Author’s 5-year journey from contest to publication

WASSAIC — Five years after winning TruTV’s national “The Search for the Next Great Crime Writer” contest, Wassaic resident Terrence McCauley can finally hold in his hands a published copy of his novel, “Prohibition.”

The book takes place in 1930 New York City and follows ex-boxer Terry Quinn as he searches for who is trying to undermine mob boss Archie Doyle’s criminal empire.

The novel earned the top prize in February 2008 over more than 200 entries, but financial troubles surrounding Borders, one of the contest’s sponsors, quickly caused problems.

“Borders was very happy with me. They wanted to do a series of Quinn books. TruTV considered making a TV show or movie. It was a real high for me,” McCauley said. “Then Borders hit very hard times. The deal completely evaporated.”

McCauley said he partnered with an agent and shopped around “Prohibition,” but found that other publishers weren’t interested because they wanted stories in today’s world rather than period pieces.

“I went from very high to very low. The worst part of it is, it was nobody’s fault. There was no place to target my disappointment,” he said. “I could give up or keep writing. So I kept writing.”

With the encouragement of his wife, Rita McCauley, he wrote multiple short stories featuring Quinn and Doyle — all while working at his full-time job as manager, government relations, at Metro-North Railroad.

“My wife is very understanding,” McCauley said. “I write on weekends and nights when I’m home. It’s a really nice hobby to have.”

McCauley was born and raised in the Bronx, and living in Wassaic means it’s only a quick train ride to the city to be involved with the “growing pulp movement.”

As McCauley’s network continued to grow, some of his short stories ran in small noir publications. “Lady Madeline’s Dive” and “Redemption” can be found in the first and third issues of crime fiction magazine THUGLIT. “Redemption” has a local connection, telling the tale of a young girl living in the Millbrook area in 1980.

“Blood Moon of 1931,” a short story involving Quinn, was published in Action: Pulse Pounding Tales, Volume 1. An older Quinn resurfaces in “Brave New World,” a short story released in Atomic Noir. 

All of these publications are available for purchase on Amazon.

Publisher Airship 27 Productions took an interest in “Prohibition” about a year ago, leading McCauley to edit the book based on feedback he’s received over the years.

Airship 27 released “Prohibition” in December 2012 with nine interior illustrations by Rob Moran.

“The book wouldn’t be the same without him. He did a great job,” McCauley said.

As with his other works, “Prohibition” is available for purchase on Amazon, both in paperback and for the Kindle.

Even though McCauley has reached a milestone with the release of his contest-winning novel, he has no plans to stop writing.

“Fight Card: Against the Ropes,” a prequel to “Prohibition” detailing Quinn’s boxing days, will be released as part of the Fight Card novelette series early this year.

McCauley’s next novel, “The Slow Burn,” is scheduled to be published by Noir Nation Books later this year. It follows another “Prohibition” character who finds himself in the middle of a murder/kidnapping case.

In addition to his noir roots, McCauley is also working on a modern-day short story involving a former CIA assassin in Guatemala (which is where he married his wife 10 years ago); a Western that takes place in 1880s Montana; and possibly a horror/sci-fi tale.

“My biggest fear is to be pegged as ’30s guy. I like to challenge myself and try to keep it varied,” he said. “I’m trying to become a better writer and have fun doing it.”

For more information on McCauley’s work, go to www.terrencemccauley.blogspot.com.