Word Refiner
  • Start Here
  • Word Refining
  • Learn More
  • Books I Have Refined
  • Promote Your Book
  • Acclaim from Authors
  • Book Reviews
  • Previous Book Reviews
  • Boomers on Books
  • Blog: Words For Thought
  • Highly Regarded Blogs
  • Guest Blogs
  • Contact
  • Hyper-Speller Humor
  • The Hyper-Speller interviewed
  • In memory of Grizz
  • Start Here
  • Word Refining
  • Learn More
  • Books I Have Refined
  • Promote Your Book
  • Acclaim from Authors
  • Book Reviews
  • Previous Book Reviews
  • Boomers on Books
  • Blog: Words For Thought
  • Highly Regarded Blogs
  • Guest Blogs
  • Contact
  • Hyper-Speller Humor
  • The Hyper-Speller interviewed
  • In memory of Grizz

​book reviews

Helena Star: An Epic Adventure Through the Murky Underworld of International Drug Smuggling by Stewart Riley

2/5/2021

67 Comments

 
Retired lawyer and debut author, Stewart Riley introduces us to one of his most famous cases he ever defended, “Helena Star”: The True Tale of the Motor Vessel HELENA STAR: This is the epic tale of the motor vessel Helena Star. On April 17, 1978, the U.S. Coast Guard seized the aging freighter 140 miles off Washington State’s coast with its hold loaded with 37 tons of marijuana—the west coast’s largest pot bust—worth an estimated street value of $74 million. Drug agents later seized the sleek Joli, a 61-foot sailboat, for its suspected role in the case. A past winner of the prestigious Victoria to Maui sailboat race, the Joli had been purchased from William Niemi, Jr., former president of Eddie Bauer, by champion freestyle skier Mike Lund. The attorney for the captain of the Helena Star, author Stewart Riley, provides an insider’s unvarnished account of the case from the trenches. The freighter and the conspirators involved were in the news from its seizure in 1978 to its death by sinking in 2013. This drug bust and the ensuing events comprise a true saga about the inner workings of a Colombian-American drug cartel, smuggling on a massive scale, money laundering, the capture of fugitives in Bolivia, suspicious deaths, the lives of high-profile individuals, and courtroom battles in Seattle and San Francisco.
Picture
What a great story and all true or alleged to be true. With all of the dodges and dives, faking and lies, it would be hard to make this up. It demonstrates the truism of human nature that each person is looking out for their own self-interests first. It is how we are built. This story was fun to read, it reminded me of when I saw this case in the news on TV. I was married and our first child was on the way. I recall thinking that someone had a lot of audacity to try and pull it off. Now I know the rest of the story behind the headlines, some forty years later. I am very happy to have learned the whole tale. Stewart is a good storyteller. I enjoyed his style; it is matter-of-fact prose. He doesn’t embellish a lot and doesn’t speculate a great deal beyond the obvious. Being on the inside of this case he was privy to far more than any mere mortal. He let the people involved speak for themselves whenever possible. This tale of intrigue and skullduggery doesn’t get lost in the weeds, the story moves along quite well, as all of the loose ends are eventually wrapped up. I award 5 stars to “Helena Star”. 
Picture
You can buy this book: 
https://rdrpublishers.com/products/helena-star-an-epic-adventure-through-the-murky-underworld-of-international-drug-smuggling 
https://bookshop.org/books/helena-star-an-epic-adventure-through-the-murky-underworld-of-international-drug-smuggling 
https://www.amazon.com/Helena-Star-by-stewart-riley-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/Helena-Star-by-stewart-riley 

You can follow the author: 
https://www.stewriley.com 

Tags: legal, true story, thriller, international law, supreme court, smuggling, drugs, contraband, freestyle skier, skiing 

Copyright © 2021 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction
67 Comments
Stew Riley link
2/8/2021 02:26:32 pm

I feel very fortunate to be interviewed by such an authority in the world of books, Mark. Have at it!

Reply
Mark
2/8/2021 03:09:33 pm

Thanks, Stewart, very kind of you to describe me that way. However, I am just a guy who knows a little about a lot of things and am always learning more.
First question.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/8/2021 03:31:49 pm

I'm actually a man of few words--probably not a great asset for an author. I always felt that actions speak louder than words, which perhaps is one reason why I am very competitive. This latter trait probably manifests itself in the book by the way I represented the Captain of the Helena Star. I lost the case, but never gave up.

