Interview with James Lilley

Author of A Miracle For Tony Clements

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, raised in Ellicott City, Maryland and currently reside in Mt. Airy, Maryland

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I had never considered myself to be an author, just someone who enjoyed writing. A long time friend, Dr. Sheldon Greenberg, after reading a letter I had written to a police recruit class talked with me about writing a book. Following his advice, I began writing and again following his advice, I haven’t stopped. To date I have written 19 books.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I write on various topics in the police genre from the aspect of uniformed patrol officers, to detectives. I have also written a western revolving around a U.S. Marshal, a true crime, another titled COP TALES, which is a compilation of true stories from another era. I also have Christmas books and two that are a combination of humor and faith. And I have a biography/autobiography.
I would say I have various topics that would appeal to readers with different tastes.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Certainly anyone who is a follower of police, detective, mystery, romance, humor, and faith would find a book that is appealing to them.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I received a friend request on Facebook that I was about to delete, but for some reason decided to add them as a friend. Later that night I looked at the man’s bio and saw that he appeared to have connections in Hollywood. I made contact with him, gave him my background and he sent me a phone number. I called and connected with Associated Artists Group and now have four books on their project board for movie production. Receiving a telephone call from Dotan Baer, owner and producer with Associated Artists Group telling me about having my books accepted was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise. When the call ended it took time for what had just happened to sink in and realize a dream was now working its way toward reality. Pre-production phase is moving forward with a goal of filming to begin in early 2021.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Be aware that the rejections will pile high, wide and deep, but don’t get discouraged. Beware of the scam artists who promise the world, but only want your money.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

With the number of people who can’t seem to get enough of police movies and shows, both real life and fiction, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say a million or more.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Well, I’ve certainly been lied to. I had promises from a number of people who claimed they knew well known authors and would introduce me to them. I’m still waiting. Trying to find an agent who would represent me. The only ones that responded were scam artists who wanted to be paid. They wanted a sizable downpayment and charged a fee to speak to them by telephone. I received a letter from an “agent” wanting to represent me, but was suspicious from the beginning. When I received a telephone call from the New York State Attorney General’s Office regarding the company I knew my suspicions were correct. They had an entire operation to scam the unsuspecting. I’ve tried for over thirty years to find an agent and finally I’ve just given up on that idea.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing isn’t a problem. I was blessed with my education, where I was required to write and write often and as some of my teachers said I have a very creative and imaginative mind. Publishing was another story and it took 20 years to get my first one in print. Marketing is my biggest problem because I just don’t have a budget that will allow for a major advertising program.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Again, writing isn’t a problem, or just see above.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m already working on the next book and about 100 pages in.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

A combination of the above.