Christopher Greyson - Mystery, Joy, Humor and Romance

Christopher Greyson is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of mystery, action, and thriller novels. His acclaimed Detective Jack Stratton Series has been read by millions of readers. As our Author of the Day, he tells us all about The Adventures of Finn and Annie.

Please give us a short introduction to what The Adventures of Finn and Annie are about.

The Adventure of Finn and Annie is about two broken people who come together initially to solve insurance mysteries but discover that together, they just may be able to heal.

Why did you decide to write a collection of 10 mini-mysteries?

I initially wrote the first episode as a stand alone short story but I fell in love with the characters and wanted to find out what was going to happen to them myself!

Tell us more about Finn and Annie - what makes them so special?

Finn and Annie are struggling through life. Finn has lost a leg in the Army and Annie is deaf but their problems go deeper than that. Both have been scared emotionally but there is something inside them that is magnetic to each other. Finn’s broken heart of service joins with Annie’s broken heart of love and together, the two make a great match.

Why mysteries and thrillers? What drew you to the genre?

I’ve always loved the problem solving of a mystery and when you add in the high stakes of a thriller, you get a killer combination!

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

I’ve had to wear many hats in my life so I do have a very eclectic skill set. From acting, computers and martial arts, to graphic design, video and wood working, I love to learn and keep trying to add to the list.

Readers say your stories are heartwarming and your characters relatable. How did you pull this off?

I try to write and live honestly and openly. People tend to hide their scars but I choose not to so I reveal the underlying issues with my characters. Everyone I’ve ever met has problems and they can relate to characters that have them too.

Do any of your characters ever take off on their own tangent, refusing to do what you had planned for them?

Jack especially! I’ll place him in a situation where I’ve plotted out what he’s going to do but then I get him there and he throws a wrench in the works. Sometimes it’s frustrating but I feel it adds to the story because then it’s real and not forced.

What did you have the most fun with while writing this book?

The love story. Figuring out the mysteries was great but watching both Finn and Annie lower their defensive walls was special.

Interesting cover. Tell us more about how it came about.

I made it. I’ve created a lot of my own covers and I think this one really captures their story. Finn and Annie solve stories by day, the crime scene behind them, but as the sun goes down and the stars come out…romance blooms.

This is Volume 1 of a series. How do the other books in the series tie in with this one?

They all flow in one tapestry. I do write them so they are standalone but it's definitely a series more enjoyable read in order.

When starting on a new book, what is the first thing you do?

Pray! I’ve been crazy blessed with this wonderful career and have to thank God and ask for more help before I do anything. Writing a book is hard. It’s a huge mountain and every time it is daunting staring up at the peak. Then I tighten my boots and plot. I’m a big fan of mapping out the route ahead of time.

Do you have any interesting writing habits? What is an average writing day like for you?

It changes day-by-day. I’m self-published so there is tons of marketing, emails, formatting, etc to do. I love to write in the morning but I have Scrivener set up so I can work on my computer, Ipad and phone and write anywhere, anytime.

What are you working on right now?

I’m finishing up a thriller trilogy with Kiku, a Yakuza Assassin and started a new detective series with a female lead. I’m also working on the next Jack! (I have to add that or I’ll get deluged with email.)

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

Please visit ChristopherGreyson.com to sign up for my newsletter and find out about new releases, giveaways and more!