Mark
2/8/2021 04:19:28 pm

We have been told that actions speak louder than words. But words are still important and stories are enduring.
New questions.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
If you are, how long have you been a full-time writer, and how much time did it take you to make the transition from part time?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/8/2021 05:01:01 pm

I guess one would say I am a part-time writer. Let me explain. I never had a dream of writing a book. I was a full-time criminal defense attorney. My friends, acquaintances and associates knew that I had a fascinating career and kept asking me why I had never written a book. My canned response was that I was too lazy. After I retired, I had more time on my hands and decided to think about the possibility of writing a book. I wrote down on a sheet of paper a list of 15 cases that were particularly unusual and interesting to see if one of them might merit an entire book. Helena Star fit the bill and I had three banker's boxes filled with transcripts, newspaper articles, notes, and correspondence in my basement. Even after I started writing, I wasn't sure that I was really going to complete the project. In a nutshell, I was a reluctant writer that got lucky.

Reply
Mark
2/8/2021 06:52:34 pm

Good story. I love it. As you found out, writing a book isn't that easy. A famous author once said, a great book is not written, it is rewritten many times.
So many people entertain the notion of writing a book a few of those actually start, most of those don't get past the first few chapters. A few of those remaining actually finish the first draft. Most of those shove it in a drawer because it seems so terrible to them, they are comparing their first draft to every other book published after many drafts. A few of those remaining actually try to revise the book and realize how hard it really is. Most don't complete the job. A few of the remainder actually publish.
You got lucky alright, because you didn't quit.
New questions.
Was it hard to come up with the title? What was the process?
This is your first book on Amazon. Have you written others, that are published elsewhere or unpublished?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/8/2021 07:28:37 pm

It really wasn't too hard to come up with the title, HELENA STAR. The freighter involved in the case, the Helena Star, took the case from 1978 all the way up to 2014, so it was a common thread. I think the title added a certain mystery to what the book was about. I wanted potential readers to look at the cover, see the title, and wonder about its meaning and be drawn to the back cover for a broader indication of its contents. That is one reason why the image of the Helena Star was on the back cover rather than the front. As a first time book author, I have written no other books, published or unpublished.

Reply
Mark
2/8/2021 07:45:46 pm

The aura of mystery sure drew me in. I love how the cover is dark, mysterious and a little foreboding.
No more books, yet. That is okay. I had to ask.
New questions.
Your book is available as an e-book and a paperback. Are you planning any other formats?
This is the first book you have written. Will you be writing more? Perhaps an enlarged edition of this story, with all the procedurals that a law fanatic would love.

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/8/2021 08:02:32 pm

I am not planning any other formats. It has, however, gone on a list of books recommended for local recording at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library if the National Library Service doesn't record it. I have no current plans for another book. Right now, I am just enjoying the ride. We'll see where that takes me. There will be no enlarged editions of this story, as one of my goals was to make the audience for HELENA STAR the general public as a hole, rather than just lawyers.

Reply
Mark
2/8/2021 09:50:28 pm

I am glad you didn't say never. There are many other ways for a story to be produced and consumed. Audio books and graphic novels are a couple more formats.
Audio books in English are popular all over the world. There are quite a few countries where English is the official language, but not the USA. In other countries English is taught as a second language. Millions of people have only a smart phone to access the internet, so an audio book is an ideal format for them.
New questions.
What are the Amazon keywords you chose for your book?
What if you wrote fiction short stories or a novel?
What genre do you think you would start with?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/9/2021 12:15:38 pm

I believe in the old adage that truth is stranger than fiction. Besides, I would not be interested in writing fiction and don't feel that my writing style would work well with writing novels. I am not creative enough. If I continued to write, it would be in the history/true crime genre, into which HELENA STAR clearly falls.

