Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Ken Harris
Book Title: The Ballad of the Great Value Boys
Released: 02/05/25
Genre: Adult Crime Fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Ballad of the Great Value Boys”?
Harris: I wanted to continue my series, From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish, and somehow have my protagonists tackle the grifting by and rise in local militias following the January 6 th insurrection. What better way than have one of Steve Rockfish’s friends get in hot water by trying to scam a central Pennsylvania group of men who like to play dress up in the woods? When they arrive on scene, Rockfish and Jawnie McGee uncover a plot to ignite the next insurrection. Can the partners prevent the domestic terrorists from running out the clock on America’s democracy?
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Harris: Steve Rockfish is named after my favorite detective show, The Rockford Files. Growing up my father and I always watched it, whether it be first run or in syndication. In a handful of episodes, a character name Gandy, played by Isaac Hayes, always referred to Jim Rockford as Rockfish. My dad caught on and that was how we ended up referring to the entire show. As for Jawnie McGee, a Jawn is a Philadelphia slang term that I grew up using and thought it would be an excellent unique name. For reference: Used to refer to a thing, place, person, or event that one need not or cannot give a specific name to chiefly in eastern Pennsylvania
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Harris: I write Monday through Friday’s mornings live on Twitch (@KenHarrisFiction). It’s a great way to guilt me into hitting the keyboard five days a week knowing there’s a potential audience waiting. There is always a flask of Irish Whiskey on my desk and nothing beats running ideas or words past your readers for input in real time. As for me, I retired from the FBI, after thirty-two years, as a cybersecurity executive. I spend my days with my wife Nicolita, and two Labradors, Shady and Chalupa Batman. Evenings are spent playing Walkabout Mini Golf and cheering on Philadelphia sports. I can’t stress enough that Pink Floyd, Irish Whiskey and a Montecristo cigar are the only muses necessary.
If "The Ballad of the Great Value Boys" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Harris: Bill Moseley – Steve Rockfish
Zazie Beetz – Jawnie McGee
Jesus Earnhardt Jr. – Ray Stevenson (deceased but then again, this movie ain’t never getting made!)
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Harris: I don’t push it. I’ve always felt as if it will work itself out. Unfortunate for me, sometimes it taken years before I can push thought it. I’m on a pretty good streak right now, four novels (Black Rose Writing) and four short stories (The Mysteries to Die For Podcast) in the past almost five years. I’m probably long overdue for one. For the shorter times, when you can’t come up with the creativity to complete a scene or chapter, I find that a solid Irish Whiskey or three does the trick.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Harris: Keep going? Self-publish if you can’t find an Agent or House to further your craft. Don’t write about sparkly vampires because that’s what selling if you prefer medical mysteries. In other words, don’t bend. Do what makes you happy and not some schlub in a lounge chair with a plate of chicken nuggets on the table next to them. Also don’t take the first contract that comes your way. Do your homework on the publishing house and the terms. You can’t settle. Your work deserves better.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Harris: While I write crime fiction, I tend to only read horror. My favorite author is Peter Straub. While I never met him before his untimely death, I was able to share a few conversations with him on Twitter. I find myself returning to his Blue Rose Trilogy (Koko, Mystery, and The Throat) every five years for a re-read. I would love to give horror writing a shot, but my inability to suspend that kind of belief behind the keyboard has been a deterrent to date.
What are you working on next?
Harris: I am currently drafting chapter five of, “The Weight of Regret: From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish – 5.” The latest in the series takes on a darker tone than the previous four, but keeps the expected humor elements which tends to draw my readers in. Life has laugh-out-loud moments, why shouldn’t crime fiction? I just completed a short story for Season 9 of the Mysteries to Die For Podcast. “The Butterfly Stroke Effect” will be read aloud on the show this July and published in their seasonal anthology come September.
Want to find out more about The Ballad of the Great Value Boys or Ken Harris? Find them here:
Blog: https://www.KenHarrisFiction.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kah623/
From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/765364445807020
BlueSky: @KahFiction
Instagram: @KenHarrisFiction
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Find it for purchase here
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