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Ty Buchanan #3
Try Fear
For Ty Buchanan, defending a suspected drunk driver named Carl Richess seems routine enough. But when his client ends up dead, an apparent suicide, there's nothing routine about it. Because the cops suspect it's murder, and arrest Eric Richess, Carl's brother, for the crime. Now Ty, at the desperate urging of Eric's mother, agrees to defend him. But it won't be easy. Because there's DNA on the gun that matches Eric's, and a history of conflict between the brothers.
Then Ty, assisted by Sister Mary Veritas, begins to uncover tentacles of corruption that reach into the citadels of city power. But he's being watched. Because somewhere in the dark labyrinth of LA is someone who will do anything to keep from being found out, someone who believes that when warnings don't work, try fear.
Then Ty, assisted by Sister Mary Veritas, begins to uncover tentacles of corruption that reach into the citadels of city power. But he's being watched. Because somewhere in the dark labyrinth of LA is someone who will do anything to keep from being found out, someone who believes that when warnings don't work, try fear.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2009
183 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
129 books1,030 followersJim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 24, 2020
The third (and I think the last) of James Scott Bell's Ty Buchanan series. Great characters, excellent writing and a book that just makes you feel good in this terrible year.
August 1, 2019
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series!
Ty Buchannan is an enigmatic protagonist along with Sister Mary. He is a lawyer for the lowly - and gets into the rough grit of LA. Very thrilling suspense! Captivating plot, endearing, well-developed,dynamic characters, great imagery! A thrilling, suspenseful read!
Ty Buchannan is an enigmatic protagonist along with Sister Mary. He is a lawyer for the lowly - and gets into the rough grit of LA. Very thrilling suspense! Captivating plot, endearing, well-developed,dynamic characters, great imagery! A thrilling, suspenseful read!
January 21, 2012
I had started reading this a couple months ago and then put it aside about halfway through and read some other books.
I like books with continuing characters ... this is the third in this series. I thought this had possibility but it was actually was kind of blah. Hence my ability to put it aside for a while (I never do that) but I was interested enough to pick it back up and finish it.
There are a few plots in this story, a main one being the murder of client Ty had defended on the DUI charge. Just when you think this plot is over, it's not.
None of the characters really grabbed me. Ty's investigator is Sister Mary and they have feelings for each other (another plot). As expected, this is a conflict for Sister Mary.
It's not a bad book, just not a great one, and I won't be rushing out to read the rest in this series.
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2011/12...
I like books with continuing characters ... this is the third in this series. I thought this had possibility but it was actually was kind of blah. Hence my ability to put it aside for a while (I never do that) but I was interested enough to pick it back up and finish it.
There are a few plots in this story, a main one being the murder of client Ty had defended on the DUI charge. Just when you think this plot is over, it's not.
None of the characters really grabbed me. Ty's investigator is Sister Mary and they have feelings for each other (another plot). As expected, this is a conflict for Sister Mary.
It's not a bad book, just not a great one, and I won't be rushing out to read the rest in this series.
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2011/12...
May 15, 2022
Fantastic plot twists!
I read this in a single day. Great plot, filled with twists, surprises, and great characters. Modern crime noir fans will love this story.
I read this in a single day. Great plot, filled with twists, surprises, and great characters. Modern crime noir fans will love this story.
June 6, 2017
Very funny self-talk. I love first-person characters and this L.A. attorney doesn't disappoint. I thought the ending came up almost too-quick and resolved without enough pushback from the "big bad" the author took the time to tee up. Sorry that this is the end of the series, will need to go back to see how it all began! Thanks.
June 13, 2009
Who doesn't love a good whodunit?
In James Scott Bell's newest novel, "Try Fear" (Book three of the Ty Buchanan Series); the story begins with a visit to Santa and ends with the smooth jazz of Eric Marienthal. James Scott Bell is to Legal Suspense as Raymond Chandler is to Private Eye dramas.
You had better hold on to your hat though, this novel reads like a movie and you will find yourself waiting for a commercial break along the way, a fast paced legal thriller with memorable quick-wit dialogue that you will find yourself repeating after you've finished the book.
The story opens as Ty Buchanan is called to advise and defend Carl Richess in a drunk driving charge. In court on this matter, Buchanan displays his ability in legal maneuvering.
Later, Carl Richess is found dead and his brother Eric is charged with the murder, though Buchanan believes it to be suicide. Still feeling the affect of the loss of his fiancé' (Try Dying), Buchanan identifies with the mother of the two sons, Kate and agrees to defend Eric in the murder charge.
