Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a working class neighborhood on the south-side of Chicago. The fathers of most of my friends worked for the steel mills, ship yards and railroads. This gave me an understanding of the middle-class working man and family. Perhaps this is why I am drawn to film noir and urban noir novels. Dennis Lehayne is a good example.
When did you first start writing?
I have always enjoyed writing. My serious writing began in college. I was lucky to have some excellent instructors.
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