In this gripping episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra welcomes Rand R. Timmerman, a retired attorney and Marine combat veteran who began his prolific second act as an author at age 70. Rand shares the fascinating inspiration behind his latest book, The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman, a story of violence, redemption, and spiritual transformation based on a real-life genius "hit man" he met in recovery.

Rand dives into his "movie-like" writing process and how decades of experience as a litigator prepared him to craft compelling courtroom dramas. He also recounts a harrowing real-life encounter with a client that nearly cost him his life—a story that serves as the basis for his next high-stakes novel.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Attorney-to-Author Pipeline: How writing legal briefs and affidavits for decades translates into powerful fiction.
• Real-Life Inspiration: The incredible true story of "Ronnie," a Mensa-level genius and former hit man whose life transformation inspired Rand's latest book.
• The Atmosphere of Syracuse: Exploring the unique, historical ethnic enclaves of Syracuse, New York, and how they shape the setting of Rand's work.
• Writing as a "Movie": Rand’s unique process of visualizing his stories in vivid color and letting the plot unfold organically as he writes.
• Themes of Redemption: Why spiritual recovery and transformation are central motifs in both of Rand's books.
• Combat Instincts in the Courtroom: A chilling account of how Rand’s Marine Corps training saved his life during a confrontation with a dangerous former client.

About Our Guest:

Rand R. Timmerman is a retired attorney and a Marine combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Based in Syracuse, New York, he turned to writing later in life, publishing his first memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail and transitioning into crime fiction. Rand is a dedicated advocate for recovery and uses his writing to promote messages of hope and redemption.

Connect with Rand:

• Website: randtimmerman.com

Featured in this Episode:

• The Syracuse Hit Man Versus a Shoe Repairman: Rand’s newest novel.
• A Spiritual Passage: Rand’s memoir about his journey on the Appalachian Trail.
• Vella Publishing: Today’s sponsor, a traditional publisher with an untraditional model that empowers authors to keep their rights and royalties.

Looking for more? Subscribe to In the Writer's Chair for more candid conversations about the writing life. Visit VellaPublishing.com to learn how you can grow your presence as a career author.