An Interview By Sheri Hoyt of Reader Views with Gary D. McGugan – Author of A Slippery Shadow

Recently awarded a Gold Medal by Reader Views 2021-22 Literary Awards in the Mystery/Thriller category, writing started for Gary D. McGugan after a 40-year career in the world of business. He’s worked in supermarkets, sold appliances, distributed motorcycles, launched an automobile dealer network, and provided financing to help businesses grow. Every industry was very different from the other. Each company had a distinctive culture and character, but all were units of large corporations with operations around the globe. Travel has always been a large component of his business roles and he’s now visited more than 650 towns and cities in more than fifty countries for either business or leisure. Experts say we should write about things we know best. In Gary’s case, those subjects are business, travel, and people. As an author, his goal is to entertain readers around the world — one at a time.

Hi Gary, Welcome back to Reader Views! What is “A Slippery Shadow” all about?

Thanks for having me back, Sheri. And thanks for asking about my latest novel, “A Slippery Shadow.” It’s a suspense thriller, revealing some of the unexpected challenges people who lead enterprises—either legal or criminal types of organizations—can encounter when a mysterious player pulls some strings behind the scenes.

What inspired the storyline behind this book?

When I decide to write a story, my inspiration is always to create a tale to entertain my readers. There’s great competition for the hard-earned dollars people have available for entertainment, so I always want to tell a story that rewards their investment of time and money. But, there are also fundamental changes taking place in our global society.

Some countries’ political leaders were formerly entertainers, spies, businesspeople, or military officers. Corporations have become global, generating revenues far greater than most people can conceptualize. Organized crime has become sanitized, controlling supposedly legitimate companies traded on public stock markets.

“A Slippery Shadow” suggests what might happen when a player in one of those sectors decides to pull strings to influence what they want to happen, and how easily it all might take form. While I’m entertaining my readers, I’d like them to think about the possible implications and how those actions might eventually touch all of us in unexpected ways.

As always, your characters hit the mark for me—especially your “fierce females” as I like to call them. In “A Slippery Shadow,” readers get to see an intimate side to both Fidelia Morales and Suzanne Simpson- something we haven’t been privy to in your previous novels. What was it like getting inside the heads of two strong independent women when they were at their most vulnerable and how did you bring that vulnerability to the page?

I think two factors influence most how I write from a female Point of View. I’ve had the good fortune to work closely with women for more than fifty years, women who have been colleagues, customers, suppliers, and friends. I also like to “people-watch.” But to me, people-watching delves far deeper than clothes people wear, hairstyles, make-up, or the way they carry themselves.

I’ve watched women negotiate fiercely, revealing their inner thought processes. I’ve seen many reactions to victory or accomplishment, and observed how some coped with adversity.

Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, and behaviors of both genders have long fascinated me. When it’s time to write, create dialog, or dig deep for emotion, I try to recall real people in similar circumstances and remember things they said or actions they took. Recalling those memories helps make my characters and their dialog feel more genuine to a reader.

For anyone who’s read any of your previous novels, they know Howard Knight has had his share of ups and downs. To me, he has the quintessential traits of rising to stardom level with your fanbase. Is he a fan favorite? What do you hear about Howard Knight? Are there Howard Knight groupies among us?

I haven’t seen Howard Knight groupies at any in-store author events yet, but he consistently intrigues readers. In my first story, Three Weeks Less a Day, Howard was probably the most despised character. In “The Multima Scheme” and “Unrelenting Peril,” I put him in circumstances that showed different elements of his complex personality, and in “Pernicious Pursuit,” he became a clear favorite of most readers. In A Slippery Shadow, the poor guy deals with so much adversity I think it’s hard for most readers to resist his tug of appeal.

Which one of your characters in “A Slippery Shadow” was the most fun to write and why?

I enjoy them all. But Fidelia Morales was the most interesting for me. I think it would be fair to say Fidelia was not a favorite in A Web of Deceit, the novel immediately before A Slippery Shadow. Readers will find her in radically different circumstances in this story, and I think most will enjoy reading how she copes with the new challenges!

Would you and your main characters get along?

Yes. Of course, with Suzanne Simpson, I’d avoid conversations about loyalty. With Howard, I’d never talk about The Organization, and with Fidelia, I’d surely display my non-judgmental persona.

It sounds like we can expect more from this “slippery shadow” character. Will he/she ever surface, or do you plan to keep that identity elusive?

Great question! And I still don’t have an answer. Future world events will probably determine any future role for my “Slippery Shadow.”

The most surprising development for me in “A Slippery Shadow” was the level of betrayal involved. I truly did not see a few key betrayals coming. Can’t you ever let your characters just be happy? 🙂

And wouldn’t it be nice if we could also achieve world peace? 🙂 Human nature is bewildering. People seek happiness but do things that make it elusive. And for as long as we have that dichotomy, I’ll probably have adequate material to create entertaining stories that reflect life: brief interludes of happiness countered by events and characters determined to ensure happiness never becomes permanent.

What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this work?

This story was finished before Russia invaded Ukraine. But for many years, people weighing events in Russia might have predicted the recent invasion. A Slippery Shadow demonstrates several different ways Russia tries to influence our global evolution. While the story is pure fiction, readers will relate to behavior and events in other parts of the world like those they read about in A Slippery Shadow.

What part of “A Slippery Shadow” did you have the hardest time writing?

I don’t recall any specific passage that was more difficult to write. Details related to cryptocurrencies took some comprehensive research. Fidelia’s detention by authorities in Singapore drew on some creative imagination, and the goings-on in Eastern Europe combined both. But I think readers will find each of those scenes plausible, if not authentic.

What part of the book was the most fun to write?

My goal is to make every chapter exciting. When I approach writing with that perspective, every page is fun.

If you only had a few words in which to convince me to buy “A Slippery Shadow” what would your pitch sound like?

Imagine the intrigue of a story that combines arrests, escapes, kidnapping, betrayal, deception, massive amounts of money, and baffling technology while none of the main characters know who’s pulling the strings and creating all the chaos.

How early do you try to hook your readers – first sentence, first page, first chapter? Do you agree that the first sentence is the most important sentence in your entire book?

I think a good story demands many meaningful sentences to grab and hold a reader’s attention. I try to make the first sentence impactful, for sure. But I also try to make every subsequent sentence and chapter equally strong. My goal is to make every story hard for a reader to put down the book or digital device.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
I think anyone who enjoys quick-paced suspense, with lots of twists and turns, and consistently challenging a reader to solve the mystery or guess the outcome, will enjoy any of my novels.

Travel plays an important part in your writing process. How has your process changed over the last several years with restricted travel guidelines in place?

Like most people, I didn’t travel for almost two years. A Web of Deceit and A Slippery Shadow were written and published during the pandemic with memories, photos, and research to fill in any blanks. Because I usually spend weeks or months in a foreign location—rather than a few days—my experiences are rich. I try to live among the people of the country I’m visiting rather than in hotels or resorts. I learn from personal interactions and my long walks every day. I think the intimacy I develop with a location reflects in my stories.

Do you think your writing has strengthened over the course of your series? How so?

I imagine every writer likes to think their work improves with each story. I’m happy with every novel I’ve written, but I’m never satisfied. In each book, I try to focus more attention on one critical element. Initially, I worked hard to develop the Point of View we talked about. Later, I tried to polish dialog and emotion. I belong to a community of writers that arranges monthly presentations from polished writers, and I attend as many as possible to learn as much as possible.

I know you had planned to take a year off from your fiction writing to consider a “memoir-ish” project when Covid first hit but of course, Covid changed many plans indefinitely. Do you still have a desire to delve into non-fiction?

You have a good memory! I’m still interested in the “memoir-ish” direction, but I’m unsure of the timing. As you know, in the publishing world today, we authors are ultimately responsible for promoting our books to generate optimum sales results. During the April to October 2022 window, I plan to invest considerable time in personal appearances—COVID permitting. During these next few months, I’ll decide whether to immediately jump into a seventh novel or experiment with a work of non-fiction.

You’re writing about one fiction book a year now! What are your future plans for your international intrigue series?

There will surely be a seventh story about the goings-on at the summit of Multima Corporation, including my cast of characters who provide the intrigue. The only question is timing. I expect emails will start soon, asking when the next one will be ready, and that demand will probably determine how soon I release another story.

With six fiction books and one non-fiction book under your belt, you’ve probably fine-tuned your writing/publishing/marketing strategies. What has been the most important thing you’ve learned on your journey that you can pass along to new authors?

Become a member of a writing community. Writing communities offer extraordinary value for authors. I belong to the Writers’ Community of York Region ( https://wcyork.ca/ ) in Canada, but there are hundreds across the globe. All offer an opportunity to network with other writers to learn what’s working for them. Many communities arrange guest speakers who share valuable tips and advice on the latest trends in publishing, writing skills to attract more readers, and the ever-changing tastes of retailers and readers.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes. I’d like to thank you for this opportunity to share some thoughts with you and your readers, and express my appreciation for all the great work your organization does to help independent authors and publishers grow readership. Thank you!
In Conversation With Gary D. McGugan
Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com.

Bookpleasures.com welcomes once again as our guest Gary D. McGugan author of the Three Weeks Less A Day, The Multima Scheme. Unrelenting Peril, Pernicious Pursuit and A Web of Deceit.

