Zillionaire by Gary Alexander

By Virna DePaul

In ZILLIONAIRE, the richest man in the world dies and apparently took it with him. To the tune of $100 billion…

“Grandiloquently goofy, with mapcap riffs on cultural inanities and a plethora of lawyer jokes. Come on, aren’t you ready for a good laugh?” — Kirkus

Recently, I interviewed Mr. Alexander.  Here’s what Mr. Alexander had to say about his writing journey, his story, and his upcoming release.

Your first novel in this series, Disappeared, introduced your sleuth, standup comic Buster Hightower.  Can you tell us a bit about your latest novel, Zillionaire?

The world’s richest man dies and apparently takes it with him. To the tune of $100 billion. Buster Hightower, my protagonist, gets involved and is brought along for a wild ride as the search for the money becomes the mother of all gold rushes.

Is there a message in your novels you want readers to grasp?

Nah. At least not in this series. I’d just like readers to have some fun.

What are you reading now?

I’m a judge in the YA fiction Edgars and have little time to read anything other than submissions.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

Where do I begin? Probably on top of the list is self-discipline. Nobody’s ordering you to sit down in front of the machine from 9 to 5.

How has your writing process changed as your career has developed?

As sales have increased over the years, I treat it more like a business and the concomitant responsibilities.

What are your thoughts on marketing and the e-book revolution?

It seems to change daily.  I’m very aware of different markets and social media marketing such as Facebook.  DRAGON LADY, my Vietnam novel, the best thing I’ve ever written or ever will write, would not sell in paper, but is now available through Istoria Books.

Can you tell us a little about the next writing project you’re working on?

I’m playing around with screenwriting. Where it’ll lead, who knows? But it’s a fun challenge.

For more information, go to my website.

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Gary Alexander has written 11 mystery novels, including ZILLIONAIRE, featuring as protagonist a stand-up comic named Buster Hightower. It is in print now by Five Star Press. INTERLOCK, third in the series, will be out in the spring of 2012.

He’s also written 150 + short stories, most to the mystery magazines. He has served as Regional Vice President of the Mystery Writers of America.  DRAGON LADY, his Vietnam novel, is being published as an e-book by Istoria Books.