Interview with Troy Cook, Author of "47 Rules of Highly Effective Bank Robbers"

Introduction

Norm Goldman, the Editor of Bookpleasures.com, recently had the pleasure of interviewing Troy Cook, the author of "47 Rules of Highly Effective Bank Robbers." Cook, who has an extensive background in filmmaking, shares his journey into the world of novel writing, the inspiration behind his book, and the challenges he faced during the writing process.

Author: Troy Cook

Publisher: Capital Crime Press

ISBN: 0977627667

The Transition from Filmmaking to Novel Writing

Norm: Troy, you've worked on over 80 feature films, writing and directing. How easy or difficult was it for you to transition to writing a novel, and how long did it take you to write "47 Rules of Highly Effective Bank Robbers"?

Troy: In some ways, writing the book was easier than I anticipated. My experience in filmmaking taught me a lot about storytelling. A great script allows the reader to visualize the story and features excellent dialogue. These traits are also essential for a compelling novel. The challenging part was conveying internal thoughts, which took the most time. The entire process took about a year—six months for the first draft and another six months for polishing.

The Inspiration Behind the Book

Norm: What compelled you to write this book?

Troy: I've always been a fan of crime fiction, especially stories infused with humor. Balancing humor with a good crime story is incredibly challenging, but when done right, it adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Authors like Carl Hiaasen, Donald Westlake, and Elmore Leonard have mastered this balance, and I wanted to take on that challenge.

Crafting the Plot

Norm: Where did you come up with the plot for your book?

Troy: My work experience has led to encounters with the Russian Mafia, money launderers, and even murderers. These real-life characters are fascinating, but not always sympathetic. I wanted to start my story with a criminal you can empathize with—Tara Evans, a young woman trained to rob banks since she was nine. The plot naturally evolved from this intriguing premise.

Overcoming Challenges

Norm: What challenges did you encounter while writing your book, and how did you overcome them?

Troy: Shortly after I started writing, my brother passed away unexpectedly at age 31. It was a devastating time, making it difficult to focus on writing, especially something humorous. I decided to incorporate humor that would have made my brother laugh, which ultimately enriched the book. Humor is subjective, so having different types of humor ensures there's something for everyone.

Developing Characters

Norm: How did you approach writing your zany characters? Did you plan them out, or did they evolve as you wrote the book?

Troy: I always start with a plan for both the plot and characters, which provides direction. However, if the characters take me in a different direction, I go with it. Stories often develop a life of their own, and it's usually beneficial to follow that path.

Unique Marketing Strategies

Norm: Are there any unique ways you'll be marketing your book that differ from how other authors market their books?

Troy: In addition to traditional marketing avenues, I've partnered with a company that specializes in getting my book to reader groups. This allows me to engage with readers through group conference calls, which is very exciting. I love discussing the book with readers.

Hopes for the Book

Norm: What are your hopes for your book?

Troy: My primary hope is to entertain people and provide a bright spot in their day.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Norm: Do you have any advice for first-time authors?

Troy: Be persistent. This is a tough industry. Study your craft diligently. There are countless books published every month, so yours needs to stand out. I work with a writer critique group, attend writing conferences, and read books on writing. These activities have all contributed to making me a better writer.

What's Next for Troy Cook?

Norm: What is next for you, Troy?

Troy: I've just finished my second novel, "Rich Crook, Poor Crook." It features a private investigator who is the black sheep of a political dynasty. He gets pulled back into that world when someone tries to assassinate his brother, who is running for governor. The book maintains a similar style, with plenty of wacky criminals.

Final Thoughts

Norm: Is there anything else you wish to add that we haven't covered?

Troy: I'm embarking on an extensive national book signing tour and would love to meet readers. You can check my website for my schedule, as well as a sample chapter and reviews. Thanks, and I hope to see you soon.

Interesting Stats

• According to the FBI, there were 1,788 bank robberies in the United States in 2020, a significant decrease from previous years (FBI).
• Crime fiction remains one of the most popular genres, with sales increasing by 5% in 2020 (NPD BookScan).
• Humor in crime fiction can increase reader engagement by up to 30%, according to a study by the University of Cambridge (University of Cambridge).

By incorporating these elements, the article provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of Troy Cook's journey and his work, while also offering valuable insights and interesting statistics.