Norm: Good day Gary and thanks once again for taking part in an interview for Bookpleasures.com

Gary:  Thank you for the opportunity, Norm. It’s wonderful to be with you.

Norm: What trends in the book world do you see and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
Gary:  Digital sales become increasingly important each year. With that growth in popularity, traditional publishers play a less prominent role as authors create professional, compelling manuscripts, build electronic or print books entirely, and promote their work directly to readers.
Norm: How many times in your writing career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
Gary:  I started writing later in life so I think my experience is atypical. Agents and publishers understandably showed little interest in an aging non-celebrity just setting out.
They had no way of knowing whether my capacity to generate revenue for them was limited to one book; or might offer more opportunities with others to follow.
When it became clear traditional routes showed little immediate interest, I decided to follow a self-publishing path instead of waiting for doors to open. I have no regrets.
Norm: What does a typical writing day look like for you, from waking to turning in at night, and how does it compare to a conventional 9 to 5 job?
Gary:  Three primary activities occupy much of my day: investing, writing, and fitness. Early mornings, I research data for an investment portfolio I manage. From 9-Noon, I research, write, or edit my novel in progress.
Two to three hours each afternoon are devoted to walking and stretching. The remainder of my day and evening is devoted to relaxation, reading, social and family activities.
Norm; Do you feel that writers, regardless of genre owe something to readers, if not, why not, if so, why and what would that be?
Gary:  Writers owe their readers a satisfying reading experience. Non-fiction readers usually expect to gain new information and insights into a specific subject. Suspense readers expect a tale that entertains them with some mystery, twists and surprises.
 Readers pay hard-earned money when they buy books and should feel their expenditure was entirely justified when they reach the last page.
Norm: What do you consider to be your greatest success (or successes) so far in your writing career?
Gary:  Canada’s largest bookseller—Indigo—has become a wonderful supporter, with its stores across Ontario and Quebec inviting me to hold in-store events to promote and sign books with readers.
This personal interaction directly with prospective readers has significantly boosted my readership for all five novels.
Norm: Many people have the skills and drive to write a book, but failure to market and sell the book the right way is probably what keep a lot of people from finding success. Can you give us 2-3 strategies that have been effective for you promoting your books.
Gary:  Without a doubt, working with Indigo stores has been my most successful marketing thrust. I also communicate by email twice per month with readers who subscribe to my VIP Readers List. Folks who’d like to subscribe can do it easily by visiting my WEBSITE.

And I also use social media to inform and promote.
Norm: What inspires you?
Gary:  Learning. Throughout my adult life, I’ve learned continuously about business, people, science, the arts, and life itself. Crafting some of that knowledge into a unique story created from a blank piece of paper provides powerful inspiration. Writing a story demands more discovery to make each plot work and make it appealing to, and credible for, most readers.
Norm: Where did you get your information or ideas for A Web of Deceit?
Gary:  During the twenty-years I worked in commercial finance with some of the world’s most successful organizations, each of my employers invested huge amounts of time and money to educate its executives about continuously occurring pitfalls with digital commerce and money-laundering—and the massive risks each poses for successful businesses. It kindled a passion for me to learn more, read media articles, and listen intently to expert speakers at industry conferences.

Over the years, I’ve considered many possible scenarios where the worlds of organized crime and thriving commercial businesses might intersect. With A Web of Deceit, I added a pinch of imagination to create a scenario that might just be possible as a criminal element uses technology to attack a major corporation and wage a war with others.

Norm: What was the time-line between the time you decided to write your book and publication? What were the major events along the way?
Gary:  Since 2016, I’ve written and published a new novel each year, and I’ll release another one in 2022. Before a story is fully completed, I usually started building the plot and begin research into settings and locales. A Web of Deceit takes place in the Caribbean, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Australia.
With the exception of Australia, I spent considerable time in those locations in 2019 and 2020 before the pandemic restricted travel. My major events along the way are getting it all down on paper first, revising until I’m satisfied with the plot and content, then working with two professional editors to edit and modify as needed. I welcome their input and suggestions to make a story better, then fine tune it over several months. Finally, a professional proofreader points out any spelling and / or grammar concerns to polish a version ready for publishing.
Norm: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your story?
Gary:  When the subject relates to computer hacking there is little I find surprising. With enough technical knowledge, time, patience and creativity, expert hackers can penetrate virtually any computer system. For this reason, a next world war may well be waged more with technology weapons than conventional weapons.
Norm: Was there anything you found particularly challenging in writing A Web of Deceit? How did you deal with it?
Gary: For most people, technical talk can become boring very quickly. My goal in A Web of Deceit was to avoid ‘tech-speak’ and focus on activities and results that contributed directly to the plot.
Norm: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
Gary:  My primary goal with every story is to entertain my readers. Feedback from readers and reviewers suggest I was successful in A web of Deceit. I think most readers will find the pacing very quick, with a high level of intrigue, and insight into some of the dangers associated with digital commerce lurking in the background.
Norm: What is your secret in keeping the intensity of the plot throughout the narrative?
Gary: From the first chapter, my goal is to make every chapter in the book as exciting as possible. I try to avoid a natural inclination to provide backstory and focus instead on as much action and dialog as possible. During my editing reviews, I focus on specific passages where an additional twist or turn might heighten intensity and raise more questions for a reader.
Norm: How much research went into before writing the novel, and what were some of the references that you used while researching this book?
Gary:  My stories draw on experiences from my forty-year career with major corporations around the globe. So far, I’ve personally visited 66 countries and more than 635 cities on every continent but Africa and Antarctica. Sometimes Googlemaps.com is necessary to refresh memories about a specific location or calculate distance or travel times, but most research is the result of observing people, listening to experts, and reading about a book a week over most of my lifetime.
Norm: Did you know the end of your book at the beginning, and what is the most favorite part of your book?
Gary:  With every story, I have a beginning, middle, and end well established. The path I follow to reach the end often changes as I find more exciting routes to get from here to there!

Norm: Where can our readers find out more about you and A Web of Deceit?
Gary:  I have information about all five novels and myself at MY WEBSITE
Norm: What is next for Gary D. McGugan?
Gary:  In April 2022, I’ll release A Slippery Shadow. This new story will be an independent self-contained story like all my novels, but will pick up from where A Web of Deceit ends. So I’d encourage your readers to read a copy of A Web of Deceit first. A Slippery Shadow will focus more on Fidelia Morales who recently assumed command of The Organization. I think readers will find this female crime boss an intriguing character as she interacts once again with venerable Howard Knight who bungles into yet another crisis involving Suzanne Simpson and her Multima Corporation empire. Once started, I think readers will have a hard time putting down A Slippery Shadow.
Norm: As this interview comes to an end, if you can invite three authors, dead or alive, of thrillers and crime to your dinner table, who would they be and what would you ask them?
Gary:  Wilbur Smith, John Grisham and James Patterson would all be delightful dinner companions. I’d ask each of them the same question: “What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your writing career?” I have no doubt their answers would take far more than a dinner conversation to dissect and absorb!
Norm: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.
Gary: Thank you, Norm.  It’s been great talking with you again.


Interview with Gary D. McGugan
Author of A Web of Deceit
Posted on February 17, 2021by Reader Views

Hi Gary, Welcome to Reader Views – it’s nice to have you back today! Tell us a bit about your latest novel, A Web of Deceit.

Thank you for having me back! A Web of Deceit is an international thriller with three main characters who each have very different goals but become entangled in one conspiracy to steal millions of dollars from legitimate companies. Readers of my previous novels will know all the major characters, but they may not recognize a couple. As usual, I try to transform characters in response to different plots and circumstances.

What inspired you to write this story?

Covid-19. To be candid, I originally planned to take a year off from writing in 2020. In March, I had scheduled 85 personal appearances with Canada’s largest bookstore chain and watched those opportunities evaporate as the pandemic spread.  I realized my plan to focus on promoting books wouldn’t happen anytime soon, so I decided to use my time to write a fifth novel. I combined my just-completed trip to several Asian countries with a long-held concern about organized crime’s increasing technology sophistication to create A Web of Deceit.

Some of the characters in A Web of Deceit come to us from your original corporate intrigue trilogy, Escapades Abound.  How do you keep your characters interesting and relevant with each story?

People often change when circumstances change. Folks we thought we knew well suddenly become different when they confront challenges outside their ‘normal’. I change the plots in my stories dramatically, knowing my characters will behave differently.

Two of your three lead characters are women, Suzanne Simpson, head of Multima Corporation and Fidelia Morales, new Kingpin of the crime syndicate known as The Organization. These characters are exceptionally well written. Tell us about your experience writing from the perspective of the opposite sex.

Thanks for your compliment. As a writer, I get real satisfaction when someone recognizes the scope of the challenge. As a guy, I must step out of my own mindset and worldview to think and write from a woman’s perspective. Fortunately, I worked with strong women throughout my career. I visualize a circumstance—and some of the women I know—to imagine how they might act or react. Surprisingly, this usually works well!

When I think about Fidelia Morales, the phrase “You’ve come a long way, baby,” always comes to mind. When did her current career path open up to you?

Fidelia is the ultimate survivor. After growing up in the slums of San Juan, Puerto Rico, her brilliant mind won her a scholarship to Columbia University in New York, where she graduated among the top of her class in law school. Disillusioned quickly with her legal career, she eventually chose a life of prostitution and thrived under the protection of crime-boss Giancarlo Mareno. When she ‘retired’ from The Organization—with Mareno’s blessing—Fidelia intended to give a traditional relationship a try with Howard Knight. When she dumped him in The Multima Scheme, I already started thinking about what such a relentless survivor might do next.

