Interview with James O. Born (May 2005)
Author of Shock Wave (May 2005)
May 17, 2005
James O. Born, a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), is a veteran of nearly 20 years in law enforcement. His second book, Shock Wave, was recently published to rave reviews.
Interview by David J. Montgomery
Q. What made you decide to start writing thrillers?
A. When I was an agent with the DEA I would set up on these incredibly boring surveillances, following smugglers all over south Florida, waiting for the little lead or piece of information that would break the case. During that time I’d imagine what would happen if…Rarely was anything as exciting as what I imagined nor were my actions as courageous as I had imagined. I thought, “Man, I could put this in a book for every cop that dreamed of doing something more.” I learned early on there is little or no connection between TV and real life.
Q. After working as a cop for the past two decades, you're one of the few mystery writers who has the actual experience to write with authenticity about law enforcement. How has that affected your books?
A. The one thing it has done, and I’m just now realizing it, is I can think through any situation in one of my books and even if it’s not the right or smart move by a character, I can justify it. For instance, out of habit, I never stand in front of a door I’ve just knocked on. That’s from a shooting incident when a FDLE (Florida Department Of Law Enforcement, State police) agent stepped to one side during a search warrant just as someone fired from inside. The bullet missed his head by an inch. Those lessons I put in all my books. It may not be pretty or flashy but my characters act like people I know. Some people I know are dumbasses, so some of my characters do stupid things.
Q. I'm sure you must often cringe when you read mystery novels. What about cops in fiction bugs you the most?
A. I always smile at all the cops who were trained as CIA assassins or have super abilities. On the TV show Joe Forester in the seventies, he would throw his nightstick and trip fleeing criminals. I always thought that was cool. One night I ended up in a foot chase in Miami and threw my ASP (expandable night stick) at the guy, hoping for the same effect. It shot between his legs without actually touching him and made him jump into high gear and I never saw him again. There are no special abilities. Having said that, the most important thing is a good story with believable characters. I rarely quibble on details. As an example, the role of the private investigator in real, modern day police work is extremely limited. No police department in the country would allow a P.I. to work on an active violent crime, especially a homicide. I’d be fired if I thought about it. But good writers, like Jon King, create a situation where it’s believable that Max Freeman help’s the cops on a possible serial killer. As long as there is a reason for a situation, don’t sweat the small stuff.
Q. Your first two books haven't portrayed the FBI in the most positive light. Is that based on your personal experience? Has it affected your working relationship with the Bureau?
A. Here is a simple question to ask any experienced cop: If you were personally in trouble and needed help, would you turn to the FBI or a detective at any reasonably large police department? I’m not saying the FBI is ineffective. They have an excellent media machine and are therefore viewed very favorably. Like any police agency they have outstanding agents and poor ones. My friends with the Bureau like my books because they have a sense of humor, which is why they are my friends in the first place. The guys that are annoyed by my books are exactly the ones I’m making fun of.
So far all I’ve taken is some friendly ribbing about the books. We’ll see about the future once I finish my book about J. Edgar Hoover coming back from the dead and terrorizing schools kids while bitching about the Kennedys.
Q. Do you read reviews of your books?
A. I read reviews and listen to comments from fans. I’m interested in doing better each time out. That being said, I usually don’t worry too much about it. In my police career I’ve been bitten, hit by a car and beaten bloody several times. I can’t really see writing something so poor that Oline Cogdill feels compelled to hunt me down and kick my ass. Then again, it’s early in my career and she takes her job seriously. I guess worry is relative.
Q. In person, you seem very low-key and reserved, but your books are wild and hilarious. Which is the real Jim Born?
A. I am somewhat low key. I drink so I have some form of personality. I remember being harassed by my fellow SWAT members for falling asleep on the way to search warrants. I like to think I’m pacing myself.
Q. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
A. Read good writers. Don’t say you’re too busy writing. Read! Other than that I am still an aspiring writer.
Q. What are your thoughts about Hollywood adapting your books?
A. Please try. I have kids who’d like to go to college and a good-looking wife who is expensive.
Q. What excites or distresses you about the mystery genre today?
A. Nothing distresses me. There are so many areas, if I’m not interested in one area, I just don’t read it. I like the idea that fans are so interested in the genre and that we have events like Bouchercon or blogs like this. It seems to be an interactive genre.
Q. What's the last book you read?
A. Days of Infamy by Harry Turtledove. The last crime fiction I read was The James Deans by Reed Coleman. It’s nice when the mentally unbalanced produce a good book.
Q. What's next for you?
A. Putnam has shown me great support and I’m happy writing my books for them. Neil Nyren, my editor, just approved a stand-alone novel about the ATF and I’m very excited about it. I started working on it within an hour of his e-mail.
Don't miss Jim Born's Overnight Success? story.
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Interviews | Permalink
Comments
This book has cops buzzing. They love it. I've asked several who read and they say Born is right on the money in his observations. I'm retired but I see what they like. I agree with his comments here too.
Bill
Posted by: Bill S | May 18, 2005 4:01:25 PM
Jim has a tiny penis.
Posted by: RFC | Jun 3, 2005 4:04:30 PM
I just met Jim at a trade show. He is so charming that we will carry everyone of his books. He has that rare quality to make fun of himself but make you want to read his books. I read Shock Wave in one night. It was terrific.
I was unaware of his penis size. He seems like such a healthy young man.
Who is RFC?
Posted by: Susanne | Sep 22, 2005 9:49:26 PM
