In the Author Spotlight ...
Frank C. Dupuy, author of
Ohio Salt

Author Frank C. Dupuy has always loved Slavic Village area of Ohio. In his book, Ohio Salt, he combines this love with his experiences as a federal agent and private investigator to create a novel that involved the neighborhood and the Cleveland Polish community. 

In 1981, Frank moved to Cleveland, Ohio. "I was the security manager for an aerospace company that was headquartered in Slavic Village, a neighborhood that had been settled around the turn of the century by eastern European immigrants," he says. "Unlike many older neighborhoods, Slavic Village has kept its ethnic identity and prospered."

Ohio Salt is a detective novel involving intricate embezzlement schemes, murder, and decades-old crimes dating back to the Kennedy Administration. Private Investigator Adrian LeBlanc is a modern day Sam Spade who specializes in corporate crime. "The white-collar crimes in the story were based on actual investigations that I conducted and wove into the story," Frank explains. "Everything is fictionalized. I have a 4 drawer filing cabinet filled with ideas. Interviewing is an art."

Although Ohio Salt is his first published novel, it is the third one in the Adrian LeBlanc series.  Writing the original draft took about six months, and the editing and rewrites took and additional 18 months. "I was very fortunate to have friends who enjoy reading, have an excellent grasp of grammar, are constructively critical and have an amazing dexterity with red pens", he says. He has also learned to set a manuscript aside for several months after an editing session.  "When I read it with 'fresh eyes' I always find things I can improve."

Frank's other two novels featuring the Adian Leblanc character are in process. "The next book I am bringing out is 'Texas Cement', in which most of the action takes place in Houston, Texas," he says. "This book is based on a $6,000,000 leasing fraud I investigated when I was the Director of Loss Prevention for a large Midwestern bank."

The third novel, “Mexico Denim” takes place in Juarez and combines Frank's experiences in the Border Patrol with actual investigations he conducted as a private investigator involving the “Knock-off” apparel industry.

Frank has been married for 36 years and have one son who is 31. "He's having his own adventures."  His wife has a dog, Boo, who keeps her company while Frank travels.  "Boo is kind enough to tolerate my presence when I am at home, but leaves no doubt as to whom he considers important", he laughs.

When not writing, Frank is the Loss Prevention director for a large oil and gas well service company and have largely lived out of a suitcase.  "The only hobbies I have been able to pursue are reading and plodding down running trails," he says.

To purchase your copy of Ohio Salt,
visit http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/00772.htm

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