John Lillie

I have worked for over 30 years in the software industry, and while I love technology and helping people, I am quite passionate about getting off the grid. When I am not busy writing, I can typically be found plotting my next adventure. I love to hike, swim laps in a pool, and travel. I have fun memories of visiting Canada, England, and many United States locations, including Hawaii and Washington, D.C. My wife and sons know I am a wanderer at heart.

I started writing in 2010 when I was laid off from work and had time to spare. A good friend, Dale, and I met for lunch to discuss ideas for his novel, and he suggested I write a novel as well. My initial thought was that this would be a huge waste of time, then I reconsidered. I told myself, “I have the time, I have the ideas. How hard can it be?”

As it turns out, pretty hard. But something I love and can’t give up.

Over the next six years, I started and stopped 13 novels. I finally finished Miami Rage in 2016 and consider it my therapy novel. While it is admittedly dark at times and a lot of people (but no animals) die, I felt pretty proud of detective Damon Slade and his take-down of twisted, evil people who preyed on others.

I thought my writing journey was over when I finished Miami Rage, but early in 2018 I became intrigued with the idea of Merlin in a more modern world. What if he could travel through time and use his wizardry to solve mysteries and stop vile villains? What if he knew at times that what he did might not be enough?

Soon I was brainstorming what would become Merlin: Private Investigator. Developing compelling characters, challenges and twists has been a lot of fun, and this has become one of my best adventures yet. I already have ideas for new books in the Merlin series, and I hope you’ll join me to see where Merlin heads next!