Do you plan your character arcs, such as Fidelia’s above, or do they sometimes surprise you while you are writing?

Fidelia’s character arc was three books in the planning and development stage. What does occasionally surprise me are specific actions or decisions made by a character. Those are usually the result of what my wife likes to call an overactive imagination!

Susanne Simpson is driven by her high moral standards, while Fidelia Morales seems more motivated by the dark side. Both are outstanding, professional leaders. What are some of their common traits that take each woman down a different path?

Both women have a remarkable ability to compartmentalize their lives. They both prioritize issues and block out noise or interference that might distract from their mission. And they solve problems like someone might build a puzzle, putting individual pieces into the correct places step by step.

“Don’t be afraid to kill your darlings,” is advice often heard in the literary world and you have killed off some of key characters over the course of your novels. What is your motivation behind these fearless deeds and how do you stay objective when disposing of a character?

I look for a form of justice when I eliminate any character. In my first novel, Three Weeks Less a Day, no major characters met an untimely end. In each of the others, we’ve lost one or more significant players. Readers shouldn’t be entirely surprised, but they should still feel some emotion, some sense of loss, and perhaps even regret. As the cold-hearted author, I make my decision to eliminate well in advance of the actual deed based on how useful that character might be in future stories.

Have you had any pushback from readers about killing your darlings?

Every story! If I’ve done my job well, even characters who deserve to go have some loyal fans. If characters disappear, some people are quick to shoot me an email or share their disappointment when we meet up at a signing event.

I can’t leave Howard Knight out of the mix – he’s been one of my favorite characters from the start! How has Howard survived the axe thus far?

Howard Knight might be a bit of a bumbling genius, but he’s still a genius. We came close to losing him in Unrelenting Peril, but he survived in the end. More than any of my other characters, he’s an example of how easy it is to become mixed up with a criminal element and how painfully difficult it is to escape. Lesser men would not have survived the retribution of The Organization for such a long time.

I’ve said before that your novels are both character-driven and plot-driven but I must amend that statement to include setting-driven, which admittedly may not even be a “thing,” but regarding your settings, can you speak to the level of influence your travels have on your writing?

I often like to describe myself as a “citizen of the world.” I feel equally comfortable in Manhattan or a village in Cambodia. To me, it seems normal to have characters move easily from country to country and setting to setting because that would describe accurately my life experiences. It would also describe my ambition for humanity. The more comfortable we all become, exploring and learning from our global neighbors, the greater our chances for lasting peace and global prosperity. I truly hope my stories inspire readers to pursue that sort of exploration once we get COVID-19 under control.

How has the global pandemic altered your writing/marketing routine/career?

The pandemic has changed everything as you might imagine. First, I didn’t think it was realistic writing a story taking place in 2020 that didn’t include the pandemic. My challenge was to create a plot that included COVID-19 but didn’t allow the virus to dominate the story. Personal appearances don’t exist in Canada, and many bookstores remain shuttered. In place authors need to use the internet, online retailers and zoom appearances.

As a world traveler, how are you coping with staying at home? Where do you plan to visit once the virus is under control?

I’m Canadian, but this winter is the first I’ve spent in Canada in 25 years! I had to buy a new outdoor wardrobe. I love to walk most days and had to find ways to stay warm for one to two hours in snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures. Coping required a very positive mindset, discipline and dogged determination to carry on. Japan, Croatia, Peru and some Caribbean islands will all factor into my plans as circumstances in each country permits. Realistically, it may still be a year or two before we can travel safely wherever we choose.

In all your books you credit your team, consisting of family, friends, other authors, and experts, humbly noting that your journey is a shared experience. How have these influences strengthened your writing?

I treat learning as a life-long experience. I seek feedback in all subject matters—from writing structure to social or political viewpoints. I truly like to listen to perspectives and impressions from other people. I hope to learn something new with every interaction I have. While I don’t necessarily agree with everyone’s view, I make a concerted effort to think about their outlook and learn from it.

I have to ask, what’s next? Do you have another story planned? Can you give us a sneak peek as to what it’s about?

There will be more novels, but after 2022. Instead, I’m in the early stages of developing a work of non-fiction. I can’t share much with you because there’s not much there yet. But I can tell you I visualize a book about the most interesting stuff I’ve learned from my varied life experiences around the globe. If I move forward, I’ll write it in a  “memoirish” style.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes. A heartfelt thank you for your interest in my stories. I think it’s wonderful the way you use your platform to help writers and their books become better known to your audience. Keep up the great work!

Thank you, Gary, for sharing your stories with us!

CONNECT WITH GARY MCGUGAN!
Website:                     https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com
Monthly Blog:           https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog
Facebook:                  @gary.d.mcgugan.books
Twitter:                      @GaryDMcGugan
Instagram:                 https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan 

Podcast Interview Gary D. McGugan


Meet Gary D.McGugan Who Discusses his Third Novel in his Multima Series, Unrelenting Peril Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com. He has been reviewing books for the past twenty years after retiring from the legal profession. 

Bookpleasures.com welcomes as our guest, Gary D. McGugan author of Three Weeks Less A Day, The Multima Scheme and Unrelenting Peril.

Gary is here today to discuss the third novel in the Multima series, Unrelenting Peril. Good day Gary and thanks once again to participate in our interview.

Norm: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?  

Gary: Thanks, Norm. It’s good to be here. So far, I’ve never encountered writer’s block from a creative perspective. It seems my brain generates a steady flow of productive ideas! Occasionally, challenges crop up. Unforeseen issues might relate to inconsistencies or plot complications that usually occur if I twist direction to increase suspense without thinking through all the implications to a story. When this happens, the only remedy is to rework one or more passages to touch up the problem. 

Norm: Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?

Gary: So far, there hasn’t been a review issue that impacted my perspective. To influence a change, it would depend on the issue highlighted. For example, let’s say a reviewer thoughtfully suggests a story would benefit from more dialogue. I’ll self-assess the value of more dialogue and might well decide to consciously work more into subsequent stories. If a criticism relates to foul language or sexual encounters, my perspective probably wouldn’t change dramatically. Why? Because swearing and sex are parts of everyday life in our real world and usually need to be part of fiction for a story to become believable. That said, I take care to use coarse language and descriptive sex appropriately. 

Norm: What do you believe are the elements of a good corporate thriller?

Gary: A good corporate thriller needs an intriguing plot, well-defined characters, a conflict that is easy to understand, and lots of action. 

Norm: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Gary: John Grisham or Wilbur Smith. Grisham because I can learn from his success creating superb stories in the legal world in much the way I create intriguing stories in the corporate world. There are similarities. Wilbur Smith has the skill to describe places and events in Africa so powerfully that sometimes I almost feel I was there! 

Norm: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book, Unrelenting Peril?

Gary: I really like the story in Unrelenting Peril, and I think most readers enjoy the evolution of my characters as the plot becomes more complicated. I think most readers find the ending very satisfying. I strike a balance between an outcome most are cheering for with discovery of real flaws in character or judgment like most of us have at some juncture in our lives. 

Norm: What is your secret in keeping the intensity of the plot throughout the narrative of Unrelenting Peril?

Gary: As a reader, I enjoy intensity. I think it’s crucial to enjoyment and satisfaction. When I’m writing, I try to read and re-read every paragraph not from my writer’s perspective but from what I think might be the perspective of my readers.

Norm: You include some very detailed dialogues in Unrelenting Peril.Where did that dialogue come from?

Gary: My forty-year experience working at senior levels of multinational corporations provided a window into how executives think and talk. I had more than 10,000 entries in my Outlook Contacts when I retired from corporate life. Of course, business people have very different personalities and react to circumstances in unique and individual ways.Similar challenges to those I create in Unrelenting Peril occur in corporations more often than many people realize. As a writer, I may take some license with tone and vocabulary to make the dialogue more dramatic, but the essence of my conversations are not foreign to the environment. 

Norm: Do you agree that to have good drama there must be an emotional charge that usually comes from the individual squaring off against antagonists either out in the world or within himself or herself? If so, please elaborate and how does it fit into Unrelenting Peril?

Gary:  I think the drama in Unrelenting Peril is a direct result of the number of conflicts I create. The Organization, the FBI, individual characters, and the newly introduced companies all create friction in ways that are both plausible and yet hard to believe at the same time. I think most readers will have trouble putting the story down once they start. 

Norm: How much real-life do you put into your fiction? Is there much “you” in there?

Gary: Under the right circumstances, I suppose there might be a little bit of me in almost all the characters. I guess it will be a reader’s mission to try to discover which might be me and which are purely figments of an overactive imagination! 

Norm: How wide-spread do you believe is the infiltration of criminal entities into legitimate business?

Gary: I think criminal entities have infiltrated -- and may actually control – a significant number of both privately owned and publicly traded companies. And I think that’s true in Canada, the United States, and in many countries around the world. I also think these elements have an insatiable appetite and continuously try to expand their influence. 

Norm: Have you personally experienced this infiltration? If so, how did you react?

