Kia ora,
Please welcome Ray Wenck to the hot seat today.
I’ve known Ray quite a while via the internet because we were with the same publisher before the troubles. (Not the Irish Troubles but the Rebel Troubles – we do not have time for that story today.)
Let’s get into those questions because I know you’re going to love this guy. 

Who are you? What makes you tick?
Hi, I’m Ray, some old clown trying to be a writer. I was a teacher for 36 years. During that time, I owned and operated an Italian restaurant (featured in my Danny Roth series) for 25 years. I retired early and over the next 4 years worked as the lead cook in a casino, then became the kitchen manager for the Toledo Mud Hens AAA baseball team. When I was finally ready to retire for good my writing career had taken off. 75 books and some best-sellers later here I am. Ta Da.

Favourite genre/s to read or write?
I’m known for my several post-apocalyptic series, Random Survival, The Historian, and Toledo Fall. (New big series coming soon) However, I love writing mystery/suspense. I have two main series, Danny Roth and Bridgett Conroy, as well as a half dozen stand alones.

Please tell us about your latest work: 
I’m usually working on several projects at once. I’m in the process of releasing Dead Harbor, book 3 in the Bridgett Conroy mystery series. The editor has book 12 in the Random Survival: The Road, post-apocalyptic series, and the publisher is gearing up for a mass release of an 11 book series I’m currently writing the last few stories of. It will be a futuristic Post-apocalyptic series. It’s the most ambitious project I’ve ever attempted but I’m excited about the possibilities as other authors will be able to contribute to the world to make it quite expansive.

Do you like chocolate fish?
Well, I like chocolate and I like fish, so maybe? 
Trust me, you’d love chocolate fish :).

What’s your main character like? 
I have several but of my main characters I love Bridgett Conroy. She’s tough, hard nose, and seems to find trouble if only to prove something to herself.

Danny Roth is a reluctant hero who steps in to help people and inevitably gets drawn in deeper to a point of trying to survive life-threatening situations. 

• Would you go to the pub with them?
• Oh, hell yes, but I’d better be ready to brawl cause one or the other will get us in a jam.
• Would you have them over for dinner?
• Yep. Both have restaurant backgrounds so I’d have to make something special.
• What music do they listen to?
• Danny would be harder pop and light rock with some Irish music mixed in.
• Bridgett is a rocker all the way.
• What type of car do they drive?
• Danny drives a BMW he bought second had from one of friend Tony’s back alley connections.
• Bridgett drives an SUV. 
• Are they a series character?
• Yes, both and I plan to continue the series although Danny is at a major crossroad in his life while Bridgett took quite a beating in her most recent release making it difficult to up the ante in further stories.

What piece of advice would you give a new writer?
Set the time aside to write on a regular basis. Have fun doing it. Most importantly, don’t get to be my age and look back on your life and say I wish I would’ve … If it’s what you want to do, make it happen.

What part of writing do you find the hardest? 
The ever changing marketing scene.

Have you ever had lolly cake?
I’d never take lolly’s cake. I’m happy with my own. (Sorry. Have no idea what lolly cake is)
It’s a staple food served at birthday parties here. It’s not even considered a party without lolly cake.

Pantser or outliner? And why?
Oh, pantser. I couldn’t plot a story. I like the feeling that the story is taking me on a journey and don’t know where it’s going. It’s organic and it excites me. If I’m excited while writing that will transfer to the story and make it exciting for the reader.

Do you write in silence? If you don’t write in silence do you prefer music and what type of music? 
Before the pandemic I used to write in a diner each day. The noise never bothered me. Now I write at home and in silence.

Do you like to listen to audio books?
I do a lot of traveling to book signings and shows. That’s the only time I get to read, listening to audio books. I feel guilty reading. I feel if I have time to read I should be writing. So, audio books are for me.

Have you ever visited New Zealand?
No. Sounds like a place that should be on my travel list though.
Do come to NZ. I’ll introduce you to lolly cake, chocolate fish, and fairy bread!

Where do you write? 
I’d like to say I have my own office space and this cool place to write but I can’t. I write everyday for six hours sitting on the couch.

Thank you for playing along!
My pleasure, Cat. Thanks for the opportunity.

Ray’s website: 
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