This week, we’re visiting with C. L. Swinney, a man who burst onto the writing scene with such great enthusiasm he overwhelmed some of us. He reads, he writes, he blogs, he writes poetry, he writes mysteries.  I’m impressed, and you will be too.  So, let’s get with it.

Jim:  First, give us a little background.  I understand you are a narcotics investigator.  How long have you been in law-enforcement, and how long in narcotics work?

C.L.:  Hey Jim, thanks for this wonderful opportunity!  I love your interviews and I’m super excited to be doing one with you now.  I’ve been in law enforcement just under fourteen years.  I’ve been working in narcotics for almost five.

Jim: And you speak at enforcement conferences across the country.  Have you written any non-fiction in that area – say a manual for other law officers?

C.L.:  I haven’t done any manuals yet (although I’m working on something that is secret squirrel).  I give lectures on processing clandestine labs, manufacturing methamphetamine, collecting pre-cursors, and street level narcotics for entry-level investigators.

Jim: Most of us are not involved in narcotics, but we all have cell phones.  Tell us what kind of “cell phone forensics” you have been involved in?

C.L.:  I’ve been “chasing cell phones” for almost five years.  I’ve been in numerous classes around the United States on the topic of cell phone forensics.  The majority of it I cannot share as I’m bound to a non-disclosure act with the feds.  Nevertheless, I’d say the cell phone (which I call a hand-held device) is an amazing tool.

Jim:  Okay.  So how did you get into writing fiction?

C.L:  I’ve been writing since college, some non-fiction and fiction.  I was published in Fly Fisherman Magazine, which was an amazing thing for me then, as it is now.  I dabbled in formal poetry too, but I’ve recently learned I was doing it all wrong.  Then, while fly fishing in the Bahamas, the story and concept for Gray Ghost just popped in my head and I started writing and interviewing people.

Jim: Give us a little peek into your first novel, Gray Ghost.

C.L.:  Detectives headed on a fly fishing vacation to Andros Island in the Bahamas quickly learn when they arrive their fishing guides have been found murdered.   Local Bohemians inform the detectives that the guides were drug mules for a master mind, known simply as the “Caller,” and were killed while transporting a 100-million dollars worth of cocaine.   Against lead detective Bill Dix’s better judgment, a task force is created and an elaborate trap is set to snare the “Caller;” however, he knows about the trap and toys with the detectives.   With the cocaine as bait, Dix tries to capture the elusive “Caller.”  In the end, neither Dix nor the “Caller” knows what happened.

 Jim: And The Collectors is the second book in the series.  When will it be out?

C.L.:  I haven’t shopped The Collectors around yet.  It’s capable of being a stand-alone book, but I’d like to keep The Collectors a part of the Bill Dix series.  If all goes well, The Collectors will come out early 2014.

Jim:  I understand that John Brantingham inspired you to take up poetry.  Tell us a little about that side of your writing.

C.L.:  I picked up a copy of John’s book, East of Los Angeles, and was blown away and thoroughly impressed.  I wrote some poetry and threw it on the internet and people seemed to really like it.  However, I realized I was butchering the form and picked up John’s book, The Gift of Form.  I’ve been following the exercises and writing better poetry (I hope).  I really enjoy reading and writing poetry.

Jim:  I’d like to step away from writing for a minute. I believe you are involved with the juvenile diabetes program. Tell us how your involvement in JDRF came about, and what you want people to know about it.

C.L.:  My niece, Emily, has juvenile diabetes.  Every day is a struggle, but she and her parents are amazing.  There are good days and bad days.  Days that would make most people quit or give up, but not Emily or her family.  She and her family are a great inspiration to me. There are many ways to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) besides money.  Volunteer work is needed and greatly appreciated. Fundraisers, walks, and taking the time to understand this disease will help all our little people today and in the future.

Jim: One last question.  Where can people buy your books?

C.L.:  You can pick up Gray Ghost on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Gray-Ghost-C-L-Swinney/dp/1610091078, Oak Tree Press http://www.oaktreebooks.com/Shop%20OTP.htm#EFGHI, and my blog at http://clswinney.wordpress.com/.

Jim:  Well, he’s sold me. How about you?  I’m putting The Gray Ghost on the top of my TBR list. I finish the current book I’m on, and I’m looking for Swinney’s.

Thanks C.L. for visiting.  It was my pleasure to have you here.