Gary: Yes. Every business I worked with required potential customers to make some form of application to qualify for our product or service. Such applications required extensive information from applicants, and the companies I worked for investigated the information received thoroughly. If we discovered a whiff of influence or involvement by unsavory characters, we avoided the business opportunity. 

Norm: What would you like to say to writers who are reading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, if they are good enough, if their voices and visions matter enough to share?

Gary: I encourage prospective writers to read extensively. Explore different genres. Try new authors. Study the methods and techniques of writers whose work they enjoy. I also recommend future authors join a structured community of writers to meet frequently, discuss challenges, observe what other writers are doing, and learn continuously. With those fundamental strategies, I think most aspiring writers will find a path to realize their ambitions. 

Norm: Where can our readers find out more about you and Unrelenting Peril?

Gary: To learn more about Unrelenting Peril, the previous suspenseful novels in the Multima Corporation trilogy, or me, readers should visit my WEBSITE.There’s lots of information about my books, personal appearances, independent reviews and profiles, my monthly blog, and information about coming novels. 
Norm: Will there be any more sequels in the Multima series?

Gary: Unrelenting Peril completes the Multima Corporation trilogy. However, I’ll release a new novel in 2020. It will have different approach – one without Multima Corporation as the backdrop. But I’m borrowing a couple interesting characters from the three novels of corporate intrigue, and I’ll cast them on a very different path. I think readers will enjoy where they’re headed.
Norm: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors
FOLLOW HERE TO READ NORM'S REVIEW OF UNRELENTING PERIL​
In Conversation Once Again With Gary D. McGugan Who Discusses His Second Novel In The Multima Series, The Multima Scheme Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor ofBookpleasures.com. He has been reviewing books for the past twenty years after retiring from the legal profession. 

Bookpleasures.com onceagain welcomes as our guest, Gary D. McGugan author of Three Weeks Less A Day, The Multima Scheme and Unrelenting Peril. Gary is here today to discuss the second novel in the Multima series, The Multima Scheme. 

Good day Gary and thanks once again to participate in our interview.
Norm: Many people have the skills and drive to write a book, but failure to market and sell the book the right way is probably what keep a lot of people from finding success. Can you give us 2-3 strategies that have been effective for you in promoting your books?

Gary: It’s great to be with you again, Norm! Your question highlights the most significant challenge virtually every writer faces, and I still have to discover the silver bullet that hits the mark for optimum success. 
Social media has been helpful. Starting with friends and family, I’ve leveraged relationships with Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram to let followers know about progress with book development, release info, reviews, and personal appearances. 
I encourage visits to my WEBSITE at https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com, where I post regular Blog articles and publicize upcoming events. But much of my success results from the outstanding support provided by Canada’s largest bookseller with opportunities to hold author events in individual Indigo/Chapters/Coles outlets where I meet customers personally and introduce my stories.

Norm: With your experience as an author, is it difficult for you to read a novel just for the pleasure of being the reader?

Gary: No, it’s not difficult at all. I enjoy learning and try to learn something from every piece I read. To me, learning is a satisfying form of entertainment and I pick up some new bit of knowledge or gain insight from almost everything I read.

Norm: When you first wrote Three Weeks Less A Day did you ever think that there would be sequels? 

Gary: Initially, I didn’t expect there would be a sequel. But as I developed the story, I realized more novels using the same characters would be a natural evolution. By the time I finished Three Weeks Less a Day, I’d already decided a sequel would follow and constructed its ending to lay the foundation for another story.

Norm: What was it like writing the second book in your Multima Series? Was it easier or harder than writing the first one? 

Gary: Writing The Multima Scheme brought different challenges. I design each of my books to be great standalone stories. So, I take care that readers who have not read Three Weeks Less a Day can identify with characters quickly, while readers who already read the story wouldn’t find information links to the first book annoying or repetitive. I think I struck that balance well.

Norm: How did you decide you were ready to write the sequel? 

Gary: As I was putting the finishing touches on Three Weeks Less a Day, I felt my internal excitement about the next story growing daily. I realized the potential for most of the major characters and started working on The Multima Scheme even before the first book was actually printed!

Norm: What was your editorial approach in writing The Multima Scheme? 

Gary: I like to think of my approach to editing as linear. I read the novel several times as I’m writing, starting from the beginning each time to assure flow and consistency. I update my work after each read. When a story is complete, I do a final read and touch-ups before using an editing software package. Once I complete the manuscript, I have 5 or 6 ‘Beta Readers’ review the story and share their impressions and comments.These readers help with any story inconsistencies and provide specialized knowledge such as legal or police issues. 

Once those changes are incorporated, I ask a professional editor to review, comment, and suggest. I decide which recommendations I’ll accept and re-write any problematic passages. Then, I ask a second editor to review and repeat the process. For The Multima Scheme, I actually used four professional editors, including the resource provided by Tellwell. Finally, I use a professional proofreader to catch any remaining spelling or grammar problems. I’m proud of the outcome before I sign-off for the book layout and publishing. 

Norm: What do you believe is the key to any successful sequel and how did you write one that would stand alone?

Gary: I think one key to a successful sequel is achieving a delicate balance between creating an exciting new plot while intertwining bits of familiarity from the first. Another is to develop more fully one or more characters from the first story to become major influences in the second. 

Norm: What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing The Multima Scheme?

Gary: This may sound a little boring but I don’t recall any dramatic surprises in the writing process for The Multima Scheme. As I like to say often, rarely a day passes that I don’t learn something new. Because I approach life with genuine curiosity and an expectation that I’ll discover something new every day, I process fresh information with satisfaction and occasionally delight, but rarely feel the sensation of surprise.

Norm: How did you come up with the title, The Multima Scheme? 

Gary: Readers told me they loved the title Three Weeks Less a Day, but some lamented the name Multima didn’t appear in the title.  As I set out to name the second story, I was determined to find a way to incorporate Multima Corporation in some way. The plots of The Multima Scheme each involve some degree of conniving and planning. And the word ‘scheme’ implies a little deviousness – something out of the mainstream -- for many people. The Multima Scheme captures the involvement of Multima with a certain ambiguity that invites exploration. I think it fits well with my positioning of the story as a “novel of corporate intrigue.” 

Norm: What was the most difficult part about writing The Multima Scheme?

Gary: The most difficult part about writing The Multima Scheme was the same challenge as all writing – managing my time. Amid all the other great things going on my life, it’s always a challenge to enforce the personal discipline to plan, then execute, all the required time to effectively complete the task. 

Norm: What has Three Weeks Less A Day taught you that you have been able to apply to The Multima Scheme?

Gary: Your interview doesn’t have nearly enough time for me to list all the things I learned from my first novel! Let me just say this. Three Weeks Less a Day took 4 years to complete. I think The Multima Scheme is an even better story and it took 15 months to prepare. 

Norm: The Multima Scheme sees some major turning points for cast of characters. Which character’s journey was your favourite to write in this book?

Gary: Howard Knight is a complex character with many layers. I love writing about him and I think readers enjoy watching him evolve in each of the stories. 

Norm: I believe you have self-published your series of books. Are you still happy with your choice to pursue the indie publishing path?

Gary: I worked with publishers Friessen Press for Three Weeks Less a Day and Tellwell Talent for The Multima Scheme. Both specialize in helping new authors publish their work. I found both very capable and helpful. I learned much about publishing from them and value the experience. But for the third book in the trilogy, Unrelenting Peril, I elected to self-publish and am delighted with the results. The quality of my books is high. Booksellers around the globe can order all my novels from their conventional providers. And readers can buy in either paper or digital format wherever they usually buy their books. If a store or site doesn’t have a copy in stock, they can order it in. 

Norm: Have you heard from your readers concerning The Multima Series? What kind of things do they say?

Gary: I hear from readers regularly-- by email, comments to my website, or when I meet readers during personal appearances. A few have told me The Multima Scheme is the first book they have ever read in a single sitting. Most tell me they had trouble putting the book down once they started. And readers I meet in Chapters or Indigo stores usually ask me when a third one will be ready. Since February 28, I’m able to tell them Unrelenting Peril is available now!
Norm: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavorsNorm: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors
Follow Here To Read Norm's Review of The Multima Scheme
Follow Here To Read Norm's First Interview With Gary
In Conversation With Gary D. McGugan Author of Three Weeks Less A Day, The Multima Scheme and Unrelenting Peril Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor ofBookpleasures.com. He has been reviewing books for the past twenty years after retiring from the legal profession. 

Bookpleasures.com welcomes as our guest Gary D. McGugan author of the Three Weeks Less A Day, The Multima Scheme and Unrelenting Peril. 

Norm: Good day Gary and thanks for participating in our interview. Please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background. 

Gary: Hello, Norm. Thanks for your interest! On a personal note, I’m a husband, father, and grandfather with a wonderful extended family, living in a small community a short drive north of Toronto  I worked with large multinational corporations around the globe for 40 years in positions of senior leadership and as a consultant. 

I’ve done business with companies in 35 different countries and have traveled extensively for business and personal enjoyment. Since retiring from corporate life, I co-authored one work of nonfiction titled NEEDS Selling Solutions before writing three suspense novels, with another book to be released in 2020. And I still travel, but now it’s entirely for pleasure!

Norm: Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?

Gary: I consider myself a full-time author. That doesn’t mean I work on a story every day, although I spend most days researching or writing my next book. As an emerging author, I recognize any commercial success I achieve is my responsibility, so I also spend two or three days per week promoting my work with personal appearances, social media, and interviews. 

