T.M. Goeglein began his career as a writer of print and television ads for a host of advertising and media companies. As a screenwriter, he created both original scripts and worked as a script doctor for several production companies in Los Angeles. He was an original contributor to the Huffington Post 'Living' section, and continues to write for both the national edition and Huffington Post Chicago. Read T.M. Goeglein's stories on the Huffington Post.His debut young adult novel, COLD FURY, was published by Penguin/Putnam on July 24, 2012 and is the first in a trilogy. It will be available in paperback in June 2013. The second installment in the Cold Fury series, FLICKER & BURN, will hit the market in August 2013. The author is currently working on the third book. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Laura, and two young children.
Author Interview
1. Where is the current place you reside and can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I share certain traits with my protagonist, Sara Jane Rispoli. We both live in Chicago (and can’t imagine living anywhere else…except maybe Italy,) we’re both unrepentant Cubs fans, and we both box. She’s faster in the ring than me.
2. Have you always wanted to be an author and are there any inspirations that got you started?
I’ve always been a writer of some sort. I began in advertising and film, and somehow landed here. For me, inspirations have been people who make compelling, thoughtful art – filmmakers, painters, many other authors.
3. Is Cold Fury your very first complete novel written? If so, when did the idea for the book first come about? And if not, when was your first book written? Is it complete and has it been published?
COLD FURY is my first YA novel; its sequel, FLICKER & BURN, and the final book in the trilogy (untitled) are complete, as well.
I got the idea of a sixteen (now seventeen – Happy Birthday, Sara Jane!) year-old girl infiltrating organized crime by living in Chicago. The Outfit – Chicago’s version of the mafia – is an ingrained part of the city’s past and present. It’s also completely male-centric. I thought it would be interesting to place a strong young woman among a bunch of heartless criminals, especially one with the power to control them.