Tom Fegan ’78 has been busy! Since we last caught up with Tom after the publication of his first book, Panther City: Stories of Crime Set in Fort Worth, Texas, he has written a new book titled Amos McCall, and is currently working on some new projects.

Tell us about your new book.

My new book features a retired Travis County Death Investigator named Amos McCall. Prior to working for the county, he was a funeral director. He joined Travis County, where he maintained an absorbing career of overstepping his authority and finding clues and intentions that would solve the case and bring wins for the D.A.'s office. His life partner is a woman named Joan Bozeman, a District Attorney Investigator, who seeks his advice and logic in cases that involve her.

The case revolves around the death of a young UT student found hanging from a tree and it is discovered it was not suicide. The incident parallels the shooting death of a reporter and both incidents encircle a notorious software tycoon known for his nefarious business dealings.

What was your inspiration for this new story?

The book begins with the aforementioned incidents and introduces the reader to Amos McCall. A University of Texas graduate who lives in a trailer park, practices Tai-Chi, has studied Eastern Philosophy and attends Episcopalian mass once a month. He enjoys long walks around the college campus as well as view the bats flying out from under the S. Congress Ave. bridge. Like his soulmate, Bozeman, he enjoys the arts as well. The pair are similar to a Holmes/Watson attitude in solving cases.

What is your favorite thing about writing?

Writing gives me the opportunity to research and learn as well as sharing a story filled with insight into the world I am featuring in the tale. Each person has a story within them and I like featuring people with their backgrounds that engages them in the stories I tell. Each person has had an incidental moment that puts us on our own personal journey. That is the joy of writing for me.

What is the most difficult part of writing a book?

The only problem I find in writing is sitting down and doing it. Once I start, I am okay. What keeps me inspired are times at a writer's group where everyone has a plot, but no one does any writing. There are groups that published writers are active in. My personal time has not made it possible for me to seek one of these groups out. However, I am published and strive to write so I can be published.

Do you experience writer’s block and, if so, how do you push through?

I am fortunate not to have had writer's block interfering with my literary efforts. I write daily. Sometimes it is a few pages and sometimes a few sentences, but I write. I believe that is the key to keep any blockage from hampering me and my efforts.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I am not writing, I read or watch a movie. I also am a Tai-Chi practitioner and enjoy visiting with a small group of friends. I read news magazines as well as fiction. I also stay tuned to current news from the media. Many plot lines can be found that way.

Do you have plans to write another book?

I don't just write books. I write flash fiction as well. I have completed one play and am working on a screenplay. The latter is for a company that a friend of mine has made B-Grade action movies with and I have had the privilege of acting in. I approach acting as a hobby. If I see an idea for a plot line, I will think it through before deciding whether to write a book or short story.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about the new book, the process or anything else?

My new book, Amos McCall, was inspired by a friend of mine, Joe Meadows. He is a retired funeral director living in Austin. He was always interested in Mortuary Science from junior high on. Many times over coffee he would tell me of dealing with Medical Investigators from the Coroner's Office in Tarrant County. I have always wanted to write such a story. The book has been dedicated to him. I will say this, anyone that wishes to write should do it. Everyone has a story to share and an audience that wants to be told a tale.