Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m proudly Canadian. I grew up around Vancouver, B.C. but moved to Ontario six years ago. I’m currently living in Hamilton, which is just over a half-hour from Toronto. I live with my wonderful fiancee, Victoria, and our two dogs, Senator and Tungsten. My dogs are a wonderful help to my writing. Whenever I’m battling writer’s block, a long walk with them is the perfect cure. And when I’m in the zone and pumping out chapter after chapter, they cuddle me and keep me cozy in place.
This week marks the release of my second novel, Robbie’s Scheme.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My second book, Robbie’s Scheme, has just come out. It’s the first in an upcoming series of Maya Morrison thrillers. I think it’s a very appropriate novel for the moment, taking place at the intersection of finance, politics, law enforcement, and journalism. Different major characters come from each of these backgrounds as they duel over what a more fair world looks like.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing on weekend mornings with golf on a TV in the background. I find something about the calm, monotone, announcers soothing and the greenscapes helps my creativity flow. It’s especially nice to see a warm, sunny, course down south when it’s rainy or snowing in Canada.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d say John Grisham thrillers have been my favorite for a long time and are the closest inspiration to the thrillers I write. More recently, I’ve been enjoying both Don Winslow and Friedrich Bachmann’s novels.
What are you working on now?
I’m about halfway through a sequel to Robbie’s Scheme, the next Maya Morrison thriller. I don’t want to give any spoilers!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Nothing beats interacting with fans directly, so I find social media to be the best resource for promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! It’s easy to get hung up on planning or editing but you need to trust the process. Your first draft doesn’t need to be good, you just need to finish it! There will be plenty of time later for revisions and many, many, edits.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Very similar to the advice I gave: Don’t think, just write. The thinking can come later when you’re editing and improving the quality of the book, but first you need to have words on the page in front of you.
What are you reading now?
I’m just finishing up Clive Cussler’s most recent thriller, Celtic Empire. It’s more action based than my writing tends to be, but definitely an exciting read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Expanding the Maya Morrison series. Let’s just say I already have several sequels planned out.
What is your favorite book of all time?
If we’re talking about classics, I would have to go with The Outsiders. It’s one of those books that I can never forget and vividly remember reading for the first time.
Author Websites and Profiles
Justin Haines Website
Justin Haines Amazon Profile
Justin Haines’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account