Author Randy Overbeck
Author Randy Overbeck served children as an educator for more than three decades as a teacher, a college prof and a school leader, though he had wanted to be a writer since high school. His experience in education gave the opportunity to hone his writing skills through years of “practical” writing tasks, so that when his schedule eased, he was able to channel those skills into his first writing love—fiction.
This is Author Randy Overbeck’s writing and publication journey in his own words…
I started writing fiction in the late nineties but that was put on hold while I completed my Ph. D. in 1997. I started in earnest around 2008 and was fortunate to have my first novel published in 2011.
Challenges as a writer…
The competition for readers’ eyes is incredibly fierce. Much to my surprise, I learned it is not good enough to pen a really good novel—my first, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND won a national award for Thriller of the Year—because readers are inundated with literally millions of titles. Working to get my work noticed by even potential readers has been, and continues to be, my greatest challenge.
Overbeck’s favourite passage from his recent publication, Cruel Lessons…
It is a difficult choice but I love this passage when my protagonist, Ken Parks, is up against the wall, metaphorically.
Ken exited the room and glanced back to see O’Brien and Walters in hushed conversation, eyes darting to him. “Nice career move, Parks,” he mumbled to himself.
Then one of his favorite Mark Twain sayings came to mind: “First, God created idiots; that was for practice. Then God created school boards.”
Ken shot a glance back at O’Brien and muttered, “Twain got that one right.”
Overbeck’s works…
I’ve had five novels published by small presses.
The thriller, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND, was published in 2011 and won the national award in 2012.
The three entries in my Haunted Shores Mysteries, which earned 9 national awards including Best Book Award (Chanticleer Reviews), Gold Award (Literary Titan), and Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews.com).
BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE (2019)
CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY (2020)
SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER (2021)
My latest, atmospheric amateur sleuth mystery CRUEL LESSONS (2023) also won the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews.com).
My latest manuscript, ABIGAIL TRENCH, REBEL SPY, has been picked up by the Literary Agency, WordWise Media of Los Angeles, to pitch to major publishers. It is a historical suspense of the only female member of the Culper Ring, the secret spy ring George Washington recruited to help win the Revolutionary War. Stay tuned!
I’ve also nearly completed the fourth installment in the Haunted Shores Mysteries series. The title is not yet determined but the narrative will take place in the beautiful resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan on Lake Michigan. Look for it in 2025.
Overbeck’s views on running a successful Author newsletter…
I’ve learned that promotion and marketing is critical to every author but it’s especially important for emerging authors like me. I’ve developed four different author talks which I share with groups, organizations and clubs all over the country.
I have also devoted considerable energy and, yes, resources to beef up my online presence and digital footprint. Last summer I did a complete redesign and relaunch of my website, extended my newsletter reach (I add subscribers at every book talk I do—43 events this year), and have added an assistant to keep my SM current and out there.
How beneficial has all this been? I’m not sure I’m ever satisfied with my sales but I’ve been fortunate to makes sales at all my book talks, getting to meet and make new readers at every stop. Is this enough? Probably not, but I’ll keep trying.
One thing that Overbeck is proud of in his writing career…
All my life, I’ve wanted to be an author and wanted to create fiction that would entertain, inform and move readers. I’ve been humbled and thrilled by the tremendous response of my readers. One example from my experience may be at a recent writing conference, a woman had purchased one of my novels one day and confronted me the next morning, obviously upset. She said, “I’m angry with you. I started your book last night and got so caught up, I stayed up all night. I couldn’t stop reading it.”
That’s an accomplishment I’m truly proud of.
Advice and words of encouragement from Author Randy Overbeck for aspiring authors…
Although writing is a solo activity, you do not and should not try to do it alone. If you are serious about your writing, find a writers’ critique group, a group of fellow writers who can help you make your written work as good as possible. They can give you insight and suggestions to take your writing to the next level. And they can become your tribe. Check with your area bookstore or library to find a group. There are even virtual writing critique groups.