Norm: In fiction as well as in non-fiction, writers very often take liberties with their material to tell a good story or make a point. But how much is too much?

Gary: Great question! I think what is too much is subjective. Readers, reviewers, and critics each will have the final say about the stories they read. For works of fiction, I use a simple test. I ask the question, “Is this plausible?” If it fails that test, it’s probably too much. But, what’s plausible is also a moving target as our society evolves!

Norm: What has been the best part about being published?

Gary: The best part about having three suspense novels in circulation is an opportunity to meet and interact with new friends. Having my work exposed to readers around the world generates dialogue in person, through social media and by communication. I meet many interesting people, and it’s satisfying to get feedback from readers about their reaction to stories or answer their questions about what will happen next!
 
Norm: Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Please summarize your writing process. 

Gary: My primary objective is to tell an entertaining story. I use a corporate backdrop because it’s an environment I know most intimately. I develop a plot and sub-plots over several weeks and know where I want to take a story before I actually start writing. When it’s time to start processing words, I follow a disciplined regime. I write each morning, and most afternoons walk outdoors. 

When I walk (for about 2 hours each session), I think about the specific chapter planned for the following day, think back about specific details, look for inconsistencies, and resolve issues. That’s when I also consider unexpected twists and turns to make the story more exciting or build suspense.

Norm: What did you find most useful in learning to write? What was least useful or most destructive?

Gary: Feedback from editors, proofreaders, and beta readers is always valuable to hone the skill. I welcome it! Nothing comes to mind that was not useful or destructive. 

Norm: Why did you decide to write a trilogy about a fictitious company, Multima Corporation? 

Gary: Originally, I didn’t intend to write a trilogy. My intention with Three Weeks Less a Day was to write one entertaining novel with the highest quality possible. As I fine-tuned the ending, I decided to finish the story in a way that laid a foundation for a second book. 

With The Multima Scheme, I started with the same intention, but early in the process realized I’d need a third book to complete the story of an era in Multima Corporation’s evolution. 
The great thing about using a multinational company as a back-drop is the life-span. If a business is well-managed, it can continue for generations! WhileUnrelenting Peril is the last story I plan for Multima Corporation, in the future I can return with further books and create a series should I eventually choose that path.

Norm: How much research went into writing your debut novel in the series, Three Weeks Less A Day?

Gary: A lifetime of research went into the book. I might be considered a “poster child” for continuous, life-long experiential learning. I started my career working in a large supermarket chain and learned much about how they work. I made multiple trips to Japan as an executive of the company’s Canadian subsidiary. 

During my stint living in Europe to create a new business for a German bank, I learned extensively about western European countries. And, commuting to Asia to develop a new venture for one of America’s largest financial companies, I acquired first-hand knowledge about cultures, countries, and industries that underpin characters and plots in Three Weeks Less a Day.

Norm: What was the time-line between the time you decided to write your book and publication? What were the major events along the way?

Gary: Three Weeks Less a Day was a 4-year process. Writing the book took a few months. Most of the time was devoted to editing because I established two fundamental objectives beyond writing an entertaining story. 

First, I wanted the quality of my first novel to be the highest possible. I also wanted it to be broadly appealing. Recognizing we all have biases and different perspectives – including editors – I engaged 4 different professional editors including the publisher’s resource. By design, I chose editors of both genders and different ages. As expected, each provided insights and tips that helped me tweak my story and broaden its appeal. I’m proud of the result.

Norm: How did you go about creating the various characters in the novel and which one was the most difficult to create?

Gary: The most challenging character to create was Howard Knight. I have no first-hand experience with organized crime, so I had to research different criminal elements to better understand some of the circumstances and motivations that lead people to a life of crime. I think readers will enjoy how their view of this character changes over the three stories of the trilogy. 

Norm: Did you write the story to express something you believe or was it just for entertainment?

Gary: The overriding objective with all my novels is to entertain. I hope readers will enjoy reading these stories as much as watching a movie or some other form of entertainment. But I also hope to share insights into the most senior levels of company management few readers get to see. I also hope to share values and impart concerns through the dialogue and actions of the characters.

Norm: What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish Three Weeks Less A Day?

Gary: “Everlasting” is a long time! I don’t take myself or my work too seriously. I don’t expect to shape readers’ views of life. However, I believe organized crime is a curse our society treats too lightly. 

From the terrible social consequences of human trafficking to subtle ways billions of dollars evaporate from our legitimate economy for the illegal benefit of an unscrupulous few, organized crime touches us in many different ways. I hope readers become more vigilant and concerned as I show how easy it is for criminal elements to infiltrate and control even the largest of publicly-traded corporations.

Norm: What is next for Gary D. McGugan?

Gary: Book promotion is a primary focus for 2019. Commercial success is integral to long-term writing, and I intend to make my writing successful. Canada’s largest bookseller is very supportive, so I’ll make personal appearances to promote my novels in 75 Indigo/Chapters/Coles locations in Ontario and Montreal this year. 

Upcoming dates and locations are on my website at the “Events” tab. Personal appearances take time from writing, but novel #4 is already underway and it will take a different form and style. Even though the new story won’t continue to tell stories about Multima Corporation, a few of the characters readers have come to know will reappear. I’m confident readers will like the story when it’s published in late 2020!

Norm: As this interview comes to an end, what question do you wish that someone would ask about Three Weeks Less A Day, but nobody has?

Gary: I’m curious no one has wondered why Multima’s board of directors wasn’t more diligent about having a succession plan in place. I love to have an opportunity to rant about how lax many boards of directors really are!

Norm: Thanks again and good luck with all of your future endeavors
Follow Here To Read Norm's Review of  Three Weeks Less A Day,
 
Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Amy Lignor is talking with Gary D. McGugan, author of A Slippery Shadow.

FQ: According to your bio, I must say you’ve been a part of a variety of industries; can you tell readers what it was, and how, that brought you to the career of writing?

McGUGAN: Here’s how I like to describe my career. I’ve worked in a supermarket, sold appliances, distributed motorcycles, launched an automobile dealer network, and provided financing to help businesses grow. With each role in each industry, I assumed more responsibilities and grew more successful. But there was one common denominator. All my positions involved selling in a major way—selling products, services, ideas and goals. As a result, I learned about the art of selling.

When I retired from corporate life, a long-time colleague and I decided to create a consulting company to help companies and salespeople move up the learning curve more quickly and successfully. We co-authored NEEDS Selling Solutions to explain our secrets of success and used this book as the foundation of our consulting practice for ten years.

As I worked on NEEDS Selling Solutions, I came to realize that writing a book is a huge challenge, but it’s not an insurmountable one. With a life-long love of reading as motivation, over four years—and with the help of four different editors—I crafted my debut novel Three Weeks Less a Day. Since its release in 2016, I’ve written a new suspense novel every year with A Slippery Shadow releasing April 1, 2022.

FQ: Because of your extensive travel background, is it easier for you to write about these amazing cultures and cities like those of Singapore?

McGUGAN: My visits to 66 different countries—and more than 650 cities—provide different insights than research alone. But, I think it’s more than just visiting. I think the way I travel is equally important. Typically, I like to “live” in a place for at least a few days, making all my own reservations, renting homes or apartments in local neighborhoods where I can interact with local residents, and walk as many streets as possible to experience a place with all my senses. While my stories are suspense thrillers and not travelogues, I think most of my readers capture some essence of the locations where my stories take place—if only briefly—and that familiarity creates more reading enjoyment.

FQ: How did Howard Knight come to life? And what was it that made you wish to make him into a series?

McGUGAN: Howard Knight has evolved greatly from the villain everyone hated in Three Weeks Less a Day. I created Howard because I think everyone can relate to him. He’s a very bright guy—maybe a genius in the financial world. But he has flaws and weaknesses each of us can recognize. In some stories, readers may want him to disappear, in others they feel empathy, perhaps even sympathy. In yet another story, they might cheer for the guy despite his faults. I don’t build all my plots around Howard, but I like him to play more than a supporting role in every tale.

FQ: With this being book #6, and still being so well written, have you already mapped out in your head, so to speak, when the series will end? Along those same lines, is it possible to let readers have a ‘sneak peek’ at what is evolving for book #7 Perhaps a location that it will be placed in?

McGUGAN: It’s too early for me to tease readers with a possible location or sneak peek into the next plot; and I haven’t yet visualized an end to the series of stories revolving around Multima Corporation. There were two primary reasons I decided to write my stories using a large company as a background. First, it’s a setting I understand intimately and thoroughly enjoyed. I write with knowledge and confidence about the goings-on at the most senior management levels. But equally important, a large company is an ideal format to introduce new players, create challenges or opportunities, and even eliminate a character from time to time! I find plenty of new ideas sprouting for plots and dilemmas for characters to solve.

FQ: I ask this question of all writers because readers love to know the answer: If you were given the opportunity to dine with one writer (past or present), who would it be and what would be the one question you would love them to answer?

McGUGAN: I’ve read every John Grisham novel and have enormous respect for his writing accomplishments. Should I have the opportunity to chat with him over a meal, I’d ask him to share with me the most important life-lesson he learned from his writing career. His initial answer would prompt more questions and I’m confident I’d leave the meal a richer man.

FQ: For all the up-and-coming authors, is there one piece of advice you feel is a “must-have” for them to know before they embark on their journey?