Reply
Mark
2/9/2021 01:15:06 pm

I must agree, so often truth is stranger than fiction.
Staying in this genre is not a bad idea at all. This is a strength for you. I really liked the way you wrote this book.
New questions.
Every genre's fans have expectations about what they are going to want to read. Fans of cozy mysteries have a set of expectations that can differ greatly from the expectations of fans of hard-boiled murder mysteries.
What expectations do fans of true crime genre have in mind?
I noticed that your book is in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/9/2021 02:27:28 pm

I am not really sure what fans of the true crime genre have in mind. I think they would like books that have wild and crazy characters that get involved in improbably wild and crazy schemes. Like me, they are probably fascinated by those that engage in aberrant behavior-- characters that transport them to a totally different world than what they are accustomed to. I feel like I have reached readers like that in HELENA STAR, because I have been extremely gratified from the response to my book so far. I really had no idea what to expect. As for Kindle Unlimited, I think it is working out quite well.

Reply
Mark
2/9/2021 06:30:24 pm

Your book hit a great spot for fans.
I am glad to hear KU is working well for you, not every author has the same experience.
New questions.
Have you ever gone through the query process, seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers or did you go straight to indie publishing or self-publishing, and why?
What are the three most important considerations for an author to be certain of when signing a contract with a publisher?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/9/2021 07:10:48 pm

I did not seek or have an agent. I did go through the query process submitting directly to publishers because I believe it is better to have a publisher rather than self publish. The main reason so many authors self publish I think is that it is so difficult for a first time author to obtain a publisher. Besides publishing, a publisher will design covers for one's book, provide editing, formatting and some marketing. My publisher, Robert D. Reed Publishers, was very helpful in this regard. When signing a contract with a publisher, it is important to retain the right to sell video, screen play, tv and stage rights. Also obviously important is to spell out the % of royalty rights, the number of books the publisher requires an author to buy (skin in the game) and the cost per book of the author's allotment. All aspects of a contract are potentially negotiable.

Reply
Mark
2/9/2021 09:25:10 pm

A lot of smaller publishers prefer to deal directly with an author. Most of the bigger publishers prefer to deal with an agent. Letting the agent separate the wheat from the chaff. Like so many business transactions, the established personal relationships are critical.
Those are good things to watch out for.
New questions.
Once you decided to not self-publish, was it hard to find a publisher?
How did you pick your publisher or did they pick you?
What is your publisher doing, if anything, to market your book?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/9/2021 11:49:56 pm

I was very fortunate. I only sent out 14 query letters before I got a hit and had one other publisher that was very interested. I was anxious to get moving and didn't want to wait for the other publisher to get off their dime. The publisher I selected was Robert D. Reed Publishers based in Oregon. The locus of HELENA STAR is primarily the Pacific Northwest, so I thought they would be more interested in a Northwest story by a Northwest author. As far as their marketing is concerned, I think marketing in the time of covid is difficult, but your question would best be asked of the publisher directly.

Reply
Mark
2/10/2021 10:26:27 am

You were fortunate, no question about that.
The local angle is hard to beat.
Marketing is difficult at any time, more so in these virulent times we are living through.
There are many ways an author can promote their book. I think the hometown author is a good perspective to pursue because it keeps an author close to home. There are local, community-based newspapers that are eager for content, also cable access stations love doing interviews. Many of the larger high schools and community colleges have courses for TV and radio technology or clubs that serve the local community.
Countertop holders can be obtained and seeking placement in places where tourists visit can net some sales.
Local bookshops are a possibility also, if any are still open.
Putting on the business hat is necessary to gain success.
New questions.
Did you use ads on Amazon or other platforms such as Facebook or Bookbub?
What kind of marketing are you doing or planning on doing for your book?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/10/2021 11:55:40 am

I did not use ads on Amazon or other platforms. As a lawyer I never advertised. I have zero presence on social media. I do have an author's website. I have found that the best marketer is the author. I have approached marketing from a little different direction. Personal contact has been very fruitful. I feel like a snake oil salesman. I have been able to get HELENA STAR previewed in three Seattle neighborhood monthly newspapers, one weekly in Eastern Washington and, best of all, a great article in the Sunday edition of the Spokesman Review in Spokane, Washington. I have also used email notifications to great advantage.

Reply
Mark
2/10/2021 12:32:51 pm

I agree, personal contact is the best. I love going to book fairs and meeting the authors. So many have been canceled in the last year. It makes personal contact more difficult, though not impossible.
New questions.
Do you have a newsletter you send out to fans? Why or why not?
Do you subscribe to any author newsletters?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/10/2021 02:03:20 pm

I do not have a newsletter that I send out to fans because, as a first time book author, I am still trying to establish a fan base. I do not subscribe to any author newsletters.

Reply
Mark
2/10/2021 03:25:07 pm

Remember "Field of Dreams"? I love that movie. If you decide that you want to continue writing and build a fan base that is the time to start a newsletter and ask people to sign up when they visit your website. There are many ways to put out a newsletter and different kinds of content to offer as an incentive for people to sign up. A lot of blogs have been written on that topic. I have links to quite a few that I think are worthwhile, put newsletter in the search box at the bottom of the page and that selection of blogs will be a good place to start.
I would also recommend subscribing to newsletters of successful authors in your genre to see what they are doing.
Readers, aka fans, like to feel a connection with the author. A newsletter is one way to engender that connection. Contests are another way and they can be conducted in multiple means.
New questions.
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/10/2021 05:00:53 pm

I never contacted any big houses because I had no agent, no professional editor, no presence on social media, and was a first time author. Practically the first question publishers ask is "what is your presence on social media?" I personally think that HELENA STAR compares very favorably to most books published by major publishers. As to unethical practices in publishing, I really can't answer that question because of my lack of experience in dealing with publishers. I do think that being a lawyer gives me somewhat of an advantage in dealing with publishers.

Reply
Mark
2/10/2021 06:41:02 pm

That question about social media is very important to a lot of publishers. Perhaps the single most important factor is a mailing list of at least a couple of thousand. That presence and mailing list combined represent a percentage of guaranteed sales to the publisher.
Amazon has turned the traditional publishing world upside down and inside out. The traditional publishers have shrunk dramatically in number and will continue to do so. Their profit margins are so slim that they take very few chances any more. Part of their problem is self-induced, they refuse to do more than give lip service to e-books.
Traditionally published authors are starting to self-publish because there is a lot of money there also. You might enjoy this article about how a traditionally pubbed author used crowd funding to publish a special edition of a book that he still had that right to do so. Put Kickstarter in the search box below. The blog about Brandon Sanderson is amazing!
New questions.
For reading fun or pleasure, what is your favorite genre?
Do you have a favorite book by another author or just favorite authors?
Did you have a favorite book as a child?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/10/2021 07:59:55 pm

I am not sure that I have a favorite genre. I usually read nonfiction books, but do like mysteries in the tradition of the old Raymond Chandler and Rumpole of the Old Bailey books. I also like books that have some adventure and international aspects to them. My most favorite book in the last five years was RED NOTICE by Bill Browder, which had a little of everything--true crime, business, politics, and international intrigue--and is very relevant to current times, given the poisoning of Putin's rival, Mr. Navalny. I don't recall a favorite book as a child

Reply
Mark
2/10/2021 08:20:45 pm

Mysteries are great. I really like the British mysteries ala Agatha Christie, and I like cozy mysteries with humor a good deal also.
My top favorite genre is science fiction followed closely by fantasy.
My previous book review was for a fun science fiction book, "Alpha convergence".
Red Notice sounds pretty good. I think I would enjoy it.
New questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired at the end of a good writing session?
Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/11/2021 11:54:28 am

My writing experience is limited obviously, but I don't think that writing evokes any particular spiritual or healing aspect in me. At the end of a good writing session I do feel energized. I think tapping into the emotions of characters is probably more important for fiction authors. That being said, tapping into their emotions is important in fully developing characters so that the reader can form a more real visual image. Visual images are key.

Reply
Mark
2/11/2021 12:21:18 pm

Many writers report feeling energized and satisfied after a good writing session. You have lots of company.
Any kind of writing that involves people is helped with even a small idea of their emotions. In the type of writing that you did in your book, you inferred emotions from actions, when you couldn't actually talk to the participants, which is entirely reasonable.
New questions.
What was your goal in writing this book? Did you achieve it?
Has your life turned out differently than expected or planned?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/11/2021 02:25:55 pm

My goal in writing HELENA STAR was to tell what I thought was a fascinating story--a real adventure. I suppose I also wanted to leave a bit of a legacy and to satisfy all my friends, associates and acquaintances who always asked why I had never written a book. I believe I have achieved those goals. My life has only changed to the extent that I never dreamed of writing a book.

Reply
Mark
2/11/2021 03:30:11 pm

I and future fans thank your friends for encouraging you to write the book and we thank you for following through.
Personally, I hope you keep writing. A new dream gives new life.
New questions.
Have you ever heard of NaNoWriMo, National November Writing Month? This is an annual event that writers worldwide participate in. Sometimes they form groups for mutual fun and encouragement. The goal is to write 50,000 words of a first draft during the month of November, that is less than 2,000 words a day.
Are you an under-writer or an over-writer? When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/11/2021 05:08:25 pm

I have never heard of that organization. I must say that 2,000 words a day sounds like quite a lot of writing in a fairly short period of time. I would say that I am an under-writer that needs to add more to a manuscript--a minimalist who needs to add more bulk and detail.

Reply
Mark
2/11/2021 06:30:25 pm

I am not saying it's an easy task to write 50k words in 30 days, but it is a useful experience and it gives many writers a boost on a new book.
An easier way to sharpen writing skills is to write a short story. There are many contests, with different word count requirements, that can be entered. Sometimes the judges give comments on the entries and that can be enlightening. Here is a copy-and-paste link to an excellent blog about bogus contests: Beware Bogus Writing Contests! Look for These 8 Red Flags. https://annerallen.com/2019/05/beware-bogus-writing-contests/ via @annerallen More great blogs available on my "Highly Regarded Blogs" page on https://www.wordrefiner.com Anne is one of my favorite bloggers.
New questions.
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Do you write in a straight line or do you write whatever the muse provides for you at a given moment?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/11/2021 07:18:31 pm

I have no real set writing routine. I don't set aside a particular time of day or a particular amount of time or a goal of a set number of words. I basically write when I feel like it, frequently after doing some research which provides fruit and inspiration to keep me going. I would say I am more of a straight line writer, which is, I think, consistent with HELENA STAR being a narrative.

Reply
Mark
2/11/2021 07:35:25 pm

Many writers write like you do, from start to finish. In your book that makes a lot of sense. However, in fiction it doesn't always work, especially for the pantster author, the author that starts writing with little or no plot written down. As I have heard many say, they get stuck sometimes and wind up rewriting a portion of the book to implement a solution. One author, Rick Hall, wrote a nice guest blog, elsewhere on my website about writing a book out of order. I think it is pretty smart.
New questions.
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/12/2021 12:14:37 pm

There are little things that I would like to add or change, but, by and large, there is nothing substantial that I would change. I am extremely happy with the final product and very gratified with the response that I have received from readers. Criminal defense lawyers are often maligned. Many in society think that all we do is help set violent criminals back on the streets. I hope that readers of HELENA STAR will come away with a more complimentary view of what we do in providing alleged criminals with their constitutional right to counsel. I hope readers will come away with a unique look into the mind of a criminal defense attorney--albeit, my mind.

Reply
Mark
2/12/2021 12:29:59 pm

Lawyers are the butt of many jokes. My neighbor is a public defender and has a license plate frame that says "lawyers have feelings too, allegedly".
Lawyer-based humor is all fun and games until you need a lawyer, then it gets real serious and you want the best lawyer you can afford.
New questions.
What else are you writing these days?
Are you writing anything for yourself or only for readers?
Do you have a classical author or poet, you admire?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/12/2021 02:32:03 pm

I am not currently writing--just thinking about my next project and enjoying the exhilaration of getting my first book published. My next project would be only for readers. As to who I admire, I doubt if he would fall into your definition of a classical author, but I have read all of the books authored by Raymond Chandler and watched the movies made from his books multiple times..

Reply
Mark
2/12/2021 03:29:53 pm

RC is probably not in the group of classical authors, though he certainly is a contemporary author.
Can you share anything about your next book? A tidbit or two would make your fans happy.

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/12/2021 05:22:58 pm

I havn't decided for sure what it will be about. I am thinking that it might be a book about two of my own cases that have parallel and international aspects (Paris and Baghdad) to them.

