He didn’t think he was a good enough writer. Threw out thousands of pages of drafts and wants you to read the second book in his Danny Ryan trilogy “City of Dreams”. Time to take a Beyond the Mic Short Cut with the greatest living crime writer in America, Don Winslow.

Welcome Don:

We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning author of more than twenty-one acclaimed international bestsellers. Last time we talked he introduced us to City on Fire and Danny Ryan. Today the Winslow Retirement Tour continues with book two of the Danny Ryan trilogy “City of Dreams”. We welcome back author Don Winslow.

Don, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The more you write Danny Ryan, what have you discovered about this character and what have you discovered of yourself in Danny?

As much as Danny wants to retire, on the losing side of a crime war, on the run… he heads to California falling in love. You won’t make this easy for him or the reader are you?

Why has this labor of love taken 28 years to write? Are you holding these last three stories so close to your heart for a reason?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite activity in Rhode Island and California?

2. Did you have a piggy bank growing up?

3. Austin Butler will be Danny Ryan in the upcoming movie. What did you see in his portrayal of Elvis that made him the perfect actor for the role?

4. If you were a secret agent, what would have been your code name?

5. Best thing about being 69?

6. Which book is the one you are reading for the Winslow Book Club now?  

7. What prize would you like to win?

8. What is your favorite cake flavor?

The Back Half:

Which was your favorite case as a trial consultant?

You were once a private investigator, which TV PI is closest to you?

You’ve been called the greatest living crime writer in America, who do you believe is the best crime writer in the world?

Why do you enjoy writing?

On the road your fans tell you this is the best book you’ve ever written. How do you feel when you hear that?

One Big Question:

As a former antiterrorist trainer do you feel the world is safer since 9/11 or not?

Where can people find online?

The Wrap:

He loves vanilla cake, surfing, wants to be consider the best looking bald short guy and thanks his readers each day. The book is “City of Dreams”, Don Winslow thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.