McGUGAN: I would encourage any writer to join a local community of writers as soon as they can. Too often, people think of writing as a solitary experience they alone must master. However, there are writing groups almost everywhere providing valuable information, genuine help improving a writer’s craft, and support to reach individual goals. Participation in a writing community can often save months, or years, in the process of writing a book and encouragement that often makes the writing process far more enjoyable as well as productive.

FQ: I learned that you are Co-Chair of the Writers’ Community of York Region and you are very passionate about the organization. Can you tell us a bit about that and what events, perhaps, you hold?

McGUGAN: The Writers’ Community of York Region is a great example of a group that truly supports its membership. In our community, we have representation from all genres. Among our approximately 100 hundred members, about one third are published authors. The majority of our membership is writing poetry, short stories, plays, graphic novels, writing for a screen or debut novels.

Working with a sister organization, we have weekly two-hour virtual write-ins on three different days (one morning, two evenings) and members can join one or more sessions--whenever they choose to participate and write together. We also have monthly events online with individual themes such as editing, character development, coaching, genre-blending, finding an agent, working with publishers, social media promotion, and writing collaboration.

Each event features a successful writer with expertise in the subject. WCYR monthly events are open to anyone who registers, and with Zoom delivery, writers around the globe participate.

FQ: I also learned that creating a title for your book is a big process for you, with readers and fans giving their input as well. How difficult was it for this particular book?

McGUGAN: A Slippery Shadow came to life most easily of all my titles. Readers will learn that a Shadow figure hovering in the background seems to have an unusual ability to influence events for each of the three main characters, creating havoc and turmoil for each. Yet the Shadow remains slippery and elusive throughout the novel. I think readers will agree this title precisely matches the story!
Author Interview: Gary D. McGugan
Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diane Lunsford is talking with Gary D. McGugan, author of A Web of Deceit.
FQ: It’s such a treat to have the pleasure of chatting with you once again. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your Multima series, and A Web of Deceit was, yet another thrilling read. I have to ask, when you were in the throes of writing the current body of work in this series, were you thinking ahead to how the current work will transition to the next installment?
MCGUGAN: Thank you for your warm welcome! It’s great to spend some time with you again.
The most accurate answer to your question about thinking of a transition to the next installment is, “Somewhat.” I planted some seeds in the final chapters of A Web of Deceit that signal who some of the major characters might be in subsequent stories and some of the challenges they might face, but I haven’t created a plot or storyline. My wife likes to say I have an “overactive imagination.” She’s probably right. I have every confidence my imagination will create those details quite quickly once I’ve decided to focus on writing the next story.
FQ: It’s abundantly clear you love to tell stories and there’s an element that resonates in each title that tracks with current events. I was intrigued with how you incorporated Covid 19 as an imminent threat to global commerce and its dark cloud threat to Multima Corporation, yet you didn’t make it the underlying theme to the storyline. Was that difficult to do considering what the world has endured over the past 15 months?
MCGUGAN: When I started writing A Web of Deceit in April 2020, I sensed the pandemic would be long, devastating, and disruptive. History tells us pandemics usually last a couple years. I realized readers would be fed-up with COVID-19 well before they started reading my story and would have little interest in reading more about it. However, I thought a novel would lack credibility if I wrote a story set in 2020 that ignored the coronavirus. So my challenge was to weave the virus into the story, but not let it dominate either the plot or the characters. So far, most reviewers think I achieved that balance and used the pandemic to enrich my tale.
FQ: You state in your bio, ‘...After a forty-year career at senior levels of global corporates, Gary started writing with a goal of using artful suspense to entertain and inform...’ Do you miss the intensity of the day-to-day corporate environment or do you think your experiences provide the endless fuel that breathes such life into the epic tales you spin now?
MCGUGAN: During my long career, I had the good fortune to work with some of the finest companies on earth. And I was lucky to win some of the most interesting assignments possible. My professional life took me to more than fifty countries and more than 650 cities towns and villages on every continent except Antarctica—where I met interesting people, learned about habits and cultures, and became fascinated with the ways society functions around the globe. I incorporate those experiences and knowledge into everything I write, hoping readers will share my fascination with our world as they enjoy plots with mystery, action, and suspense.
Do I miss the corporate world? I miss the comraderie of colleagues and customers, but I devoted massive amounts of personal time to my various roles. At the age of sixty, I realized it was time for me to shift gears, start another career, and begin an entirely new adventure.
FQ: In line with my previous question, when writing what was your ‘aha moment’ to hunker down and pen Three Weeks Less a Day and the subsequent titles in this series?
MCGUGAN: As an avid reader, I’d long toyed with the idea of writing a book or two, but never had enough time available. It also seemed a daunting task. I wasn’t confident I had the muster to create and complete an entire novel. After leaving the corporate world, I first co-authored a work of non-fiction called Needs Selling Solutions with Jeff Allen—a friend and former colleague. When we completed that book, I realized it would take a lot of work, but the goal of writing an entertaining story seemed achievable. Three Weeks Less a Day took me four years from start to publication. I’ve written a subsequent novel every year since then, and I’m confident there are still lots of good stories to tell!
FQ: You’ve stayed incredibly true to a deep-seated plotline with incredible flow from one book to the next. I envision the walls in your writing space wall-papered from floor to ceiling with post-it notes to keep matters straight. Aside from the organization chart in the forward of A Web of Deceit, what are some of the methods you use to keep matters organized and deconflicted?
MCGUGAN: The ”Post-it” note décor you describe in your question is very common with many writers. When we exchange our experiences in writing groups, other authors are usually quite surprised to learn I make very few notes and usually destroy my scraps of research once I’ve used them in my stories. My desk typically has no clutter with no more than a few documents or reference books on an adjoining credenza.
So far, I’ve been able to rely on my memory to call up details as needed and keep track of the various mischief my characters pursue.
FQ: You bounce from the Orient, to Europe, to Canada, to the US and islands in between. The scenery depicted in each location is credible and quite detailed. I’m assuming you’ve been to many of the places where scenes have been set. If you had to pick one place to be a ‘must see’ where would that be and why?
MCGUGAN: Yes, I’ve been to virtually every spot I describe in my stories and I think that familiarity gives my stories a boost of reality with fictional plots. Many people ask me to pick one “must-see” location, but I find that an impossible task! Without exception, every place I have visited has some remarkable positive qualities. And every locale comes with some negatives. To me, the joy of travel is seeking out both—learning as much as possible about how a location came to life, what factors shaped its development, and how it evolved to its current state.
Whether I’m admiring a picturesque landscape, magnificent architecture, or one of the wonders of the world, I like to think about the “backstory” as much as the current appeal.
FQ: Howard Knight is the equivalent of a cat with nine lives. I love how you keep resurrecting his character to hold a key role in each story. How is it this man has escaped the brink of death on more than a few occasions, and will he meet his ‘maker’ if you plan to write another book in this series? Without too much of a spoiler, if it’s time for him to go, will The Organization mob boss Fidelia Morales play a role in his ultimate demise?
MCGUGAN: Howard Knight is a perfect example of how easy it is to fall in with a wrong crowd and how difficult it is to escape their clutches. He demonstrates superior intelligence, questionable judgment, and human adaptability with almost every challenge he faces. I’ve been tempted to write Howard out of a story, and almost every reader would agree he’d deserve it, but I suspect he’ll be a useful character in future stories. His role may become more or less important by turn, but his human failings are easy for us all to relate with and usually create a strong emotional bond. We either like him or hate him, so he’s useful to an author either way!
FQ: There is a consistent rat in each of your stories that is eyebrow raising when he/she is exposed. Do you know from the onset who that will be (or does the story take on its own life and it naturally tells you who it will be when the time is right)? Please explain.
MCGUGAN: I know who the ultimate villain will be when I start because I think it imperative to develop that character so readers will be surprised, or shocked, or disappointed at the appropriate time. I guess it’s possible to change midstream if necessary, but it seems to me that creates a lot more work than necessary.
FQ: You get quite technical with the art of hacking and moving money without getting caught. What is your technology background?
MCGUGAN: I have no technical training whatsoever. My first experience with a computer was the day I started a new management role with a new company and found one parked on the corner of my desk. I’ve been learning about all aspects of technology since, reading articles, talking to experts, asking questions, and experimenting. I must quickly add that I haven’t actually experimented with any of the technology shenanigans I describe in A Web of Deceit!
FQ: Once again, I want to thank you for your time and the treat of reading yet another fantastic and adventurous thriller. Please tell me you are working on the next and if so, are you able to share some insights of what your fans can expect?
MCGUGAN: There will be another suspense novel coming, but probably only in 2023. For release in 2022, I’ve started a work of non-fiction. During book signings and promotional events, many people have suggested that many folks might enjoy reading about some of the things I’ve learned from my extensive travel and life experiences.

