Harry Shannon has a resume that that many novelists will probably recognize immediately--actor, singer, songwriter, music publisher, film studio executive, screenwriter and now counselor in private practice in L.A. "Yes," writers nod in recognition, "sounds like either a writer or an actor." Shannon says, "A number of my clients come from the creative industries, because they know I 'get it.' I'm a husband, and the father of a nine-year-old girl. I haven't been in a fight in many years, but there are parts of Mick that are closer to my truth than I'd care to admit."Mick, in this case, is Mick Callahan, in his third adventure, One Of The Wicked. Shannon describes Mick as "knowledgeable yet clueless, gentle with a hot temper, educated as a psychologist and yet at heart he's still just a country boy from Nevada. He's sober, also a radio talk show host."
Mick does a favor for an old friend from the Navy SEALs named Bud "Bone" Stone. Bone wants Mick to keep an eye on his girlfriend while Bone raises money to pay off a mob debt. "Naturally," says Shannon, "there's more to it, and Mick gets tangled up with the Russian Mafia. Pretty soon Callahan and his friends are also on the run from the bad guys and the law."
When asked if any particular idea inspired the story, Shannon says he was thinking about loyalty. "I have a friend, also nicknamed 'Bone,' and we were chatting about old times. We partied together way back, and used to get ourselves into a great deal of trouble. After that phone call I started imagining Mick Callahan meeting up with a guy like this, after many years apart, but a guy who asks for a big favor. The setup for the story popped into my mind instantly."Shannon has two previous Mick Callahan novels out, Memorial Day and Eye Of The Burning Man. He is also the author of several horror novels and thrillers, including The Pressure Of Darkness and Night Of The Beast. His short stories and novellas have appeared in a number of anthologies. His first indie film, Dead And Gone, was released in July and he is considering a sequel to that screenplay. He is currently working on a book proposal about a new character and is "toying with a fourth Mick Callahan book, should there be enough interest out there. I'm even doing some songwriting again after years away from it, so you never know."
With such an eclectic background, why write novels? Shannon says, "You know the answer ... because we have to write. I love thrillers, crime fiction and quality horror writing. And if we love it, we sooner or later have to take a short. Or two. Or five. After seven novels I feel like I've almost written a good one now, you know? Almost. Writing is like an itch you can't scratch."
Contributing editor Mark Terry is the
author of the Derek Stillwater thriller series. His newest thriller,
THE SERPENT'S KISS, is available in stores and online.
