“Sullivan's
eyes were closed, feet on the desk and he was grateful for a few quiet moments.
Digging his phone out of his shirt pocket he listened to a message that just
came through.
‘It's
time to put your detecting skills to a real test. You have been involved in
solving three serial killing sprees as of late. You will soon see, they are
child's play compared to the challenge I am about to pose. Be on guard and
watch the family. We shall meet again... soon.’”
 |
| Russ Warnberg |
And
thus, the mystery begins for Detective Cole Sullivan. Mystery/crime writer, Russell
Warnberg of Windham, who retired last year after 41 years of teaching history
and English in the Gray public-school system with the last nine years at
Windham Christian Academy, has dedicated his life this past year to creative
pursuits. Penning mysteries and crimes are among those artistic endeavors – and
Warnberg has had very productive year.
“I’ve
published six books with two on the way,” Warnberg stated. “I have to always be
doing something creative and writing is one way I enjoy spending my time.”
Warnberg
is originally from Minnesota. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy Reserves and
was stationed in Brunswick where he met his wife. After the Navy, Warnberg and
his wife moved back to his home state and, while there, he attended the
University of Minnesota. “I was never really a great student while in high
school, but I was surprise at how well I was performing academically once I was
in college,” Warnberg said. “But I was even more shocked to discover that I did
really well in an English course. I wondered then if I should become a writer.”
His
first attempt at writing, a novella, occurred in 1980. “It was my first time to
write a book, but I have to admit it wasn’t very good,” Warnberg said.
Warnberg,
who moved to Windham to be near his wife’s family 40 years ago turned to other
creative outlets while working full time. He spent his free time painting and
designing/building furniture, which he has sold on a number of occasions. But
it wasn’t until retirement that he decided to put his author’s hat back on and
give publishing a try. Things have been going very well ever since.
His
first novel in the Detective Cole Sullivan series was “Edge of Redemption”. His
latest book, which is not a part of the Sullivan series is “Mystery on Twin
Lakes”, set in his hometown in Minnesota. And speaking of town settings –
Warnberg hasn’t forgotten Windham. “My book, ‘Gateway Murder’, is set here in
Windham and is based upon an old retired detective who just wants peace and quiet,
so he moves to Windham, ME to get that. But no sooner does he get here, someone
is murder and he is called to help solve the crime.”
Murder
mysteries are not the only books he’s written. Warnberg has also penned a
“1984”-esque dystopian novel entitled, “2064”.
For
those who wish to publish their writing, Warnberg advises that the only way to
really do it, is to sit down every day to write. “If you are passionate about
writing, you must do it. Even on the days you don’t feel like it.” He admits
that there are times he doesn’t feel “inspired” every moment he sits down to
write, but most often, it has been an easy process. He also admitted, that this
summer, he has taken a sabbatical from writing to spend some time painting.
“But I plan to get back to writing soon. I still have too many novels in me that
need to come out.”
If
you are interested in reading Warnberg’s novels, they are available on
barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.
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