Guest Blogger: Earle E. Van Gilder

Please join me in welcoming author Earle E. Van Gilder as the special guest blogger here at Thoughts in Progress today as he tours blogdom with his first novel.

Earle’s release is SAID THE SPIDER. Here’s a synopsis of it: “Sophisticated crime syndicate parasites invade the normally solid foundation of Midwestern banking and generations of established manufacturing. Executives and management usually in control suddenly find they are masterfully manipulated into a web of irreconcilable personal and financial seduction.

From the traumatic discovery at the river’s edge to the eventual confrontational conclusion SAID THE SPIDER seduces greedy, gullible and unsuspecting prey into a deadly and graphic whirlwind of corporate disaster leading to murder, suicide and revenge.

The early exploits of the juvenile crime spree by a youthful mastermind who cleverly manipulates his prey leads the reader to the ruthless genius manipulating the city. This drama of cause and effect with no escape from the temptations of lust, greed, and ignorance has been cleverly baited.

The corporate investigative agency and police sources enter almost too late to stop this whirlpool of turbulence as the bank Vice President’s realize their own failure and the investors and corporation officers panic and retreat from the coming Armageddon.

As murder, suicide and monumental financial losses are exposed, the crime syndicate learns of an investigation which might interrupt their lucrative operation. Crime bosses will stop at nothing to successfully complete their artistic looting of a major bank and manufacturing complex.

Time is running out. Investigators are pulling pieces of the puzzle together. Corrupt and greedy bank executives are running for their lives. The syndicate is charging ahead in their goal of complete domination and eventual departure culminating in a surprise and conclusive end to fraud and murder.
Earle has answered some questions for me about his book and his writing style.

Mason: What inspired you to write this book?

Earle: Before and after my retirement as President of a corporation dealing in industrial espionage, white collar crime, undercover and criminal investigations I was asked to share my experiences and stories. Also, just the sheer enjoyment of writing.

Mason: Do you have a writing schedule?

Earle: None at all.

Mason: What type of research did you do for the book?

Earle: On the three books I’ve written it required only limited research because they were part of my history. On occasion I did limited research into methods, geography, events etc. that were needed to recall times and events. There will be a time when my actual recollection and memory requires making new adventures that are less real to me but I’ll handle that when the time comes.

Mason: What was the best/worst thing about writing?

Earle: When writing I can’t recall a “worst” thing because I become absorbed in the story and characters. The “best” thing is accomplishing the task at hand and returning to it over and over again in trying to perfect the story.

Mason: Did you encountered 'writer's block?' If so, how did you overcame it?

Earle: I was never concerned with “writer’s block” but have experienced times when I’m more productive or less productive. I write for myself and if along the way someone might enjoy the story that’s a good thing.

Mason: What message would you like readers to take away from your book?

Earle: Crime doesn’t pay, most of the time.

Mason: What can readers expect next from you?

Earle: A vivid imagination and authentic adventures.

Earle, thanks for guest blogging here. Your background has lead to a fascinating story.

Now for a bit of background on Earle. For more than 40 years Earle “Doc“ was involved in the investigation of white-collar crime. The last 20 years he ran his own Investigative Corporation partnering with major firms, local and state government agencies and law enforcement to solve a wide range of criminal activities from internal theft and white collar crime to insurance fraud, criminal investigations and undercover operations.

Earle is also a certified Kyokushinkai Karate Branch Chief and martial arts instructor and well versed in the handling of weaponry. These experiences combined with his Marine Corp and equestrian experiences have resulted in a number of short stories which in turn led to his first novel, SAID THE SPIDER. He recently completed a second novel, GUMSHOE DIARY, THE MONTH OF MAY.

For more on Earle and his book, check out his website at Outskirts Press.