So, I’m developing a “memoirish” book about some of the interesting stuff I’ve learned on my voyage through life and hope to make it as entertaining as a suspense story. I’m shooting for a Spring 2022 release, so I hope you and your readers will stay tuned!
I also want to thank you for this opportunity to chat again. I value your interest and appreciate you helping your readers become more familiar with me and my work. Thank you!
INTERVIEW WITH GARY MCGUGAN
AUTHOR OF “UNRELENTING PERIL”

Review and interview by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (8/19)

Gary D. McGugan loves to tell stories and is the author of Three Weeks Less a Day, The Multima Scheme, and Unrelenting Peril. Whether sharing a vision with colleagues in large multinational corporations, helping consulting clients implement expert advice, or writing a corporate thriller, Gary uses artful suspense to entertain and inform. His launch of a new writing career—at an age most people retire—reveals an ongoing zest for new challenges and a life-long pursuit of knowledge. Home may be in Toronto, but his love of travel and broad business knowledge accumulated from extensive experiences around the globe are evident in every chapter Gary writes.

Hi Gary, Welcome to Reader Views – thank you for joining us again to talk about the final book in your Multima corporate intrigue series, Unrelenting Peril. What is this story all about?

Thanks for the invitation, Sheri. It’s great to be with you again! Unrelenting Peril is a fast-paced story of organized crime’s increasingly bold attempts to infiltrate and control fictional Multima Corporation. The story takes place on four continents as CEO Suzanne Simpson and her leadership team try desperately to ward off repeated attacks on multiple fronts. It’s truly a story of corporate intrigue!

As the final book in your series, did you have a notion about how you wanted to bring it all together and wrap things up? Did you know Unrelenting Peril would be the final book for the Multima series when you started the project?

I decided early in the process writing Three Weeks Less a Day that I would need three books to tell the complete story. I used The Multima Scheme to dramatically advance the overall mission, and always intended to bring it all together in Unrelenting Peril. As a father and grandfather, I passionately want to see women assume many more influential roles in the corporate world. This trilogy provides a platform to entertain and engage as I portray that passion.

The characters that really stand out to me in all three books, but more significantly in Unrelenting Peril, are your female characters. I admire and appreciate them all, even (and maybe especially), the “bad” girls. The depth and authenticity in which you portray them are phenomenal. What were some hurdles you faced when writing from the perspective of the opposite sex and how did you handle those challenges?

I’m glad you enjoyed the women! Clearly, development of each of the female characters required proportionately more effort for me than the males, but my interest in promoting and encouraging women in business started early. I coached and mentored several women during my 40-year career with multinational corporations and learned much from their challenges and experiences. I think readers will sense this valuable experience I gained working closely with women.

And, which one of those female characters surprised you the most in their development? Which one was the most intriguing to write and why?

Janet Weissel is one of my favorites. She is strong and resilient and overcomes a variety of challenges – some of her own making, other from circumstances imposed on her. I tell her story in a way that certainly exposes her character flaws, but help readers perhaps understand why she made decisions and how she coped with the considerable obstacles she encountered.

How realistic is the threat of a mobster organization infiltrating the corporate world?

Very realistic. It may be one of the greatest threats to the capitalist system as we know it.

What distinguishes your Multima corporate intrigue series from others in the genre?

To be candid, I don’t know. Unlike some authors, I don’t think of other writers as competitors and don’t analyze other works in my genre to either emulate or differentiate. I like to think I’m writing stories about life and life challenges and use a corporate backdrop because that’s the environment I know most intimately.

What have you learned over the course of writing the Multima Series? What is one thing you wish you knew when you started out?

It’s been about 2,560 days since I started writing Three Weeks Less a Day, the first in the series. I like to tell people I learn something new virtually every day! So, I can’t begin to describe all I’ve learned – and continue to learn -- in the process.

What can you tell us about your publishing experience? How did it differ from book to book?

For Three Weeks Less a Day, I worked with Friessen Press a small Canadian firm. I had an enjoyable experience working with them but elected to publish The Multima Scheme with another Canadian publisher, Tellwell Talent.

Despite good experiences with both, I learned the value of publishers for emerging authors is somewhat limited. In the final analysis, promotion and publicity really rely on the author, so I self-published Unrelenting Peril. Self-publishing lets me keep more of the income the books generate.

Any tips for new authors about the publishing experience?
I encourage aspiring writers to join a good writer’s community. Within most of these communities, we find other writers who are also publishers, graphic artists, editors, and proofreaders. Often, these local resources will be more helpful than a publisher.

You have an amazing number of personal appearances planned. What do you enjoy most about the marketing aspect?

Yes, this year I’m getting excellent support from Canada’s largest bookseller Indigo / Chapters. I’ll make more than 80 personal appearances in their stores in Ontario and Quebec. These events allow me to meet individual readers and chat with them about my books. I genuinely love to meet the people who read my stories. For me, this is unequivocally the best part of marketing!

What does literary success look like to you?
I write to entertain. If feedback from readers affirms they enjoy my writing, I consider that to be success. Clearly, writing must be commercially viable to continue in the longer-term, but I’m confident sales will continue to grow as people read and talk about my stories with their friends and family. 

Have you had any requests to continue the series? I know I’m experiencing a bit of withdrawal!
Yes! I’m getting lots of interest from readers. While my next book won’t be a continuation of the Multima series, I’m considering another story for 2021.

Now that you have a successful trilogy under your belt, what’s next in terms of your writing career?

In 2020, I’ll release another suspense novel. The new book won’t use Multima Corporation in the background but will feature three characters readers have come to know in the trilogy. I think people will enjoy the entirely new paths I create for them!

Do you have anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Yes. I’d like to thank every reader for his or her support! I always encourage folks to let me know how they find my stories, and I read every email or comment they may post. And I want to also thank you, Sheri, for your reviews of all three stories. I’m sure those who have not yet read my stories will truly benefit from your critical reads and assessments!

Gary, thank you so much for visiting Reader Views today, and over the last few weeks. It has truly been a pleasure talking with you about your Multima series!

  CONNECT WITH GARY D. MCGUGAN!
Website:                     https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com
Monthly Blog:           https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog
Facebook:                  @gary.d.mcgugan.books
Twitter:                      @GaryDMcGugan
Instagram:                 https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan

MEET GARY D. MCGUGAN!For readers living in Ontario, Gary has personal appearances planned in more than 80 locations of Canada’s largest bookseller – Chapters/Indigo between April and November 2019. Stop by and say hello. Visit his website to find a list of his upcoming events: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/news--events.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MULTIMA CORPORATE INTRIGUE SERIES! Read our book review for Three Weeks Less a Day
Read our interview with Gary D. McGugan about Three Weeks Less a Day
Read our book review for The Multima Scheme
Read our interview with Gary D. McGugan about The Multima Scheme
Read our book review for Unrelenting Peril

INTERVIEW WITH GARY MCGUGAN
AUTHOR OF “THE MULTIMA SCHEME”
THE MULTIMA SCHEME
Gary D. McGugan
Tellwell Talent (2018)
ISBN 9781773706450
Review and Interview by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (8/19)

Gary D. McGugan loves to tell stories and is the author of Three Weeks Less a Day, The Multima Scheme, and Unrelenting Peril. Whether sharing a vision with colleagues in large multinational corporations, helping consulting clients implement expert advice, or writing a corporate thriller, Gary uses artful suspense to entertain and inform. His launch of a new writing career—at an age most people retire—reveals an ongoing zest for new challenges and a life-long pursuit of knowledge. Home may be in Toronto, but his love of travel and broad business knowledge accumulated from extensive experiences around the globe are evident in every chapter Gary writes.
​
Hi Gary, Welcome to Reader Views – it’s a pleasure to have you back to talk about The Multima Scheme, the second book in your Multima corporate intrigue series. What is The Multima Scheme about?

Thanks for having me back, Sheri! The Multima Scheme is an entertaining tale about the persistent threats of some nefarious forces in organized crime to infiltrate powerful companies like fictional Multima Corporation.

As a reader, it was exciting to dig into The Multima Scheme right after finishing Three Weeks Less a Day. How soon after you published your first book did you begin writing your sequel?

I began writing The Multima Scheme while my publisher was still fiddling with layouts and cover designs for the first book in the trilogy - Three Weeks Less a Day. Writing the final chapters of the first novel, I started visualizing how Suzanne Simpson might develop and the role she should play in The Multima Scheme.

Did you have a preconceived idea about how you wanted The Multima Scheme to play out or did the plot line develop over time?

I had a clear idea how the character Suzanne Simpson would evolve and how her story would play out. I was more ambivalent about a couple other characters and created new twists and turns in the plot to develop more suspense in the story. This led to unexpected endings for them.

How much of the story came as a surprise to you as you were writing? Did any of your characters end up doing something you hadn’t planned on, taking the story in a new direction?

I think readers will be quite surprised by the character Fidelia Morales. Her ultimate direction came as a bit of a surprise to me also! But I think readers will agree her unexpected pivot adds to satisfaction with the story’s eventual outcome.

You mentioned in our last interview that it took four years to write Three Weeks Less a Day. How long did it take to write The Multima Scheme? Was it easier, harder or just different?

The Multima Scheme took about 15 months to prepare. “Just different” would be a good description of the experience. While writing the second story, I was intently focused on getting the book completed. As a result, I was more disciplined and sacrificed sales and promotion efforts to concentrate on writing. From that experience, I’ve learned successful writers today must spend as much time promoting books as actually writing them!

What are some of the challenges in writing a sequel?

I had two primary goals that create challenges. First, I wanted each of my novels to be independent, self-contained stories. Second, I was determined to avoid annoying readers of Three Weeks Less a Day with a lot of repetitive details. I think I successfully achieved both objectives.

How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing believability?