The case is not an easy one. All the evidence points to his clients’ guilt. Buchanan will need the help of his basketball playing investigator, Sister Mary Veritas, to discover the truth, defend his client and hopefully give the mother one of her sons back.
Adding to the interesting plot are the location descriptions and the laugh out loud dialogue. Set in Los Angeles, there is no want for comic material and the author does a fine job of what one would find on the streets of LA. Portions of the dialogue exchanges could be used in a Comedy Central act with great success.
There are interesting relationship twists, car chases, intrigue and corruption with a little romance also. This is a great read, one I would recommend to those who love a fast paced legal suspense.
Though James Scott Bell previous works are classified as Inspirational Suspense, this series is not. This series is marketed as Mainstream Suspense.
Will you find the key elements that make for a great mainstream suspense novel like profanity, vulgarity, or casual sex? No. Why should you read a novel without such key elements? Because it takes a much more creative mind to weave a story, hold a reader's attention, and leave a lasting impression without including the easiest of all marketing tactics.
In James Scott Bell's newest novel, "Try Fear" (Book three of the Ty Buchanan Series); the story begins with a visit to Santa and ends with the smooth jazz of Eric Marienthal. James Scott Bell is to Legal Suspense as Raymond Chandler is to Private Eye dramas.
You had better hold on to your hat though, this novel reads like a movie and you will find yourself waiting for a commercial break along the way, a fast paced legal thriller with memorable quick-wit dialogue that you will find yourself repeating after you've finished the book.
The story opens as Ty Buchanan is called to advise and defend Carl Richess in a drunk driving charge. In court on this matter, Buchanan displays his ability in legal maneuvering.
Later, Carl Richess is found dead and his brother Eric is charged with the murder, though Buchanan believes it to be suicide. Still feeling the affect of the loss of his fiancé' (Try Dying), Buchanan identifies with the mother of the two sons, Kate and agrees to defend Eric in the murder charge.
The case is not an easy one. All the evidence points to his clients’ guilt. Buchanan will need the help of his basketball playing investigator, Sister Mary Veritas, to discover the truth, defend his client and hopefully give the mother one of her sons back.
Adding to the interesting plot are the location descriptions and the laugh out loud dialogue. Set in Los Angeles, there is no want for comic material and the author does a fine job of what one would find on the streets of LA. Portions of the dialogue exchanges could be used in a Comedy Central act with great success.
There are interesting relationship twists, car chases, intrigue and corruption with a little romance also. This is a great read, one I would recommend to those who love a fast paced legal suspense.
Though James Scott Bell previous works are classified as Inspirational Suspense, this series is not. This series is marketed as Mainstream Suspense.
Will you find the key elements that make for a great mainstream suspense novel like profanity, vulgarity, or casual sex? No. Why should you read a novel without such key elements? Because it takes a much more creative mind to weave a story, hold a reader's attention, and leave a lasting impression without including the easiest of all marketing tactics.
February 16, 2015
There's always an element of risk when creating a series character as James Scott Bell has done in the Ty Buchanan books. If readers enjoy your hero they'll want him to come back for more. But modern fiction lovers also like protagonists who change and develop, even age, over time. The risk comes in finding balance. Grow your character too much and readers won't recognize him. Keep him the same and your main guy could become stagnant.
James Scott Bell has found that equilibrium in his third Ty Buchanan novel, Try Fear. Ty's overcome many of the inner demons he struggled to fend off in Try Dying. In Try Darkness he grew to care for the poor and downtrodden. Now he's a little more confident and even more determined to fight for justice.
Narrated in first person through Ty's perspective, the "Try" books read like the crime classics of yesteryear, but with modern settings and scenarios. You picture Ty with his heels up on his desk, puffing on a stogey, sipping strong coffee, telling us the story in his soaked with sarcasm, just-the-facts-ma'am style. There's grit on every page, but there's hope too. And that's the refreshing aspect of these novels. James Scott Bell's Christian faith comes through gently yet authentically through his Catholic characters, and in many ways Father Bob and Sister Mary live out their faith better than many garden variety Christians.
This time, what at first seems like a routine DUI case quickly spirals into something much deeper, even deadly. Ty needs to keep every shred of his wits about him, but that's hard to do when he's finding himself attracted to his investigator and brilliant assistant--who just so happens to be a nun. Sister Mary Veritas is dealing with her own demons in Try Fear. A cyber stalker has her in his sights, and Ty's determined to bring the stalker down.
Bell has hit his stride with the Ty Buchanan series, like these were the books he was meant to write. His staccato dialogue has always been crisp, but here it's even sharper and wittier. Especially during the lively banter between Ty and Sister Mary. There's not much time to catch a breathe or delve too deeply into the characters either, as Bell throws several of his savory, trademark twists. Which is exactly the way we like it. Each successive book in Ty's series has been better than the last. Try Fear is the cream of the crop.
James Scott Bell has found that equilibrium in his third Ty Buchanan novel, Try Fear. Ty's overcome many of the inner demons he struggled to fend off in Try Dying. In Try Darkness he grew to care for the poor and downtrodden. Now he's a little more confident and even more determined to fight for justice.
Narrated in first person through Ty's perspective, the "Try" books read like the crime classics of yesteryear, but with modern settings and scenarios. You picture Ty with his heels up on his desk, puffing on a stogey, sipping strong coffee, telling us the story in his soaked with sarcasm, just-the-facts-ma'am style. There's grit on every page, but there's hope too. And that's the refreshing aspect of these novels. James Scott Bell's Christian faith comes through gently yet authentically through his Catholic characters, and in many ways Father Bob and Sister Mary live out their faith better than many garden variety Christians.
This time, what at first seems like a routine DUI case quickly spirals into something much deeper, even deadly. Ty needs to keep every shred of his wits about him, but that's hard to do when he's finding himself attracted to his investigator and brilliant assistant--who just so happens to be a nun. Sister Mary Veritas is dealing with her own demons in Try Fear. A cyber stalker has her in his sights, and Ty's determined to bring the stalker down.
Bell has hit his stride with the Ty Buchanan series, like these were the books he was meant to write. His staccato dialogue has always been crisp, but here it's even sharper and wittier. Especially during the lively banter between Ty and Sister Mary. There's not much time to catch a breathe or delve too deeply into the characters either, as Bell throws several of his savory, trademark twists. Which is exactly the way we like it. Each successive book in Ty's series has been better than the last. Try Fear is the cream of the crop.
July 10, 2013
Try Fear is about a series character in the Ty Buchanan books they are what James Scott Bell created. When readers enjoy your hero they want him to return. Fiction lovers like protagonists who change, develop and age, over time.
The Try books are narrated in first person and evolve in Ty’s perspective. They are crime classics, with modern settings and scenarios. Ty with his heels up on his desk, puffs on a cigar, sips strong coffee and tells the story in his irony style. There’s tenacity and hope on every page. That’s one of the refreshing aspects in these novels. James Scott Bell’s Christian faith comes through authentically with his Catholic characters. In many ways Father Bob and Sister Mary live out their faith.
This time, what at first seems like a routine DUI case spirals into something much deeper and deadly. Ty needs to keep his wits; but hard to do when he’s attracted to his investigator assistant,—who happens to be a nun. Sister Mary Veritas is dealing with a cyber-stalker that has her in his sights, and Ty is determined to bring down the stalker.
Bell’s clipped dialogue is always crisp; now it’s sharper and wittier, noticeably in the lively chat between Ty and Sister Mary. With not much time to reflect and explore deeply into the characters, Bell throws several hallmark turns. Each successive book in Ty’s series has been better than the last. I enjoyed the suspense in this well done novel.
The Try books are narrated in first person and evolve in Ty’s perspective. They are crime classics, with modern settings and scenarios. Ty with his heels up on his desk, puffs on a cigar, sips strong coffee and tells the story in his irony style. There’s tenacity and hope on every page. That’s one of the refreshing aspects in these novels. James Scott Bell’s Christian faith comes through authentically with his Catholic characters. In many ways Father Bob and Sister Mary live out their faith.
This time, what at first seems like a routine DUI case spirals into something much deeper and deadly. Ty needs to keep his wits; but hard to do when he’s attracted to his investigator assistant,—who happens to be a nun. Sister Mary Veritas is dealing with a cyber-stalker that has her in his sights, and Ty is determined to bring down the stalker.
Bell’s clipped dialogue is always crisp; now it’s sharper and wittier, noticeably in the lively chat between Ty and Sister Mary. With not much time to reflect and explore deeply into the characters, Bell throws several hallmark turns. Each successive book in Ty’s series has been better than the last. I enjoyed the suspense in this well done novel.
January 9, 2016
Three book series review
James Scott Bell is an amazing author. I read all of his stand-alone novels several years ago, enjoyed them and, when no more were available, I reluctantly moved on to other authors. Now I've rediscovered him in the form of the Ty Buchanan series and he's better than ever! The three books have a common thread that binds them but they could certainly be read independently. The characters are very well developed and I was surprised to find that I didn't need to refer to "x-ray" to recall who they were. The humor in these stories is outstanding. Buchanan is quick-witted and made me LOL on many occasions. The thriller plots were thought provoking and always held my attention. I wish Bell would PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE write more sequels for this series. He is so gifted and Ty is such a great character. Give us more!
James Scott Bell is an amazing author. I read all of his stand-alone novels several years ago, enjoyed them and, when no more were available, I reluctantly moved on to other authors. Now I've rediscovered him in the form of the Ty Buchanan series and he's better than ever! The three books have a common thread that binds them but they could certainly be read independently. The characters are very well developed and I was surprised to find that I didn't need to refer to "x-ray" to recall who they were. The humor in these stories is outstanding. Buchanan is quick-witted and made me LOL on many occasions. The thriller plots were thought provoking and always held my attention. I wish Bell would PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE write more sequels for this series. He is so gifted and Ty is such a great character. Give us more!
September 17, 2009
This is an excellent book, a great third edition to what I hope will be a still-longer series; I'm certainly not willing to say goodbye to Ty and his investigator let alone Pick McNitt and Father Bob just yet. In this work, Bell manages to give us everything we're looking for and have come to expect from the beloved, familiar characters plus a whole host of fascinating, unpredictable new faces. Add to that a new mystery to solve and sprinkle it throughout with great quotations of ancient wisdom, and you've got a very Good Read. ;)
March 15, 2016
This series was definitely full of mystery, and it sure left me hanging. Not sure if the author intended to have the main character find the Lord or what, but it left me feeling like it was unfinished somehow. Still, I really enjoyed the series of books. Thanks to James Scott Bell for some great reads!
May 31, 2015
The Best of the Trilogy
While I have again struggled with keeping up with all his characters, by far, this the final of James Scott Bell's three is my favorite. Ty deserved Mary! Real characters and lots of action-- a man's romance....
While I have again struggled with keeping up with all his characters, by far, this the final of James Scott Bell's three is my favorite. Ty deserved Mary! Real characters and lots of action-- a man's romance....
June 9, 2015
Try Fear is a warm and as action packed book
I loved the book. It is filled with heartfelt moments and court room drama. The action presented in this book is a plus. I would like to see another book about Ty Buchanan hope you change your mind and continue the series.
I loved the book. It is filled with heartfelt moments and court room drama. The action presented in this book is a plus. I would like to see another book about Ty Buchanan hope you change your mind and continue the series.
October 21, 2009
Great Christian legal thriller. James Scott Bell is not preachy, just good reading!
April 29, 2010
Well done. Great legal arguments. Unexpected parts. Love the characters. Way to go, Jim!
May 7, 2010
I enjoyed reading this book, and was very sad to finish it because I will miss following Tyler and Sister Mary on their adventures.
Great story, great characters.
Great story, great characters.
June 20, 2012
I love a good legal mystery. . .
July 22, 2012
the true definition of a page turner. loved the LA vibe. would make a great tv series character.
April 25, 2015
Great trilogy!
Great characters, story line and pace. The 3 books should be read in order as it is one long story.
Great characters, story line and pace. The 3 books should be read in order as it is one long story.
September 8, 2015
again very well written and it's much better than the 1st book of this Ty Buchanan's sequel...
November 4, 2015
Not quite as good as the first two in this series but still very good. A man is accused of DUI and then is killed--and his brother is accused of the murder.
December 4, 2016
Love the Ty Buchanan series! This was the 3rd book in that series and I am looking for book 4. The story was great and the ending is outstanding!
February 18, 2011
This is an interview I had with novelist James Scott Bell regarding this novel, his writing, and other books he has written, including books on writing. The interview was posted on February 1, 2010:
We’re privileged to kick off our first author interview here with well-known novelist James Scott Bell. He is a man of many talents—novelist, screenwriter, actor, attorney, teacher and … basketball star. Well, that last talent may be a bit overstated, but Jim is truly gifted. He continues to encourage many aspiring authors—including this writer—over the years through his teaching, mentoring, lecturing and books on writing. All this while maintaining a vigorous writing schedule in both the CBA and ABA publishing markets with over nineteen novels to his credit. (You can find more about Jim at his web site http://www.jamesscottbell.com/). It is a great honor to have James Scott Bell visit us here today.
Q: Time to advertise, Jim. What’s happening in James Scott Bell’s publishing world in terms of your WIP or works just released?
Bell: I had three books come out in 2009. Deceived, a stand alone thriller, and Try Fear, the third of my Buchanan novels. Also, The Art of War for Writers.
I've been working on a couple of new projects (I don't like to talk about my books until they're finished, so call it a quirk or just plain cussedness) and something else, something I haven't done in a long time: short stories. I'm having a blast doing them, and may look to put out a collection.
Q: I read your recently released The Art of War for Writers book published by Writer’s Digest Books. This book is a survival manual for writers caught in the trenches of the publishing world, a book I’d recommend for all writers. What prompted you to write this?
Bell: The publishing business has gotten very challenging over the last few years, for all concerned. It was never a piece of cake to begin with. New writers, and even veterans, are out there fighting a battle to get, or stay, published. I wanted to give them something that was sort of like a "field manual" for writers, and took my cue from Sun Tzu. He brought order to the chaos of war in his day, through clear axioms. I thought I'd try the same for writers.
Q: The writing path has taken you down an interesting road. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? How did you get from there to here?
Bell: I wanted to be a writer as a kid. I loved old movies, The Hardy Boys books, and adventure stories, like Treasure Island and Tarzan of the Apes. But when I was eight I went to my first baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Don Drysdale was pitching. And I fell in love with baseball. Sports took over my life from then until college, though I always did some writing here and there. And I had a great high school English teacher, Mrs. Marjorie Bruce, who thought she saw a writer in me.
In college, I took a workshop with Raymond Carver, and couldn't do what he did. I didn't know at the time that you didn't have to pass through that particular literary tunnel to be a writer. I was convinced I didn’t have "it", so I gave up that dream.
But about ten years later I realized I needed to write. And I determined I'd learn how or go down in flames trying. I found out a wonderful thing: the craft can be learned. That's why I teach. Because I want to give new writers the things I was looking for.
Q: You seem to trudge between the publishing world and the movie world. Tells us a little about both these worlds—James Scott Bell the novel writer, the screen writer, the actor.
Bell: I started my writing as a screenwriter, and did pretty well, though I never saw a script make it to the screen. That's par for the course, so in frustration I wrote a novel that ended up getting published. And I kept doing that. My screenwriting training really helped here, I think. People tell me my books are cinematic, they can “see” them. That's all from the screenplays.
I've had the opportunity to do another script recently, and am thinking of doing one on pure spec. I love the form.
Q: Do you have an ‘average’ writing day? What does this look like?
Bell: I'm typing this at my favorite Starbucks, which is where I've written a lot of my books. I have a home office, too. I'm an early morning guy, that's when my imagination works best and I have the most writing energy. So I'll usually write and edit from about 6 a.m. to noon, with a break in there somewhere for a workout. I may pick up some time later in the afternoon or evening, but its usually a short stint.
I am, however, always on the lookout for ideas, and will be jotting things down throughout the day as they occur to me.
Q: You are a part of group of authors writing for the well-visited KillZone blog. How did that blog come about and how did you get involved?
Bell: Kathryn Lilley, the mystery writer, got this group blog together a couple of years ago. She and five others. I discovered it and started to visit and leave comments. After a few months they decided they wanted a seventh writer and invited me. I was honored. I find blogging once a week to be perfect for me.
Q: Let’s get into the nitty gritty of creating a page-turning novel. How do you come up with ideas for a novel?
Bell: Ideas are everywhere. I try to get as many as I can and then choose the best ones. I write down one line concepts all the time, and go over this file periodically. It's almost always a plot idea, a situation, a twist, a mystery, a secret. That sort of thing. I start to think about characters next. Who would be involved in such a thing? How can I make him or her compelling?
Q: Is your WIP novel completely outlined before you start, or do you start the writing journey and see where your characters lead?
Bell: I'll tell you what happens most of the time. I get an idea and nurture it a little. If I get excited about it, I write chapter one. I love openings. I can open all day. But then I stop and start outlining. I'm so anxious to get started, I have to remind myself that good spade work up front helps the plants come to life down the line.
I always have outlined my Act 1 fairly extensively, then had "signpost scenes" that I placed for the rest. In my screenwriting days I used the index card method, and it's a good one.
I find I'm doing much more extensive outlines now. I think it helps with the complexity and unity of the novel. Most writers don’t like outlines because it feels more like work than pure creativity. But I thinkI prefer that up front work to the alternative: getting to the end and finding out my story isn't working, or there's no way to end it well without massive rewriting.
Q: Rewriting. Most authors struggle through multiple drafts before finishing their project. How do you handle editing? For example, do you stop and edit as you work your way through the first draft, or do you wait until the draft is completed before tearing it apart? How many drafts do you write before you’re finally satisfied?
Bell: My rule is to write the first draft as fast as comfortably possible. I will edit a previous day's work, but that's it.
I may stop at about the 20,000 word mark and step back, make sure all my structural elements are in place and strong. My LOCK elements: Lead, Objective, Confrontation, Knock-out ending in view. If they are, I press on to the end. If not, I'll do some fixing, then get back to the draft.
I usually do two drafts on my own, getting help on the second from my wife, who is always my first reader. Then I'll submit it and work with the house editor. There will be a third draft, then a line edit which will usually need some fine tuning.
Q: Characterization. All your novels are set in the City of Angels, LA noir. Private investigators, lawyers, errant husbands and a host of other individuals. Are your characters drawn from people you meet in that fascinating city or do they just come to you in dreams?
Bell: I make most of my characters up and set them in LA, because no matter how strange they are, they'll seem right at home.
Q: In one of the last chapters of The Art of War for Writers, your heading reads: “To survive over any length of time, you must turn any criticism into a strength.” How have you strengthened yourself through criticism?
Bell: I learned to tune out unjust criticism, knowing that it happens even to the best writers. So that never bothers me. I know, too, that critics are individuals who have unique tastes, and may even be having a bad day when they write a review. I'll look for anything that seems constructive and give that some thought, and forget about the rest. That's how you gain strength from criticism.
Q: Which authors have most influenced you in your writing career? Who are some of the individuals who helped you along this writing path?
Bell: Raymond Chandler, Ernest Hemingway, William Saroyan, John D. MacDonald, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais.
Lawrence Block helped me early on, through his fiction column in Writer's Digest. Jack Cavanaugh, a friend, gave me good counsel at the start of my career, as did agent Steve Laube. And I have a bunch of writer friends who have been supportive over the years.
Q: What books to be read are perched on your reading shelf right now?
Bell: My To-Be-Read stack grows like kudzu. Right now, at the top, is King's newest, Under the Dome, Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth, the new Michelle Gagnon, a collection of ghost stories by M. R. James and my friend Randy Ingermanson's new guide to writing from the Dummies series.
Q: What one piece of advice would you give aspiring authors?
Bell: Get Mark Young to interview you for his blog.
That, and make sure you have a weekly quota of words. That's the first, and still best advice I ever got about writing.
We’re privileged to kick off our first author interview here with well-known novelist James Scott Bell. He is a man of many talents—novelist, screenwriter, actor, attorney, teacher and … basketball star. Well, that last talent may be a bit overstated, but Jim is truly gifted. He continues to encourage many aspiring authors—including this writer—over the years through his teaching, mentoring, lecturing and books on writing. All this while maintaining a vigorous writing schedule in both the CBA and ABA publishing markets with over nineteen novels to his credit. (You can find more about Jim at his web site http://www.jamesscottbell.com/). It is a great honor to have James Scott Bell visit us here today.
Q: Time to advertise, Jim. What’s happening in James Scott Bell’s publishing world in terms of your WIP or works just released?
Bell: I had three books come out in 2009. Deceived, a stand alone thriller, and Try Fear, the third of my Buchanan novels. Also, The Art of War for Writers.
I've been working on a couple of new projects (I don't like to talk about my books until they're finished, so call it a quirk or just plain cussedness) and something else, something I haven't done in a long time: short stories. I'm having a blast doing them, and may look to put out a collection.
Q: I read your recently released The Art of War for Writers book published by Writer’s Digest Books. This book is a survival manual for writers caught in the trenches of the publishing world, a book I’d recommend for all writers. What prompted you to write this?
Bell: The publishing business has gotten very challenging over the last few years, for all concerned. It was never a piece of cake to begin with. New writers, and even veterans, are out there fighting a battle to get, or stay, published. I wanted to give them something that was sort of like a "field manual" for writers, and took my cue from Sun Tzu. He brought order to the chaos of war in his day, through clear axioms. I thought I'd try the same for writers.
Q: The writing path has taken you down an interesting road. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? How did you get from there to here?
Bell: I wanted to be a writer as a kid. I loved old movies, The Hardy Boys books, and adventure stories, like Treasure Island and Tarzan of the Apes. But when I was eight I went to my first baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Don Drysdale was pitching. And I fell in love with baseball. Sports took over my life from then until college, though I always did some writing here and there. And I had a great high school English teacher, Mrs. Marjorie Bruce, who thought she saw a writer in me.
In college, I took a workshop with Raymond Carver, and couldn't do what he did. I didn't know at the time that you didn't have to pass through that particular literary tunnel to be a writer. I was convinced I didn’t have "it", so I gave up that dream.
But about ten years later I realized I needed to write. And I determined I'd learn how or go down in flames trying. I found out a wonderful thing: the craft can be learned. That's why I teach. Because I want to give new writers the things I was looking for.
Q: You seem to trudge between the publishing world and the movie world. Tells us a little about both these worlds—James Scott Bell the novel writer, the screen writer, the actor.
Bell: I started my writing as a screenwriter, and did pretty well, though I never saw a script make it to the screen. That's par for the course, so in frustration I wrote a novel that ended up getting published. And I kept doing that. My screenwriting training really helped here, I think. People tell me my books are cinematic, they can “see” them. That's all from the screenplays.
I've had the opportunity to do another script recently, and am thinking of doing one on pure spec. I love the form.
Q: Do you have an ‘average’ writing day? What does this look like?
Bell: I'm typing this at my favorite Starbucks, which is where I've written a lot of my books. I have a home office, too. I'm an early morning guy, that's when my imagination works best and I have the most writing energy. So I'll usually write and edit from about 6 a.m. to noon, with a break in there somewhere for a workout. I may pick up some time later in the afternoon or evening, but its usually a short stint.
I am, however, always on the lookout for ideas, and will be jotting things down throughout the day as they occur to me.
Q: You are a part of group of authors writing for the well-visited KillZone blog. How did that blog come about and how did you get involved?
Bell: Kathryn Lilley, the mystery writer, got this group blog together a couple of years ago. She and five others. I discovered it and started to visit and leave comments. After a few months they decided they wanted a seventh writer and invited me. I was honored. I find blogging once a week to be perfect for me.
Q: Let’s get into the nitty gritty of creating a page-turning novel. How do you come up with ideas for a novel?
Bell: Ideas are everywhere. I try to get as many as I can and then choose the best ones. I write down one line concepts all the time, and go over this file periodically. It's almost always a plot idea, a situation, a twist, a mystery, a secret. That sort of thing. I start to think about characters next. Who would be involved in such a thing? How can I make him or her compelling?
Q: Is your WIP novel completely outlined before you start, or do you start the writing journey and see where your characters lead?
Bell: I'll tell you what happens most of the time. I get an idea and nurture it a little. If I get excited about it, I write chapter one. I love openings. I can open all day. But then I stop and start outlining. I'm so anxious to get started, I have to remind myself that good spade work up front helps the plants come to life down the line.
I always have outlined my Act 1 fairly extensively, then had "signpost scenes" that I placed for the rest. In my screenwriting days I used the index card method, and it's a good one.
I find I'm doing much more extensive outlines now. I think it helps with the complexity and unity of the novel. Most writers don’t like outlines because it feels more like work than pure creativity. But I thinkI prefer that up front work to the alternative: getting to the end and finding out my story isn't working, or there's no way to end it well without massive rewriting.
Q: Rewriting. Most authors struggle through multiple drafts before finishing their project. How do you handle editing? For example, do you stop and edit as you work your way through the first draft, or do you wait until the draft is completed before tearing it apart? How many drafts do you write before you’re finally satisfied?
Bell: My rule is to write the first draft as fast as comfortably possible. I will edit a previous day's work, but that's it.
I may stop at about the 20,000 word mark and step back, make sure all my structural elements are in place and strong. My LOCK elements: Lead, Objective, Confrontation, Knock-out ending in view. If they are, I press on to the end. If not, I'll do some fixing, then get back to the draft.
I usually do two drafts on my own, getting help on the second from my wife, who is always my first reader. Then I'll submit it and work with the house editor. There will be a third draft, then a line edit which will usually need some fine tuning.
Q: Characterization. All your novels are set in the City of Angels, LA noir. Private investigators, lawyers, errant husbands and a host of other individuals. Are your characters drawn from people you meet in that fascinating city or do they just come to you in dreams?
Bell: I make most of my characters up and set them in LA, because no matter how strange they are, they'll seem right at home.
Q: In one of the last chapters of The Art of War for Writers, your heading reads: “To survive over any length of time, you must turn any criticism into a strength.” How have you strengthened yourself through criticism?
Bell: I learned to tune out unjust criticism, knowing that it happens even to the best writers. So that never bothers me. I know, too, that critics are individuals who have unique tastes, and may even be having a bad day when they write a review. I'll look for anything that seems constructive and give that some thought, and forget about the rest. That's how you gain strength from criticism.
Q: Which authors have most influenced you in your writing career? Who are some of the individuals who helped you along this writing path?
Bell: Raymond Chandler, Ernest Hemingway, William Saroyan, John D. MacDonald, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais.
Lawrence Block helped me early on, through his fiction column in Writer's Digest. Jack Cavanaugh, a friend, gave me good counsel at the start of my career, as did agent Steve Laube. And I have a bunch of writer friends who have been supportive over the years.
Q: What books to be read are perched on your reading shelf right now?
Bell: My To-Be-Read stack grows like kudzu. Right now, at the top, is King's newest, Under the Dome, Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth, the new Michelle Gagnon, a collection of ghost stories by M. R. James and my friend Randy Ingermanson's new guide to writing from the Dummies series.
Q: What one piece of advice would you give aspiring authors?
Bell: Get Mark Young to interview you for his blog.
That, and make sure you have a weekly quota of words. That's the first, and still best advice I ever got about writing.
March 9, 2020
Try Fear Book 3 in Ty Buchanan Series
I enjoyed this book the most of the three book series.
These can all be read as stand-alone reads, however, to get the true feeling of each of the main characters, it’s best to read in order. The author doesn’t drone on and on with backstory which is pleasant for his fans that have read the previous books.
The reason I enjoyed this book the most is because it seemed more reasonable/believable. The first book in the series seemed a little far-fetched, but hey we are dealing with fiction so I kept reading the series and I am glad I did.
I hope the series can continue because I want to know where Ty goes from here but as a reader I’m satisfied that if this is the end, I can only imagine.
Recommend to anyone who likes legal thrillers but not too complicated plots.
I enjoyed this book the most of the three book series.
These can all be read as stand-alone reads, however, to get the true feeling of each of the main characters, it’s best to read in order. The author doesn’t drone on and on with backstory which is pleasant for his fans that have read the previous books.
The reason I enjoyed this book the most is because it seemed more reasonable/believable. The first book in the series seemed a little far-fetched, but hey we are dealing with fiction so I kept reading the series and I am glad I did.
I hope the series can continue because I want to know where Ty goes from here but as a reader I’m satisfied that if this is the end, I can only imagine.
Recommend to anyone who likes legal thrillers but not too complicated plots.
August 22, 2020
Christmas time. Carl Richess, a drunk driver, is stopped on Hollywood Boulevard. He’s wearing only a G-String and a Santa hat and insists his reindeer need to be fed. Ty Buchanan defends Carl. As Ty and his assistant, Sister Mary Veritas, dig deeper, they uncover the corruption of city power. The case catches the attention of the media, putting Ty and everyone else involved in the spotlight. Sister Mary gets threatening e-mails from a cyberstalker. Ty must track down the real killer, and soon. Because somewhere in L.A. someone will stop at nothing to stay hidden.
I love the humor of Bell. The courtroom drama is witty, with lawyer tactics. Characters are interesting, as well as the plot. Christian faith bleeds on the pages without coming across as preachy. Very good read.
I love the humor of Bell. The courtroom drama is witty, with lawyer tactics. Characters are interesting, as well as the plot. Christian faith bleeds on the pages without coming across as preachy. Very good read.
August 9, 2019
You'll want to read every word
Usually when I read a book, I skim through much of the description, but Bell's Buchanan is witty, and enough of a smart ass, that I wanted to read every word, especially his inserted commentary on the state of affairs. This on- his- own- gonna- save- the-world lawyer again uses his brilliance and badgering to route out the bad guy, the question is: Does he have the right one?
Usually when I read a book, I skim through much of the description, but Bell's Buchanan is witty, and enough of a smart ass, that I wanted to read every word, especially his inserted commentary on the state of affairs. This on- his- own- gonna- save- the-world lawyer again uses his brilliance and badgering to route out the bad guy, the question is: Does he have the right one?
April 22, 2025
Hard To Beat James Scott Bell...
This was an excellent (and altogether too short) series. Mr. Bell is an excellent author and tells a story with sharp dialogue, well-defined characters, humor, and a focused moral compass. Each new book I read by the author makes me want to read more of his work. This series is by turns an excellent mystery, courtroom drama, and human interest story. Do yourself a favor and read the Ty Buchanan series!
This was an excellent (and altogether too short) series. Mr. Bell is an excellent author and tells a story with sharp dialogue, well-defined characters, humor, and a focused moral compass. Each new book I read by the author makes me want to read more of his work. This series is by turns an excellent mystery, courtroom drama, and human interest story. Do yourself a favor and read the Ty Buchanan series!
November 30, 2017
Bell is a good writer, but this is a disappointment. In fact I dumped it. After the attorney, Ty Buchanan wins an unbelievable acquittal for a drunk driver, the book wanders through Hollywood making comments about places and weird characters. It is as if Bell is trying to copy Michael Connely's successful formula--but without success.
December 15, 2018
Good suspense and humor
Very much enjoy this author. The story keeps you turning pages with suspense, surprises, heart warming parts, and some laugh out loud humor intertwined in a very good story. You want to know how it's going to end, then when it does, you hope for a fourth book in the series.
Very much enjoy this author. The story keeps you turning pages with suspense, surprises, heart warming parts, and some laugh out loud humor intertwined in a very good story. You want to know how it's going to end, then when it does, you hope for a fourth book in the series.
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