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Baran-Unland: Tell us a bit about your writing background. Cowie: When I was a kid, my life was about books … and candy, and um, playing. Oh, and I was into sports, too. But books were a huge part of my life. I developed what little biceps I have just because I was usually hauling a bunch of books around with me, and they came in handy for propping open doors, helping me reach the table (I was pretty short back then) and bopping my little brother on the head if he got too close to my candy. But the written story always fascinated me, and then about a dozen years ago I got my first laptop, and I realized I could finally put my mad typing skills to the test. It took me two years to write my first manuscript – a horror story that I couldn’t get publishers interested in. Then I wrote a thriller, and it didn’t sell, either. But then I started writing a business column for the National Association of Credit Management, where I explained construction law in a fun way, picking on attorneys ... and I realized my natural voice was humor. My third book, “The Adventures of Guy,” written by a guy (probably), sold to the third publisher I offered it to. (Photo provided)
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Baran-Unland: What types of stories do you like to write? Cowie: I like to tell stories where anytime there is a lull in the story, a fun chase scene breaks out, and then things go haywire. I never have any idea what’s going to happen next in my stories, and my goal is for my characters to make me snort in surprise. (Photo provided)
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Baran-Unland: Have you published any books and/or are you working on one now? Cowie: My first [published] book, “The Adventures of Guy,” was published in 2006 and my latest book, “The Illinois Mechanics Lien Statutes ... and other Construction Stuff,” was published in 2016. There were eight books, a couple anthologies and some short stories in between. I just finished my newest manuscript, “Mooned,” a story about a dog and cat who stumble across their owner when he turns into a werewolf in their living room, and they get bitten and are turned into were-humans. (Photo provided)
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Baran-Unland: Where can people find more information about you? Cowie: My website is a good start, www.normcowie.com. Or they could stalk me, follow me around for a bit. Warning: They’ll be spending a lot of time in the library and Lowe’s, though. (Photo provided)
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KNOW MORE Each week, LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story by a local author to the newsletter’s subscribers. (Photo provided)
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Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Stories should be edited and between 1,000 and 7,500 words. (Photo provided)
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To subscribe and for information, contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com. To sign up for the LocalLit newsletter or to read Cowie’s story, visit www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit. (Photo provided)