1.What is your inspiration for your stories? (Environment/experience, or other?)

            For my adult urban crime novels, I draw from people, places, and experiences I have. Of course, it is fiction and I do not put in any true events (especially criminal ones), but I know how people think and behave. In my sci-fi and fantasies, I pull from news, and current events by asking that all important question, “What if…”

2.     Do you always know a story will be a series, or are some standalone novels?

            The Killer Series was a four-book series from the start. I didn’t know exactly what would happen in each book, but I did have an overview of what each book would be about and who story I was telling. The Gemstone Series started out as a standalone novel, The Emerald Lady, but as I got halfway through, I realized I had a lot more story to write. Other stories I know are standalone.

3.     When an idea strikes, do you know the genre there and then?

            Yes. I tend to think in terms of genre, an idea is either a sci-fi, fantasy, or crime story. Like I would see someone has invented a device or medication and I know that will be a sci-fi story. Or I will hear of a discovery, like a new way to x-ray the pyramids and that becomes a fantasy.

4.     What is your writing structure/process like – planner or panster?

            Totally a planner. I usually can’t start writing until I have a beginning and end in mind. The end being more important than the beginning. I will sit down and write synopsis, plots, chapter outlines, characterizations, all of it. Then as I write things just happen, but most of the time I know where I am going.

5.     Do you have specific themes within your narratives? If so, what is your message?

            The themes of the Killer Series are friendship and revenge. MoJo and Nicky live in a world where friendship and loyalty runs deep. They are true blood brothers, but it is not their blood that binds them. It is the blood they are willing to spill to get revenge on their enemies. To them revenge is worth more than gold.

6.     Can you tell us about your latest book?

            The latest book I completed is Killer With Ice Eyes. It is about Morris’ (MoJo) daughter taking over the family business. Maria had been raised in the Mafia and educated by the gangs of New York. But before she can take control, she wants to find the man who kidnapped her ten years ago and killed the only person she truly loved. Then kill him.

7.     Are you happy with the conclusion of this Killer series, or is there one more?

            Very happy. It is hardcore urban crime and Maria makes the perfect heroin. Although it was hard to write knowing I would be losing my friends. I am thinking of a spinoff on a couple in the series, a husband-and-wife hitman team. Just a thought.

8.     Do you have new stories cultivating – can you share something about one?

            I am working on the second book in the Gemstone Series called The Ruby Cradle. Whereas The Emerald Lady took place in the golden age of pirates, The Ruby Cradle will take you back to the Dark Ages and the age of castles. The mermaids and dragons will battle for the souls of mankind.

9.     Where can readers find you?

            Everywhere. Amazon, B&N, my websites https:\\www.RockHillPublishing.com and https:\\www.JLHill-Books.com and Facebook (Meta now)

10.  Why did you decide to start your publishing company?

            With my background in software engineering and document processing I wanted to help others get into print. So I teamed up with editor, Athina Paris, and started taking on authors in the genres we had experience in - fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and romance.

More in the series:

Bio:

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is complete. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood have all received five-star reviews. Killer With Ice Eyes, the final chapter of the boys from the Bronx, is available now. He is currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series; The Emerald Lady is in publication to rave reviews. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, is coming soon.