer; I have my own practice and work out of my home, focusing mostly on real estate matters. My hobbies are traveling, reading, baking, making ice cream, and cursing at my garden. I didn’t start writing my first book, Serendipity: Seemingly Random Events, Insignificant Discoveries, and Accidental Discoveries That Altered History until I was sixty years old. Heirs Apparent is my first novel.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Heirs Apparent’ book?

Finding time to write was difficult at first until I found the discipline to set a couple of hours aside every day whether I felt like it or not. For the writing itself, there were issues with plotting. It wasn’t until I had lunch with an estate planning attorney and he told me a story about an unusual request from a client (that he turned down) that the key element came into focus. Finally, keeping all of the characters consistent in their behavior.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Unquestionably Rex Stout and his “Nero Wolfe” series has had the greatest influence, especially in his pure, simple, but effective use of words and his creation of memorable characters. Also Robert Crais and the fun he has with his books and the pacing and suspense of Harlan Coben.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I don’t know if I have one favorite spot, but I love being out in nature. I took a raft trip down the Grand Canyon and the majesty and beauty were incredible. I love the boundary waters up in Minnesota. My favorite places in general are a quiet cabin in the woods by a lake. Chicago itself has a wonderful array of things to do and one of the world’s best food scenes.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I don’t dive right in. I brainstorm and research a lot of different scenarios and settings before settling on one. Then I’ll do more research to get as many details as I can about the key plot points. I visit areas that will be settings for a scene in the book and take a lot of pictures. Then I write out a general plot progression by chapters, although the final book is very different from my initial thoughts. It goes off in unexpected directions as I write as if it has a mind of its own.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Heirs Apparent’ book?

About six months writing part-time, not including the time to send it off to an editor and waiting for my beta readers to make suggestions.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Heirs Apparent’ book to buy?

It can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and directly from Austin Macauley, the publisher. It’s available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Heirs Apparent’?

The title for this one was easy as it’s a phrase that’s both catchy and fits the plot of the book perfectly. I don’t remember having to sit down and think about it, it was always there. This is in contrast to the next book in the series, where I’ve spent hours trying to find the perfect title.
The cover art comes from the genius of Stephanie Rocha, my designer. I told her I wanted there to be a will and a pen with a drop of blood coming out of it, which survived. I had about a hundred other ideas which she thankfully ignored. The shadow of the tall man was her idea, as were the actual graphics used. I think it’s very eye-catching.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I appreciate you thinking that I do. My books aren’t overly long, which helps. I try to change the pace and insert humor among the tension. After spending so much time with the manuscript, both writing and editing, I got tired of it and set it aside for a month before going back to it with fresh eyes.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I won’t reveal any secrets—discovering them is part of the joy of reading. I will say that all of the characters are based at least in part on people I know or have met. Leo is actually very close to a man who owned a small Cuban restaurant two doors down from a former office of mine. He did claim that he was in witness protection for trying to assassinate Fidel Castro and his food was, well, not all that good.
I also haven’t announced it yet, but the next book in the series is tentatively due to be released in early February 2021.