Jeffrey S.Stephens-Interview with the Author

February 19, 2013 marks the release day for Jeffrey S. Stephens latest installment in the Jordan Sandor series-TARGETS OF REVENGE.

FOLLOW Jeffrey at : Website / Blog

TRC: Hi Jeffrey. Welcome to The Reading Café. Thank you for agreeing to answer a few of our questions.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jeffrey: I grew up in New York City where I attended public school. I remember all of my teachers from those days, especially those who encouraged my writing, even at an early age. The impact teachers have on our lives is immeasurable, on many levels. There are memories from those dedicated people I will always treasure.

Later, after college at Penn State, I graduated from Fordham Law School at Lincoln Center and, despite a lot of traveling, have remained in this area ever since. There is something about the energy of New York City, both good and bad, that does not exist anywhere else.

As a criminal and civil lawyer, how much of your experience goes into writing your novels?

I have written books that incorporate legal issues, including a courtroom drama we have not yet published. Just like everyone else, all of my experiences in life help define who I am, and I suppose my work as an attorney informs all of my writing, even when the connection is not obvious. One influence I should mention from my legal career is the ability to see both sides of an issue. I realize some people find this maddening about the law, but it is not an exact science. Unlike math or physics, the law is always open to dispute. Describe a problem to an attorney and ask him what he thinks, he’s likely to respond, “Which side of the debate do you want me to argue?”

TRC: TARGETS of REVENGE is the latest release in your series featuring Jordan Sandor. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository/ INDIEBOUND / Books-A-Million / Simon & Schuster

Jeffrey: Jordan Sandor embarks on an unauthorized mission to assassinate Adina, the Venezuelan terrorist responsible for the casualties and damage in the prior novel, TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY. Along the way, Sandor discovers a scheme to unleash a biological assault on the United States. Changing course, he and his team pursue every available lead to prevent this monstrous attack. The action takes him from Egypt to Moscow to Mexico and back to New York City for the climactic scenes.

TRC: How much research is involved writing this particular series? Logistics? Background? Travel?

Jeffrey: I travel a great deal, do my research and rely on my own experiences. I pride myself on the authenticity of all locations, weapons, technology, governmental agencies and protocol in these novels. Readers today are too sophisticated to be sold a bill of goods. When viewers want to watch motion pictures based on comic book characters, that is another type of entertainment. The Sandor series is gritty and real and, hopefully, more compelling for those qualities.

TRC: Have you ever considered writing a ‘romance or love’ interest for Jordan Sandor?

Jeffrey: There is a brief affair in the new book, TARGETS OF REVENGE, that factors importantly in the story. As for Sandor’s former love interest, Beth Sharrow, she will be featured prominently in the next novel in the series, which is still in the works. In the first book in the series, TARGETS OF DECEPTION, a mysterious woman played an important role, and in TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY a female agent was critical to both Sandor and the action. Sandor’s love life, and his relationship with women in general, are extremely important to his character.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Jeffrey: I will keep writing them as long as I can come up with original ideas that interest my readers.

TRC: Will you please give us a hint as to who will be the next ‘great villain’ in your series? 😉

Jeffrey: The villain in TARGETS OF REVENGE returns from the prior book, but he brings with a him a new cabal of dangerous players. Be prepared for a group of ruthless individuals who mean our country harm.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you faced as a writer?

Jeffrey: I love writing, that’s the fun part. For me, the difficulties were in finding an agent, then a publisher and then an audience. I have seen that as more people read the Jordan Sandor series, the more they feel connected to Sandor and to the people who populate his world. The stories are gripping, because they are realistic and because they touch people, and the characters become the reader’s loyal friends. These are page turners, and hopefully people will want a lot more of them.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about you?

Jeffrey: That’s a tough one, since I have no way of knowing what people actually think. As a writer, I hope readers judge the work and not me. This is all about Jordan Sandor and his adventures, not about who I am.

TRC: If you could change something about yourself personal or professional, what would it be and why?

Jeffrey: That’s a long list, I’m sorry to admit. A bit more patience would be a reasonable start.

TRC: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

Jeffrey: My father. Because he drove me and, years after his death, he drives me still.

TRC: Is there a question that you would like to be asked in an interview, but nobody has asked? If so, ask away!

Jeffrey: Have you ever been in covert operations yourself? Now that I’ve posed the question, you didn’t say anything about providing a response. You don’t really expect me to answer, do you?

TRC: 😉

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Jeffrey: I want to complete ten more novels. To help my sons achieve whatever happiness they seek. To remain healthy. To continue working to keep my marriage happy. To shoot par or better in at least one full round of golf 😉

TRC: What are your thoughts on book reviews-good or bad?

Jeffrey: I hate to admit it, but bad reviews feel worse than good reviews feel good. In the end, however, you cannot please everyone. I have been incredibly fortunate in receiving almost universally wonderful reviews, and I thank everyone who has taken the time to read my work and to offer their opinions, whatever they may be. Well, almost everyone.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Jeffrey: TARGETS OF POWER, the next Sandor thriller. A steamy psychological thriller. And a couple of other projects which are in their early stages.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Italian

Favorite TV Show
NCIS

Favorite Movie
Casablanca

Last Movie You Saw
Silver Linings Playbook

Star Wars or Star Trek
Star Trek—the original tv version.

Dream Car
Aston Martin

TRC: Thank you Jeffrey for taking the time to answer our questions.
Congratulations and best wishes for a successful writing career.