What do you do with your daily commute? Rick Acker uses the time to write novels that draw on his real-life experience with the California Department of Justice. In When the Devil Whistles, he tells a story of secrets, fraud, and deadly courtroom battles.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION DRIVING THE STORY IN WHEN THE DEVIL WHISTLES?
The fascinating real-life world of free-lance corporate bounty hunters. I deal with these people every day in my job as a fraud prosecutor, and I wanted to give readers a peek into it.
OVER THE COURSE OF WRITING IT, WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST DURING THE JOURNEY?
I’m always amazed at the thought that the words I’m writing will reach tens of thousands of people. It’s humbling, intimidating, and inspiring all at the same time.
WHAT PARTS WERE INSPIRED BY REAL-LIFE (EITHER RESEARCH OR EXPERIENCE)?
Pretty much all of it. I try to put as little fiction into my novels as possible. Where possible (as in all the legal scenes) I relied on personal experience. For the others, I found experts. For example, I’ve never piloted a P-51 or a remote-controlled submarine, but I relied on people who have.
WHY DO YOU THINK STORY IS SUCH A POWERFUL WAY TO COMMUNICATE TRUTH?
Stories, whether real or fictional, can reach people on a powerful emotional level. They can make readers feel and experience truths that even the best theology can only describe.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS GET OUT OF YOUR WORK?
As one of my characters says, “You are what you are when the Devil whistles.” What happens when you’re faced with temptation, doubt, or pressure? Do you do take the easy way out and make excuses later? Or do you stand firm in the power of God?