I like to ask the question, “Is it plausible?” Readers of fiction expect authors to stretch the boundaries to create interest and suspense. For every twist and turn, I ask that question during every review and edit. If it doesn’t pass my ‘plausible’ test, I find a way to tweak the plot to make it more believable.

There are a number of characters that morphed into totally different personalities in The Multima Scheme.  What was it like to take already well-developed characters and dig even deeper into their psyches?

Most of us have some complexity. Over time, I find some people are not who they first appear to be. I like to weave that truth into my characters to make them become more authentic and allow readers to better relate to them.

Who is the most interesting character development-wise in The Multima Scheme?

Readers will have to decide that for themselves! Fugitive Howard Knight, executive Suzanne Simpson, conniving Janet Weissel, or aspiring Douglas Whitfield.  They all demonstrate quite interesting attributes readers probably won’t initially expect.

Which character in your book are you least likely to get along with and why?

Multima Financial Services president James Fitzgerald is a staid, predictable, and perhaps even boring individual who likes to follow all the rules, all the time. I don’t!

If your books were adapted into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles? 

I have no idea! I’ll stick to writing entertaining stories and let folks with a passion for movies answer that one.

Your stories are so creative – how do you come up with your ideas? Have you ever taken any creative writing courses?

Some studies conclude people who read fiction may develop the creative side of their brain more fully. I’ve always enjoyed reading novels and study the ideas and techniques other writers use. In the corporate world, I learned early the value of the concept of ‘thinking outside the box’ and try to let my imagination run wild as often as possible.

What do your family and friends think about your writing? How do they support your writing career? How did it feel sharing your work with them for the first time?

I have an exceptionally supportive family and network of friends around the globe. I’m deeply indebted to them all. They not only buy my books; these great people promote them! Several frequently share posts on social media to help spread the word. All encourage their friends, neighbors, and associates to visit book signings and other events.
My books are a source of pride and satisfaction every time I share my work with a reader. With family and friends, even more so, because I’m confident they’ll each derive some level of enjoyment.

Do you feel you’ve grown as a writer since you began your first novel? How?
Every day I look back on some positive learning experience I’ve gained from my writing. From technique to structure or style, I think every element of my writing improves with experience, practice, and an eagerness to learn and adapt.

What can readers expect from your final book in the Multima series, Unrelenting Peril?

I think Unrelenting Peril may be the best novel of the trilogy. The story is entertaining, complex, and packed with action. Readers will see my penchant for telling stories in international settings, using a rapid pace with short chapters. I think they’ll want more. So, I’m already working on another novel to be released in 2020. It won’t have Multima Corporation in the background, but it will feature a couple intriguing characters from the Multima trilogy as they follow markedly different paths!

Gary, thank you for visiting Reader Views today. It was a pleasure learning more about you and your work!
INTERVIEW WITH GARY D. MCGUGAN
AUTHOR OF THREE WEEKS LESS A DAY
Gary D. McGugan
FreisenPress (2016)
ISBN 9781460293263
Review and interview by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (7/19)
​
Gary D. McGugan loves to tell stories and is the author of Three Weeks Less a Day, The Multima Scheme, and Unrelenting Peril. Whether sharing a vision with colleagues in large multinational corporations, helping consulting clients implement expert advice, or writing a corporate thriller, Gary uses artful suspense to entertain and inform. His launch of a new writing career—at an age most people retire—reveals an ongoing zest for new challenges and a life-long pursuit of knowledge. Home may be in Toronto, but his love of travel and broad business knowledge accumulated from extensive experiences around the globe are evident in every chapter Gary writes.

Hi Gary, thank you for joining us today at Reader Views. To start, tell us a bit about your writing journey – when did you start writing and what was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

It’s great to be with you, Sheri. I’ve loved reading as long as I remember and have enjoyed writing for just as long. For me, writing has taken many forms. Like most, it started with assigned essays as a student and then evolved with my 40-year business career. I’ve written magazine articles, letters, speeches, reports, ads, brochures, presentations, proposals, and a blog.
Writing became a full-time career when I retired from corporate life, and 2019 marks 10 years since my first work of non-fiction was published.

What is Three Weeks Less a Day about?

Three Weeks Less a Day tells a fast-paced story about 20 dramatic days in the life of fictional Multima Corporation. Its founder urgently seeks a successor to become the new CEO and we watch how his carefully crafted plan unravels!

What inspired this story?

Millions of people work for large multinational companies, yet few get a glimpse into the workings and machinations at the most senior levels of management. Three Weeks Less a Day provides an entertaining peek into the boardroom. We see how elite executives work and live.  But we also learn how easy it may be for criminal and other nefarious forces to infiltrate some of the largest publicly-traded companies in the world.

One of your main characters in the story, John George Mortimer, the CEO of Multima Corporation, is battling breast cancer, which is much less common among men than women. It’s an interesting and unusual development for a male character. What motivated this part of the storyline?

When I needed to create an urgent situation for John George Mortimer to identify a replacement, our daughter and a male colleague were both battling breast cancer. Fortunately, both recovered completely. But I came to realize treatment information and options for women seemed far more developed than those available for men. More than 5,000 North American men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. So, I wanted to use John George to help make more people aware men should also be checking for lumps and other cancer indications.  Early discovery and treatment almost always bring a better outcome.

There are so many layers to your wonderful characters. The division presidents are all so polished and capable, yet they each practice very different management styles. Can you give us a brief description of their influences and styles?

I’m glad you enjoyed the characters! I had fun creating and developing each of them.

Wendal Randall is president of Multima’s Technology business. He’s what a lot of people consider a nerd with a brilliant mind and a passion for all things technical. He “thinks outside the box” continuously and relates much more comfortably to technology than people.

Suzanne Simpson is president of Multima’s Supermarket division and is a well-rounded and skillful executive. Her superlative ‘people skills’ are legendary. They instill unwavering dedication and loyalty among her associates and subordinates.
James Fitzgerald is president of Mutima’s Financial Services group with unapparelled expertise in all matters financial. Many would consider this character a little bland with rigid self-discipline and extraordinary good judgment that wins respect from all.

Which one of your characters did you have the most fun with creating? Is there one you relate to most?

I really enjoy them all. Wendel was the most complex to create because his intelligence offers so much potential, while his multiple character flaws provide unique opportunities.

How does your experience in the corporate world translate into your fictional stories through the characters and/or events?

I understand the culture and environments in the upper echelons of business intimately. For readers, this creates a sense that Three Weeks Less a Day could have some truth to it even though they know I’m writing fiction. However, the plot and characters are entirely the product of what some might call my overactive imagination!

How involved was your research?

I worked in the corporate environment for 40 years and personally visited or lived in all the places where the story takes place. So, we might think about the story as a compilation of a lifetime of learning and research.

Are there certain parts of the story where you took more creative liberties with than others? 

I get the FBI involved in the story. I never visited the place where they do their work in the story and have no direct knowledge they even do the work I describe. But there is enough media speculation that my scenario seems plausible to most.

How long did it take you to write Three Weeks Less a Day?

Four years. And that’s not because I’m a slow writer! In fact, I had 2 fundamental objectives. First, I wanted my debut novel to have impeccable quality so readers would want to read the stories that followed. I also wanted to create a book that would be very broadly appealing to adult women and men of all ages. I used 4 editors to bring their different biases and perspectives to my work. My editors were female and male, younger and older. Each provided valuable insight that helped to broaden the appeal of Three Weeks Less a Day for both women and men from 18-80.

Did you set out to write a series when you started writing the first book?

Initially, I didn’t intend to write a trilogy. My intention with Three Weeks Less a Day was to write one entertaining novel with the highest quality possible. As I fine-tuned the ending, I decided to finish the story in a way that laid a foundation for a second book. With The Multima Scheme, I started with the same intention. But early in the process realized I’d need a third book to complete the story of an era in Multima Corporation’s evolution. The great thing about using a multinational company as a back-drop is the life-span. If a business is well-managed, it can continue for generations! Unrelenting Peril is currently the last story I plan for Multima Corporation. However, I can always return with further stories and create a series should I eventually choose that path.

What do you like to read and which authors have inspired your own work as a writer?

I like to read very widely. I probably like as much non-fiction as fiction because I treat reading as part of my continuous learning process. I think every writer can benefit from an inquisitive mind and enduring curiosity. I’ve read many of James Patterson’s earlier works and emulate his style with short chapters, short paragraphs, and quick pace.

Being an author is a full-time job these days. What do you enjoy most about the process?  

My favorite part of the process is telling a story. I love putting my thoughts to paper and creating a novel. I equally enjoy meeting my readers and potential readers to share “the story about the story.”

Many writers, it seems, are introverted by nature.  Coming from the business world, I wouldn’t imagine that to be an issue with you.  How has your corporate background helped with your marketing and promotion efforts?

You’re right. I love to meet new people. Promoting my work is a part of the job I look forward to and take advantage of every opportunity possible. Right now, Canada’s largest bookseller – Chapters / Indigo -- is offering excellent support. I’ll make personal appearances in more than 75 of their locations between April and November 2019. Readers who like to come say hello can find upcoming events on my website with this link: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/news--events.html

Where can readers connect with you and learn more about you and your work?  

Thank you for asking! I’m very accessible and thanks for this opportunity to chat with you!

Website: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com
Monthly Blog: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog
Facebook:  @gary.d.mcgugan.books
Twitter:  @GaryDMcGugan
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan