Tom Zegray, in search of an agent… Query 

Why fight to become a successful writer? I’m 61 and wrote two books since my retirement a year ago. I spent my whole childhood reading hundreds of books and developed a true love for reading. 

Then life happened and my priorities changed. The next 40 plus years were spent doing what was expected of me, college, career and living the dream. Coincidentally, I spent over 20 years working for a major book publisher that established itself back in 1807. My career choice was data processing (IT) though. The main office was in midtown Manhattan and the distribution center and data center was in central New Jersey. I did read a lot of technical material and did some enjoyable reading, mostly Stephen King and Michael Crichton. 

I now survive with a pension and SS and plenty of time on my hands. I dabbled with writing a memoir to hone my skills and establishing my work environment.  But no one wants to read my dysfunctional childhood exploits. It was more of establishing my new chapter in my life. I was completely comfortable writing Deadly Encounters during the hiatus of March and April 2020.  Many months of walking the beach here in Murrells Inlet SC with Brownie helped me compile the story in my brain. Transferring Deadly Encounters to my tablet using Word was unbelievable.  I couldn’t type it fast enough and I had to train myself to devote 2 to 3 hours of planning then writing. The story is based in Murrells Inlet SC, historically known for the place that the pirates back in the 1600s and 1700s used to hide from the British navy. It’s just south of Myrtle Beach and is a hodgepodge of retired transplants from all over the northeast etc. Actually, all over.
It was fun walking the beach watching the sunrise every morning creating fictional characters that basically already exist here. Also, feeling the tension rising with the current political and pandemic situation arising, Deadly Encounters was born.

The characters and stories within the book are intertwined because of my love for a well written story.  Even the young woman who did my editing complimented me on the writing style. She said that it reminded her of a TV show. 
My goals in life now are to take care of Brownie who was badly abused and I’m going to make sure that the rest of her life is the best of her life.  My peaceful environment of reading and writing is perfect for her…and me after many years living an overwhelming lifestyle. The long early morning walk at the beach has her napping while I savor reading and writing thrillers and soon other genres. 

My writing goals are to provide books that will give people the love for reading that I had as a child and lost it temporarily due to my life choices.

If any money is made from my writing,  many dogs like Brownie will be sheltered,  sponsored and found forever homes.