A Few Casualties So What follows a former hitman turned reluctant problem-solver who is tasked to prevent a gang war by figuring out who murdered two teens from rival crime families. What was your inspiration for Chubby Pone’s character, and how did you craft his outlook on life?

Chubby is a nickname my family gave me. Though I am not fat, my oldest sister gave it to me when I was a baby, and Pone came from a coworker whose maiden name was Pone. I thought of Al Capone, which gave the character a gangster appeal. I based him on myself on some things I have gone through in my life, and also my son, who dealt with ignorance from growing up with alopecia. He was teased a lot, and as he got older, he accepted baldness and is now a college graduate and married. I wanted a character with a light and dark heart when it is needed. You can ignore people who are immature, but there are times when you have to say that enough is enough and fight back.

When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?

The first part of the book, I did, and then the characters started talking to me if that makes any sense. Most writers will tell you that as you get deeper into your story, the characters start to come to life and give you ideas on what to do next.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Yes, and the 2nd book is already out. ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE BIG EASY: Down On The Bayou. The most disgusting and blackest character I ever created. You’ll have to buy and read the book to find out what I mean.

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