Up Close & Personal with Author Nick Denmon

Author of the novel -

For Nothing (An Upstate New York Mafia Tale)

Undercover cop Alex Vaughn goes deeper than ever into the organized crime family of Buffalo, NY. Motivated by justice and revenge, he seeks out the assassin that laid his friend Jack low.

Professional killer Rafael Rontego traverses the deadly politics of Buffalo’s mafia underbelly. In a city whose winter can be just as deadly as those wielding power, Rontego tries to stay ahead of the game.

Their two worlds collide in this epic thriller that takes the reader on a search for self, justice, and truth.

About the Author:

Where do you call home?

I live in St. Petersburg, FL but my childhood home is Buffalo, NY and that is where my novel For Nothing takes place.

What is your book about?

On the surface it is mafia tale. For Nothing is told from the point of view of a mafia hit-man who is just trying to stay alive during an inner-family power struggle and also from the point of view of an undercover agent who is seeking revenge for a murdered cop who also happened to be his best friend.

Ultimately the story delves into the motives of individuals, what drives these characters to do the things they do, be it on the orders of a mafia don, or on a quest to seek retribution. It deals with fate versus choice, evolving versus maintaining an unappealing status-quo.

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Alex Vaughn, an undercover cop, would probably say, “No Comment.” Or he might say, “Have you seen this man?” and hold up a blurry black and white photo of a man in a trench coat and a fedora.

Rafael Rontego, an assassin, probably wouldn’t say anything; you would just hear an unsettling, “Click.”

Both characters are turned inward and don’t like attention. They want respect, they want to be known for being good at their jobs, but they don’t want to necessarily have a conversation about it. It’s a tough line of work.

Do you have plans for a new book?

Absolutely. The sequel to For Nothing is being outlined. I also have a medieval fantasy trilogy outlined and am 40,000 words into book one.

What inspired you to write your book?

I have been a writer since I can remember. I have been a story teller for even longer. I think making the leap from short stories and telling tales with friends was a natural evolution for me. I sat down one day and just started. They say a good idea remains just that, unless you do something about it. Putting pen to paper was my way of making an idea into reality.

Would you like to be contacted by readers to do book reviews?

Yes, I love to have people review my work. I can usually work with a reviewer and provide free e-copies of the book as well.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

My design and cover were a process. I wanted something that reflected the city of Buffalo but also had a dark tone to it. My artists Jesse Horst and Joe Zgoda came up with a great concept. They put the landmark Shea’s Theatre on the cover and I loved it.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

I pull bits and pieces of characters from real life people. Usually I do it as a tribute to people who are important in my life. They can probably tell when I use them too, but the average reader won’t know who I am pulling from because each character is such a cross section of my real life friends, family, and sometimes just someone I pass on the street.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

I would love to meet Dennis Lehane and G.R.R. Martin. They are great writers who really influence the way I approach my own writing.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcovers?

I prefer all books. I have a Kindle...but I also have a library in my house.

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Game of Thrones, for the second time.

Patti: Oh I want to read those. I love the TV show!

What book do you know that you will never read? Never say never!

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and why?

Absolutely. Recently I read Electronic Crime in Muted Key by Nick Wastnage. Absolutely, fabulous story about insurance fraud and trying to beat the system. Before that I read an interesting fiction piece by Haresh Daswani, Evolution of Insanity. And for those of you that love Paranormal, I just read Emerald Destiny by Allie Burke and even though I don’t enjoy usually enjoy that genre, I have to say this one knocked my socks off. There are so many talented writers out there I could go on all day.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice is to get your work ready, polish it. Get it done. Don’t sit on it worrying for years and rewriting it for years. Get it done, and then network your butt off. Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook; all of these are fabulous ways to gain the support, criticism, and audience that will help you make the leap from writer to author.

Thanks Nick, nice chatting with you. Patti

Where can your readers follow you? My blog: http://dratednovelist.blogspot.com and my Facebook fanpage: www.facebook.com/authornicholasdenmon

For Nothing can be purchased at:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/59682

And

http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Upstate-York-Mafia-ebook/dp/B0050WA44K

My book's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/For-Nothing/186435814737422

Though most people seem to be flocking to the author fan page truth be told.

My Goodreads author page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4845754.Nicholas_Denmon

Twitter: @nicholasdenmon

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Patti Roberts - Supporting Authors.

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Paradox - The Angels Are Here.

Book trailer Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IovcxyZTFuU

facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3woe84l

twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/PattiRoberts7

blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/