Shuman worked for the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department for 20 years before writing his first novel, 18 Seconds, which was published in 2006. This first effort was nominated for a Shamus and a Best First Novel Thriller Award. Last Breath, his second novel, was published in 2007. His latest, Lost Girls came out in September of 2008. He was kind enough to share his thoughts recently about writing and his life with Suite101 readers. Here is what he had to say:
You were with the Washington DC police department for more than 20 years. What made you switch to writing? Had you written anything before 18 Seconds?I've always been interested in writing and I'm always had the desire to write. 18 Seconds was initially planned as a stand alone novel. I never imagined I could keep the character going for multiple books.
Sherry Moore, the principal character in your novels, is a unique individual. Is she modeled after a real person or is she solely a creation of yours? Did you work with a psychic when you were with the police department?
No, Sherry Moore is all fiction. I'm not really a believer, nor would I really call Moore a psychic. I think she, being blind, is just more in tune with her senses and has learned how to tap into the phenomena around her.
Lost Girls deals with human trafficking. Is that something that you dealt with in Washington?
Of course I knew it existed, but Lost Girls really comes from my desire to write about the Caribbean and missing people have always been a problem in that area, especially in Haiti.
Do you have favorite mystery writers? Are there writers who influenced you?
I have several favorite writers, but I'd have to say the early Cold War novels influenced me the most, particularly the work of John le Carre and Alan Furst.
Lost Girls is your third novel. What have you learned in the process and do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
My best advice is to just keep writing and don't stop. I was a terrible student. I didn't realize I enjoyed writing until I was with in Washington. The police department gave me writing projects and I soon discovered that I was pretty good at it.
What's next for George Shuman and for Sherry Moore?
The fourth novel in the Sherry Moore series, Second Sight is coming out in the fall of 2009. I'm also working on a stand alone novel.
Our thanks for Mr. Shuman for taking time to talk with us and to Simon & Schuster for setting up the interview.
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