Steve Payette Book Spotlight and Author Interview

Book Synopsis:

Trevor Samuels is the main character in the novel "The Back of My Mind". He's investigating a series of arsons that have plagued Malone County over the past while. Trevor isn't the usual type of investigator, he dresses like a slob and relies on his sharp intellect and photographic memory to solve cases. Unfortunately for Trevor, he can't seem to crack the arsons. He can't figure out the motive, and he doesn't have any suspects. Enter Jesse, a fifteen-year-old Goth boy heavily involved in the underground cigarette market. At first Trevor pegs him as a freak, but the more he gets to know Jesse, the more he becomes convinced the arsons are related to contraband cigarette trafficking. Jesse leads Trevor through a seedy underworld, where he learns that the people he respects most may be involved. Join Trevor, Jesse and the seemingly unending array of unique characters they encounter while trying to solve a case that will either be the highlight of Trevor's career, or haunt him for the remainder of his days.

I was lucky enough to get Steven to answer a few questions for me. Here goes:

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

The author's whose books I never miss, being John Grisham, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, John Saul, Robin Cook, and Dan Brown.

Do you write every day?

No.

What has been your greatest achievement as a writer?

Completing the first novel!

Have you always wanted to be a writer, or did you aspire to be something else growing up?

I had no interest in being a writer. I just wanted to see if I could do it. Tried 15 yrs ago and couldn't. Tried again this year and could.

How would you describe your writing?

Easy to read mysteries, easy for all age groups to relate too.

Are you currently working on anything?

Just finished third novel in the series.

What authors do you enjoy reading?

See answer to question 1.

Is there a particular author/s (yourself excluded) who you feel don't get the recognition they deserve?

Many, many unknown, self-published authors.

What is your favorite book?

Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz

What is a book that has been highly acclaimed but you haven't liked?

Michael Chabon.

Is there a word you feel is overused?

No.

For more information on this, and other books by Steven Payette, please visit:

www.geocities.com/samuelstrevor/index