Travis Richardson, the talented author of “The Prodigal Detective” has his young protagonist quit school to take up the family business after his father becomes ill. What's the business? A detective agency. Check out Travis's story by clicking on his name! Travis suggested I answer a few questions about my own novel, "The Dark Before Dawn" for “The Next Big Thing.”
What is your working title of your book?
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I'm a big proponent of weeding out the problems in our lives that cause us to be unhappy. I wanted to create a character that was called upon to help others (a homicide detective), who had a mind to solve mysteries (a homicide detective), and yet was burdened by many troubles. His own psyche needs to be solved.
What genre does your book fall under?
Psychological suspense
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Wow, Michael Fassbender as Gabriel. Not that I wouldn't take Hugh Jackman either! Ryan Gosling would make a wonderful Victor Archwood.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A killer’s identity is locked within the suppressed childhood memory of the detective who hunts him.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It was already self-published, although now it is currently represented by an entertainment attorney.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The first draft took over a year and then sat on a shelf while I co-wrote and produced a play. After working on the play with my co-writer and mentor, Ronald Jacobs (I Spy, The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mod Squad) my writing became much improved. I took the manuscript down from the shelf, blew off the dust, and revamped it. That re-write took a few months. The second book went much faster. I was finished with it in less than 8 months. (That does not count editing!)
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
“Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, “Silence of the Lambs”
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Children who go through trauma.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
Besides the well-researched forensic and psychological aspects -- the novel has garnered interest from Hollywood! Options have been offered!
