Author Interview - Mike Krentz

Bio:

Dr. Mike Krentz writes medical suspense, psychological thrillers, and military fiction featuring complex characters and relationships.

Following a successful civilian career in emergency medicine, Mike rededicated his professional life to serve America's Navy and Marine Corps families. Upon retirement, he returned to his earliest life passion as a writer.

Mike's novels include the DR. ZACK WINSTON SERIES of medical conspiracy thrillers, the MAHONEY & SQUIRE SERIES of military fiction, and a psychological thriller, ANGELS FALLING.

How did you become a writer? 

- See my bio. Writing has been my passion ever since high school. I majored in English in college, then took a circuitous route through medical school, emergency medicine practice, and the US Navy. Those experiences informed my writing vision.

What inspires you to write? 

- I must write to give voice to my creative drive, to explore new yet familiar worlds and characters, to entertain and inspire others.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

- I'm a "planster," neither a plotter or pantser. I start with a rough outline of plot and character arcs, then modify as I write. When I'm in the groove, my characters tell me where the story should go.

Could you share some of your challenges as a writer? 

- Overly self-critical. Figuring out the business side of publishing. Time management. Unrealistic expectations.

Tell me about your protagonist. What's your favorite trait and/or weakness?

- Dr. Zack Winston reaches professional mid-life as a confident, caring, competent, patient-centered emergency physician. But his disrupted personal life and a past medical disgrace haunt his subconscious and sometimes drive him to make poor decisions. The overarching theme of this series is Zack's quest for redemption, both personal and professional. My favorite trait is what his colleague and partner, lawyer Bridget Larsen, describes as his "charming vulnerability."

How does your antagonist create conflict?

- A multilayered international conspiracy uses medical means to both commit and cover up murder and to attack the US government. As Zack and Bridget peel back the layers and discover the depth and breadth of the conspiracy, they and their loved ones become targets.

What are your current/future projects?

- Continue the Dr. Zack Winston series through book four and beyond.

- Write and publish a new spinoff series featuring Zack's daughter, Dr. Jennifer Winston, a recent medical school graduate.

- Brainstorm another new series, based on my medical series and psychological thriller, ANGELS FALLING.

Do you have a routine you follow when writing? 

- Not really, but I'm working on it.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

- Write more. Worry less. Follow your heart. Step away from mindless social media. Trust the process.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? 

- Keep writing and honing your craft. Accept that it's hard, and do it anyway. What do you call a writer who never gives up? "Published"

* What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you? 

- E-mail. I tend to ignore messages on social media because so many are just phishing.