Michael A. Black is the award winning author of 50 books, most of which are in the mystery and thriller genres. He’s also written in the sci-fi, western, horror, and sports genres. A retired police officer from the Chicago area, he did everything from patrol to investigating homicides to conducting numerous SWAT operations. Black was awarded the Cook County Medal of Merit in 2010. He is the author of over 100 short stories and articles and wrote two novels with the late television star Richard Belzer (Law & Order SVU). He wrote eleven novels under the name Don Pendleton in the Executioner series and numerous westerns the Gunslinger series under the name A.W. Hart (Killer’s Choice, Killer’s Brand, Killer’s Ghost, Killer’s Gamble, and Killer’s Requiem).
His Executioner novel, Fatal Prescription, won the Best Original Novel Scribe Award in 2018. His recent novels are in the ongoing Trackdown series, most recently Devil’s Lair. His most recent works are Concho: Border Blood (written as A.W. Hart) and Where Legends Lie under his own name.
You write in more than one genre. What brought you into writing? I’ve been writing all my life. I wrote my first short story in the 6th grade. The class laughed, and the teacher admonished me to never do it again, but I didn’t listen.
Tell us about your writing process. What’s the most challenging part? The challenge is to write something that’s entertaining and will hold the reader’s attention. My process is just to put my butt in the chair and write. Sometimes, I think beforehand, too.
All right, I’ll accept that. Do you outline, or are you a pantser? I’m a staunch supporter of outlining. I’ve done it both ways, and while you have to figure out the method that works best for you, an outline helps you stay on track. Pantsing is fun, but you end up going off on tangents and wasting a lot of words. It’s like trying to build a house without any blueprints.
Your latest book, Where Legends Lie, is a western set in both 1913 and 1880. What kind of research did you do? I did extensive research on this one. I’ve written a lot of westerns so I was familiar with a lot of the weaponry of the times, but this one also has scenes involving the Philippine Insurrection and the early days of motion pictures. The Philippine Insurrection was one of our bloody and tragic little wars, and back then, our society knew next to nothing about the effects of PTSD. I dedicated the book to our fallen military members, many of whom came back as walking wounded due to what they went through.
You also have a historical figure in the book. Tell us about him. Ambrose Bierce was a Civil War veteran who went on to become one of the best-known writers of his time. I read his stories in high school and always admired him. When I was plotting out Legends, I suddenly knew I had to include him as a character. He perished in Mexico in 1913 during the revolution. It’s conjectured that Pancho Villa’s men executed him, but the actual circumstances are unknown. I wanted to give Mr. Bierce one more great adventure before his untimely end.
What obstacles do you face when writing about historical figures? My mentor, Stuart Kaminsky, once told me, “You’re better off writing about them if they’re dead.” I followed Stuart’s advice because, like I said, Bierce died during the Mexican Revolution. I did copious research on him, however, and tried to use some of his actual quotes in the story.
Let me get this straight… It’s set in two different time periods? Right, it opens in the Philippines during the last battle of what was termed the Moro Rebellion. It was bloody and violent. Then the story shifts to a few months later, and returning veteran Jim Bishop lands a job with a fledgling motion picture company in southern California. They’re filming a version of a famous, or infamous, shootout that occurred thirty years before. Next I do a shift and go back to the site of the actual shootout in 1880. The two stories evolve in tandem until they finally coalesce at the end. It’s billed as two stories told as one, which I guess it is.
You’ve also got a couple of other books out, correct? I do. One of them is Devil’s Lair, which is the 8th book in my Trackdown series. It’s about ex-army ranger Steve Wolf, who spent time in prison for a war crime he didn’t commit. Upon his release, he becomes a modern-day bounty hunter or bail enforcement agent. He’s also a mixed martial arts fighter and is struggling to clear his name. There’s a common thread of intrigue and betrayal that runs through the series, starting with the first one, Devil’s Dance. Devil’s Lair is the eighth one in the series and, at this point, might be the last. I’ve managed to tie up almost all the major plot threads, but I wouldn’t be averse to penning a few more. I think Wolf still has his legs, as they say in boxing.
What about the book you wrote as A.W. Hart? Ah, yes, Concho: Border Blood. A.W. Hart’s a house name for Wolfpack Publishing, and I’ve written numerous books under that pseudonym. Old A.W. is an Amazon Bestseller, so I owe him a lot. Concho is a half Black, half Indian Texas Ranger. The books are set in modern times, and I touched upon our border mess and human trafficking in this one. I should add that the other ten books in the series were written by different authors.
Anything else you’d like to say, Mike? George, I appreciate being on your excellent blog. We know each other from the PSWA (Public Safety Writers Association), and you’ve always been a great friend and an inspiration to me, brother.