Reply
Mark
2/12/2021 06:42:02 pm

Personally, I was hoping for more true crime stories. While I have never visited Baghdad, I have spent time in Paris. So, I look forward to that.
New questions.
If you could meet your favorite author, what would you ask them?
Have you ever met a famous author? What happened?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/12/2021 08:07:05 pm

If I met a favorite author, I would ask what would be the best piece of advice you could give me as a first time author.
I met famous author Bob Woodward of Watergate fame. We had dinner twice with our daughters, who were best friends in college.

Reply
Mark
2/12/2021 10:08:16 pm

If you met Chandler, I bet he would say something like, keep writing and if you want to be a good writer, write every day.
Dinner with Bob Woodward, that is very cool. I bet that first dinner was a little bit nerve wracking. And the second one was easier.
New questions.
What software do you use to write your books, and why do you use that software?
How do you keep track of all the characters and events in your books?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/13/2021 12:33:36 pm

I use Microsoft Word, probably because I never used anything else during my years of practicing law. It's all I know. I'm not sure how I kept track of all the characters and events in HELENA STAR. It was difficult, almost like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. You may have noticed that I had an extensive Cast of Characters section at the front of the book to help readers keep track of the various characters. I asked one of my friends how far she was into my book. She jokingly said that she hadn't gotten through the Cast of Characters section yet.

Reply
Mark
2/13/2021 01:02:11 pm

Microsoft word is used by a lot of authors. It has a very widely installed user base and most people first learned to use it in business.
Many authors struggle with keeping track of the characters and the events in their books. There are quite a few authors that like to plot out the book ahead of time. There are many levels of plotting or outlining a book, some authors outline each chapter, others just use events as marker moments in the book.
There are several different programs out there to assist authors, one of the more popular programs is called Scrivener. I have been told it is difficult to learn, but once you master it it is extremely powerful and flexible. Scrivener’s fans swear by it. People who feel to mount the learning curve swear at it.
New questions.
I know there are many ways to build an outline. Do you do it all on the computer or do you get analog at some point with Post-its or notecards?
Do you have a defined space for writing at home or would you be a coffee shop writer if we weren’t dealing with the Covid thing?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/13/2021 04:03:24 pm

I never actually used an outline, in part because of the narrative nature of HELENA STAR. I did start by selecting a number of chapter headings and, as I went along, filled in other chapter headings, but only using my computer for the actual writing of the book.
I do have a defined space where I write. I would never write in a coffee shop, in part because I have some many documents, correspondence, transcripts, etc. that are spread out all over the place in my writing space. I need peace and quiet to write.

Reply
Mark
2/13/2021 04:19:01 pm

I suspect it is that you did not have to do any large amount of outlining. The nature of trials creates a certain amount of natural flow, providing a basic outline. Your job as the writer was to take these different threads from different trials and weave them into a coherent narrative.
It makes a lot of sense that you would be working from several boxes of source material that you would need a lot of room.
New questions.
A certain amount of quiet is really good for concentration. But do you have music or a TV playing at a low volume in the background or do you need total quiet?
Have you ever participated in theater in someway, acted, behind the scenes or written a play?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/13/2021 07:03:03 pm

I do like jazz, but, for the most part, I don't have anything playing in the background when writing.
I have never participated in theater in any way other than as a spectator and have never written a play.

Reply
Mark
2/13/2021 07:29:15 pm

Some jazz is very mellow and enjoyable, I have also heard some that is quite jarring and discordant. Not a pleasant experience.
I have to admit I wrote, directed and starred in a short, one-act play in high school. I needed the extra credit. Creative writing was very tough for me.
New questions.
You could have ended the story of the Helena Star and minor actors at many different points. Why did you choose to finish the book the way you did?
Did anything in the book come as a surprise while you were writing?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/13/2021 08:22:37 pm

I wanted to title the book after the freighter, HELENA STAR, because it was the common thread that held the book together. Most of the characters in the book were in some way tied to the ship or tied to conspirators, who were tied to the ship. I wanted to end the story with the sinking of the ship in the waterway in Tacoma in 2013 and its eventual scrapping the following year. All of this allowed me to start the story in 1978 and keep it going all the way to 2014 with the Epilogue ending with me searching for my client in 2015 in Cartagena, Colombia, where the story began,
There were quite a few small surprises while I was writing the book,, but no earth shattering ones.

