I've enjoyed Mark Mynheir's work since his first novel, Rolling Thunder, hit the shelves! His latest novel, The Night Watchman, begins a new adventure for his readers as we embark on a suspenseful, faith-filled journey with retired police detective Ray Quinn.
I was honored to be able to chat with Mark via email, and I am delighted to share some of his insights with you today. Please, welcome Mark Mynheir to my window!
You have written a story that takes us into the heart of a true police detective. While Ray Quinn is obviously not a Christian, it is obvious that your faith is a very strong and vital part of who you are. What is it like to share you faith on the job when you have to face man’s depravity day after day?
In some ways, it’s easier to witness to another cop because you don’t have to spend a lot of time explaining the Sin Doctrine - - that the world is a fallen and ugly place, desperately in need of a Savior. Most cops know something’s horribly wrong with humanity and the world. I’ve found that many are open to talks about spiritual things and Christ. It’s a good environment to be a Christian, although sometimes it’s tough too.
People are always skeptical of politicians for some of the fictional reasons highlighted in The Night Watchman. In reality, do the police/investigators/detectives have a good working relationship with local politicians overall? Or is there often a wide gap in what a policeman perceives as reality and what politicians perceive as reality?
I think there are wide gaps between what many politicians perceive as reality and the rest of us. (I had to get that dig in.) I’ve had very positive working relationships with the local politicians, so my experiences have been good. I’m not so sure it always works that way though. When I’m doing the detecting thing, I do try to steer away from political issues and stick to the catching of the bad guys.
You touch lightly on addictions of various sorts within your latest story. As a volunteer at a local rehab facility, I too have a window into this world. How great is the toll of addictions on our country? Don’t you perceive this to be one of the most insidious things in society today? Why or why not?
If everyone in this country stopped drinking and doing drugs, you could cut your police forces in half - - literally. I know it will never happen, at least until Christ returns, but most of the crime, abuse, and violence is associated in some way with drugs or alcohol. Yes, these abuses are insidious and from the evil one.
How common is it for retired police officers to enter into private investigatory work? Is that something you would ever do? Why or why not?
Many cops go into investigations or work for attorneys and such when they retire. My dream job would be to work on cold case homicides for twenty hours a week or so and use the rest of the time to write. We’ll see how that goes.
How do you find a balance between your work and writing? Certainly you must write in your sleep! J Is your family excited about your writing?
God is very good here. I don’t know how I’m able to get the books finished. My family is very supportive, and we work hard to make the balance fit. Like I said though, God really makes it happen.
The Night Watchman must have more books to follow! Can you give us a sneak peek into what Ray and Clevis will be up to next? Will we ever see Pam again?
Ray is up to more mischief as we speak. I can’t keep this guy out of trouble. He’s starting the investigation of a disgraced ex-cop who ends up murdered…with a load of serious suspects. We’ll see if Ray and Clevis can solve this one.
Pam’s still hanging around too!
What exciting things is God doing in your life right now? Any closing words of encouragement you’d like to share with your readers?
God is teaching me patience and endurance. The writing and police work have been tough to balance lately, but He’s making it work.
I want to encourage you to sign up for my give away of Mark's latest work The Night Watchman! Please go here to leave a comment to be entered for the drawing.
1 comment:
Great interview, Kim! Loved this book. (as you know!)
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