A Conversation with Richard Wickliffe,
Author of "Tropical Windfall"
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| Featured Author, Richard Wickliffe "Tropical Windfall" |
With his second novel due in late 2013, we spoke to Florida-based author Richard Wickliffe to discuss his first crime-thriller, “Tropical Windfall,” which is still a top beach read.
What gave you the idea for "Tropical Windfall?"
My story is about newlyweds who discover cash off the coast of Key West. With the lure of greed, they decide to keep most of it, infuriating the dealers who lost it. In reality, I heard a news story of a couple who found a bag floating off Key West. The “real couple” did the right thing and turned it in. Police were so impressed with their honesty, they allowed them to keep the money if no one claimed it in 90 days. My thought was: wouldn’t the individuals who lost it be angry?
What audience would be attracted to your novel?
I filled the story with things I’m attracted to: Underdogs who find wealth, monstrous bad guys (who the reader would love to see die,) and dark humor. And of course a backdrop of the islands, boats, and at least one hand-shaken margarita shows up in the tale. As for audience? I’d say anyone who enjoys the above, though some scenes and language wouldn’t be suitable for kids. I guess my book would be “Rated R.”
Rated R, like a movie? Do you always think of your writing in terms of movies?
My first love is writing screenplays. “Tropical Windfall” began as a screenplay. In fact, my second novel (due in November) titled “Memories of Holly Woode” is based on my screenplay that was chosen as a nominee on HBO’s Project Greenlight out of 5,000 projects. I guess if I had a choice of careers, it’d be closer to a screenwriter. But any way my story can get out is okay with me.
Have you ever had a screenplay sold as a movie?
One project titled “Storm Crashers” –about hi-tech thieves who attack during hurricane evacuations– has been acquired by 20th Century Fox. A talented screenwriter, Sean O’Keefe, was brought in for the screenplay (now targeted to be titled “Riders on the Storm”) and we have our fingers crossed it’ll be green-lit to be filmed. I own the novel rights and I hope to have Storm Crashers published as we await the movie outcome.
As a Florida Author, you describe very unique locations in “Tropical Windfall.” Are they real places?
Absolutely –one of the many reasons my book is set in the Keys. From Hemingway’s favorite bar, to Blue Heaven that used to have cockfights, to an abandoned bat tower. Even “No Name Key,” which is a real island with no electricity that has been inhabited by dubious residents.
Do you have a unique background that helps with your writing?
Fortunately yes. For nearly 14 years I’ve managed a team of investigators who examine unique white-collar crimes in Florida. Sadly, our state has no lack of outrageous characters and creative crimes. We’ve worked hurricanes, exposed theft rings, even schemes organized by Russian mafia and human smuggling between Miami and Cuba. We have contacts in law enforcement who enjoy discussing the bizarre things they see. I enjoy giving lectures to law enforcement about these schemes, including Navy NCIS and two presentations at the FBI’s InfraGard Counterterrorism seminars. There’s no shortage of colorful stories out there.
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Synopsis:
by Richard Wickliffe
A young couple finds a bag containing a fortune off the coast of Key West. In a panic, they report it to authorities -but only half. They're told they can keep the money if no one claims it in 90 days. Confident that dealers will never claim the money, they make plans for their fortune. The furious dealers send assassins to reclaim their money. The couple can't run to the police because they concealed half. The suspense builds as villains create a nightmare for the couple in their supposed paradise.
Imagine every crime cliche turned upside down: The crime boss is the opposite of a typical drug lord. Our intelligent hero is the wife, not her insecure husband. The cops aren't fearless and the good guys have uncertain ethics. The refreshingly-different novel has villains reminiscent of Thomas Harris's "Hannibal Lechter," balanced with satire in the style of Carl Hiaasen. The book depicts criminal violence with mature language and themes.
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For More Information:
Author Website: www.RichWickliffe.com
New Novel Website: www.MemoriesOfHollyWoode.com
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon (Kindle and paperback) link: http://amzn.to/1dThQss