Authors Blogs
Welcome to my author’s blog on my new website, williamoakeswrites.com. We created it to support the release of my first novel Chasing Evil and share some thoughts from time to time.
AUTHOR BLOG
Welcome to my author’s blog on my new website, williamoakeswrites.com. We created it to support the release of my first novel Chasing Evil and share some thoughts from time to time.
I’ve been writing in one form or another most of my adult life. My career in journalism and healthcare marketing was supported by storytelling and developing creative materials.
In my retirement I thought I’d take a stab at writing a novel. On, how little did I know what I was getting into.
My journey started in the summer of 2023. I had a concept for a novel, a police and crime thriller, my personal favorite genre. After reading well over 30 books from several different authors I thought I understood how to craft and carry out a good story.
Along the way our local library in Johnson County, Indiana developed a program to bring in famous authors to tell their career story. I heard from John Sanford, David Baldacci, C.J. Box, Craig Johnson, Jack Carr and J.A. Jance among others. I listened and learned.
So, full of confidence I hit the keyboard.
Months later a retired Franklin College professor who has published several mystery novels, Dr. David Carlson, offered a two-session class on how to become a professional writer.
I signed up hoping to pick up a few tips. Boy did I.
After the first class I can home and deleted most of what I wrote, revised the plot structure, range of characters and started rewriting, a lot of rewriting.
Over the next year the concept for Chasing Evil developed and was nearly complete when Dr. Carlson offered the class again. I attended, shared my progress and samples of the draft manuscript with the class. They loved it and wanted more, and Dr. Carlson gave encouragement to go to the finish line.
The last half of 2025 was devoted to that task and now in 2026 Chasing Evil is ready. I’ve dropped a sample on the website.
A second novel is in rough draft stage again featuring my lead character from Chasing Evil, Detective Capt. Conor Cavanaugh of the Indiana State Police. A third novel centered around Det. Cavanaugh is in the concept phase.
My hope is Chasing Evil is a fun, exciting read and you grow is like Det. Cavanaugh and those around him.
If you download or order a printed copy, you have my deep appreciation. When you’re finished, let me know what you think.
Again, thanks for your support. Keep reading.
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