Reply
Mark
2/13/2021 09:48:34 pm

I enjoyed how you tied it all together. You demonstrated over and over that choices have consequences.
That full circle of Cartagena to Cartagena was a very nice touch.
Some fiction authors occasionally report that a minor character takes over part of the story, something the author didn't plan, but it usually turns out for the better.
New Questions.
Besides the legal research that had already been done, did you need to do very much research to write the story?
How much time passed from when you got the idea to write your book; then actually starting to write the book?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/14/2021 12:04:58 pm

Even though I had a large role in the story, I did quite a bit of additional research, primarily in connection with the prosecution and trial of Robert Moran, the money laundering lawyer. I spent the best part of four days at the regional National Archives in Seattle going through documents in court files and transcripts--a real treasure trove.
I probably only spent two or three months between the idea to write the book to actually sitting down and writing. I was truly a reluctant author as I probably said before. Even after starting to write, I wasn't sure I would actually go through with the project.

Reply
Mark
2/14/2021 12:50:43 pm

The archives sound like a fabulous resource. Lawyer Moran was a slippery fellow alright. Following the money leads you to the perps.
I think the idea of writing a book is daunting and attractive at the same time. I have learned enough that I could probably write a passable book, but it wouldn't be a great book, I am sure. I don't have a book inside me that is trying to claw its way out, as some authors describe it. If I did write a book it would take away from the time I have to proofread and promote books. I would rather help other authors than try to be one myself.
New questions.
How long did it take you to write the first draft?
How many drafts did you go through to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?
Did you get ideas for future books or stories while writing this book?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/14/2021 02:35:30 pm

It took me all of 2019 to write. I didn't really have a number of drafts. I made a decision early on that I wasn't going to let an editor or anyone else talk me into making substantial changes in the manuscript. I did not want to compromise how I put it together. As I wrote, I continued to make revisions and small additions. That continued after I finished the main body of the manuscript. The first half of 2020 was taken up with adding a little bulk, editing, trying to find a publisher, and always fine tuning up until the end .Fortunately, I got lucky finding a publisher fairly quickly.
I didn't really get ideas for future books while writing HELENA STAR. I was too focused on getting it done.

Reply
Mark
2/14/2021 03:32:07 pm

There are many writers like you, they write their book and keep making changes as they go along. In the case of fiction, that can necessitate a considerable amount of rewriting at times, but not always.
Others Will save several drafts as they go along. Self-editing the first draft would create the second draft. That might go to an alpha reader or two. Incorporating those comments plus any new ideas might be called the third draft. The author might put the book away for a month or two and then create draft four with more self-editing and rewriting. Draft 5 might come about after receiving the manuscript back from several beta readers. After letting it rest for a month or two, rewrite into draft 6. Then send it off to an editor. Working through those suggestions will create draft 7. Then send it to a proofreader. Incorporating those suggestions creates draft 8. By now it is ready or almost ready to be published. Such is the life of a self-publishing author. Your mileage may vary.
New questions.
A lot of new authors struggle with finding beta readers. Because, after the first draft is done, fresh eyes and feedback become very important.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out some of the wrinkles before publishing? If you didn’t, why?
If you did, how did you find them?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/14/2021 06:06:54 pm

I was writing my book in secret. There had been rumors all these years that someone was going to or wanted to make a movie out of this case. I was concerned that, if someone found out I was writing this book, they might write their own book and undercut me before I had a chance to finish and publish my book. Aside from family members, I did have a former prosecutor friend of mine who writes legal textbooks give my manuscript a look after I was over half done. He was very helpful.