Contact Info:
Email: DocAtlas108@aol.com
Phone: 708-903-7458
Buy Links:
Blood Concho – Amazon
Devil’s Lair – Amazon
Where Legends Lie – Amazon
Comment #1- I’ve known Mike for a bunch of years, and have read several of his books, in different genres, and very much enjoyed them all. He is a prolific and excellent writer who never disappoints his readers. Mike and I served on the board of the Public Safety Writers Association for about 8 years, and he is a good friend.
Thanks, John. I consider you a good friend as well. John is also a talented author and I’ve enjoyed his books too Thanks for stopping by.
It was great to read this blog and gain insight into Mike’s writing and career. I enjoyed Devil’s Lair and am really looking forward to my signed large-print hardcover of Where Legends Lie. Thank you for everything Mike! And to George for publishing this blog post.
Glad to see Mike on your blog, George. I have read several of his books, and he always impresses me. It amazes me how some people can write so many books and keep them all interesting while leaving the reader with a taste for more. That’s what Mike does. I encourage everyone who reads your blog to start reading his books!
Gracias, Pat. I hope I got the Spanish right in Where Legends Lie. Let me know what you think, amigo.
Thanks, Bob. Compliments like that from a pro like you mean a lot to me. I appreciate your friendship and support. Stay strong.
I don’t usually like Westerns but i loved WHERE LEGENDS LIE.
The flashbacks of the Philippine Insurrection were terrifying. They demonstrated that Mike had really researched that little known or discussed event.
Ambrose Bierce stole the book. I hadn’t recognized he was a real person when I read the book. after reading Mike’s comments, I like him even better.
Impressive all around, but I’m still blown away by the fact that Mike wrote some of the Mack Bolan novels… to an 80s kid, that’s a big deal!
Thanks, George for hosting Mike. His writing has readers turning pages and prompts them to buy more of his books. I have a lot of catching up to do and look forward to reading Where Legends Lie.
I love the dual timelines, Michael. Brilliant!
Great imagination and writing in any genre you write. Enjoy reading your books.
Your westerns are my favorite.
The last book I read was Mike Black’s “Where Legends Lie.” I recommend it because I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Also, I’ve read several of Mike’s Trackdown series novels, including “Devil’s Lair.” When you read his books, it’s as if Mike’s sitting next to a campfire telling you tales so good you “see” the story unfold in your mind like a Hollywood movie projected on a big screen.
Mike and George, this was an amazing interview. Mike, you’ve had exciting careers in real life and on the page. I’m excited to grab a book in each series. If only I had the time to read that much. Your expertise and research for each of your projects will undoubtedly provide entertaining plots with amazing twists and turns! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to contribute a comment, and special thanks to George for featuring me on his terrific blog. Stay strong, everyone.
Great interview. 50 books! I can’t even imagine.
So true – better off writing about the dead! 😉
Great Interview Mike!
Mike is not only a friend but a terrific writer. I’ve read lots of his books, love the Westerns. I have yet to get the latest but will do it now. Keep on writing, Mike!
Where Legends Lie sounds so interesting. I’ll be ordering it tonight. It is, by no means, my first Mike Black novel. Every one I’ve read has had fascinating plot, excellent pacing, and three dimensional characters. I’m looking forward to this!
Thanks Mike and George! Great interview.
Awesome interview, thanks to both George and Mike. I feel a visit to Amazon coming on.
Mike, you’re my inspiration to get my word count up!!!!
thanks for all you do for the writing community!!!!
Mysti, Amen. Mike is an inspiration and friend.
Great interview Mike. Thanks for sharing a bit of you with us.
Thanks George & Mike for the for the interesting and revealing interview. I knew a few things about Mike through my membership in PSWA, but didn’t realize he was the author of such a variety of books. I am impressed! Also, Mike was one of the first to welcome me to PSWA and has always been willing to reach out and help or answer any questions. He has an impressive background, and his writing is truly creative. Also, he is a fellow Illinoisan. Great interview, guys!!
Great interview. I tend to agree that you need to outline, but for me, it’s more like a way in than a blueprint, because the act of discovery along the way shifts and turns the story in ways my outline never anticipated.
I have read both a Steve Wolf novel and an A.W. Hart western. My Mystery Book Club enjoyed the thriller, Chimes at Midnight. I’m in awe of Mike’s ability to switch genres with such ease and mastery. And how I love those Shakespearean references! Totally enjoyed reading this interview providing additional insight into a gifted and prolific writer. Look forward to reading more books by Michael Black.
Vinnie, What a scary story. But look what you were able to do with it! As you know, I loved that book. And George, great interviewing!