Mar 10 2009
Interview with John Knoerle, Author of A Pure Double Cross
It is my pleasure to introduce you to John Knoerle, author of the spy/suspense novel, A Pure Double Cross. Knoerle is touring the blogosphere this month with Pump Up Your Book Promotion ….
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Knoerle’s first novel, “Crystal Meth Cowboys,” was optioned by Fox for a TV series. His second novel, “The Violin 
Player,” won the Mayhaven Award for Fiction. His new novel, “A Pure Double Cross,” is Book One of the American Spy Trilogy. John lives with his wife in Chicago. You can learn more about John Knoerle at www.bluesteelpress.com.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cleveland, Ohio, 1945. Hal Schroeder returns from a two-year stint behind German lines as an undercover agent for the OSS. The horrors of war have left him bitter and cynical. He is recruited by the FBI to infiltrate a local mob that is 
pulling bank heists. The feds have concocted a sting operation to capture the head of the gang and they want Hal to execute it. He agrees. But Hal Schroeder is no longer interested in being a hero. Hal Schroeder is interested in a fat payday.
INTERVIEW:
Thanks for this interview. Why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?
I just turned 60. I’ve been writing seriously since I was 35. My creative backround was an odd mix of comedy and radio. I was a member of the DeLuxe Radio Theater in Santa Barbara, Firesign Theater wannabees. I also did stand-up comedy in LA in the salad days of Letterman, Leno and Robin Williams.
I currently have three novels in print. “Crystal Meth Cowboys” was optioned by Fox TV. “The Violin Player” won the Mayhaven Award for Fiction. And “A Pure Double Cross” is new.
When did you decide you wanted to become an author?
When I realized that the novel is the greatest challenge a writer can face. (I had been penning screenplays before that.)
Do you have another job besides writing?
No. But I wrote, voiced and produced radio commercials for many years.
Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
I wouldn’t say ‘avid.’ I remember enjoying the hell out of the Hardy Boys mysteries.
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
I grew up in a family that had a lot of, shall we say, back room maneuvering. So I wanted to write about deception and intrigue. “A Pure Double Cross” is book one of a trilogy that will follow a young man who worked as an OSS spy during WWII and became bitter and cynical as a result.
How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?
I always spend about a year working out the storyline. I don’t see how you can write a mystery if you don’t know the ending.
Did your book require a lot of research?
A fair amount, since it’s set in 1945. But I enjoy that process.
Who is your target audience?
This is mostly a guy book. Which is unfortunate, since women read far more fiction than men.
From the moment you conceived the idea for the story, to the published book, how long did it take?
About five years.
Describe your working environment.
A barstool at Club Lucky.
Do you write non-stop until you have a first draft, or do you edit as you move along?
My wife helps me edit as I go along.
They say authors have immensely fragile egos… How would you handle negative criticism or a negative review?
I’m used to it at this point.
How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?
Consider self-publishing. With Print on Demand it can be done very inexpensively.
What is(are) your favorite book/author(s)? Why?
Raymond Chandler. He combined wry humor and action with lyrical description.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t think about it, do it. Writers write.
Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?
Do you have another book on the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects?
A Despicable Profession: Book Two of the American Spy Trilogy will be published sometime in the next year.