Reply
Mark
2/14/2021 06:58:30 pm

I am a little surprised that movie hasn't been made. I am not surprised that you wanted to keep it a secret. There are quite a few scenes that would translate quite well onto the screen, big or little. It might be easier to pitch it to a streaming service, rather than a big movie company. I honestly don't know.
That was nice of your friend to do that for you.
New questions.
Are you thinking of trying to have the idea pitched to a producer? Have you taken any steps in that direction?
Did you ask your beta readers to read your book more than once?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/14/2021 08:05:28 pm

As to my beta readers, I did not ask them to read the book more than once. I was satisfied with it and that was all that counted. I wanted it to be my book and my book only and not heavily influenced by others.
As to your questions about a producer, I am going to have to decline to answer those as this time, but thanks for asking.

Reply
Mark
2/14/2021 08:58:43 pm

I am glad the beta readers were helpful. Getting fresh eyes on a book at different stages is important. Our brains trick us, sometimes, they try to solve problems before the material is in our consciousness. It's one of the reasons that so many books have spelling errors; these are frequently common words that are in the wrong context, homophones or typographical errors. I have blogged quite a bit about those elsewhere on my website. My blog is called Words For Thought.
;-)
New questions.
Did you give the beta readers an e-version like a PDF, access to Google docs or a hard copy you printed?
What kind of questions did you ask them to get feedback about a particular point or topic or did you let them provide feedback without particular questions?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/15/2021 11:50:08 am

I gave my beta readers either an e-version or a hard copy depending on their preference and let them provide feedback without particular questions.

Reply
Mark
2/15/2021 11:56:47 am

Quite a few authors do exactly that. Others ask general questions about flow or inconsistencies, among other things.
New questions.
Do you reward the alpha/beta readers in any way particular?
Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/15/2021 01:31:13 pm

I gave each of my alpha/beta readers one of my books at the very least.
I don't recall doing any creative writing at any time of my life. Probably did something, but no recollection at this time.

Reply
Mark
2/15/2021 02:45:13 pm

Many authors do the same. Some of my proofreading clients have sent me copies of their book also.
New questions.
When did you know that you wanted to be a lawyer?
What was the inspiration that led you to that decision?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/15/2021 05:17:20 pm

I had an English teacher in high school that first got me thinking about it. She was a real inspiration. In spite of that, I actually went to law school because I wasn't sure what else to do with my life when I graduated from college. Though I disdained law school, I realized that I had a real interest in both criminal law and international law and during that time made my decision to become a lawyer.

Reply
Mark
2/15/2021 05:31:47 pm

Quite a few people credit high school teachers with inspiration of one kind or another.
I had an art teacher who let me experiment with many different art forms. That is the only one that sticks out for me. Am I artistic? Not particularly, except I do have a pretty good eye for photographic composition.
Last questions.
What are three things you wish you knew before you wrote this book?
Do you have a hero, real or fictional?

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/15/2021 06:04:42 pm

To be honest, I really can't think of anything that I wish I knew before writing HELENA STAR. When I began I had no idea what I was doing. I have no regrets. I don't look back. I ended up having fun writing the book, which I didn't expect.
My hero and the greatest influence on my life was my older brother by seven years, who was killed at the age of 21 when I was a freshman in high school. He unwittingly left me with an extraordinary legacy that allowed me to make lemonade out of lemons. To this day, over 60 years later, there is an award given yearly in his name to the best freshman athlete at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a true legend to me and many others in spite of his untimely death. He was my guide through life.

Reply
Mark
2/15/2021 06:23:10 pm

I am glad you had fun writing this book. It must be fun or there would be far fewer authors.
Your brother sounds amazing. What a wonderful honor to his memory.
The time has come for us to conclude the interview. I want to thank you for being a wonderful guest on the Word Refiner channel.
I think there are more stories for you to tell. Until next time, keep on writing.

Reply
Stew Riley link
2/15/2021 07:28:17 pm

Thanks for being such a knowledgeable and incisive interviewer, Mark. It's been a blast--very informative. I think you have found your calling. I loved every cogent response to my comments. You are nonpareil in what you do. Keep refining--Stew

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Who am I?

    An avid reader, typobuster, and the Hyper-Speller.  I am a husband, father, and grandfather.

    Contact

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

"I'm very pleased with all your efforts. Twitter promotion and proofreading were beyond what I expected with a book review. Your suggestions throughout the process of refining both books helped me immensely. I look forward to working with you again."   A.E.H Veenman “Dial QR for Murder” and “Prepped for the Kill”