Introduction
James Sheehan is an accomplished author and lawyer whose lifelong passion for literature and law has enabled him to merge the two seamlessly through his writing. He is an inspiration to those who aspire to follow a similar path and has offered many useful tips and insights for young writers and lawyers. Join me on a fascinating journey through law and literature with James Sheehan.
Section 1: Early Life
James Sheehan was born on August 22, 1948, in New York City. Growing up, he was an avid reader and was particularly fond of crime and mystery novels. His love for books spurred his interest in writing, and he began scribbling in notebooks whenever he could find the time. He completed his education at Fordham Law School in 1972 and began his journey as a lawyer.
Section 2: Legal Career
After completing law school, Sheehan worked as a public defender in Florida for almost a decade, which gave him an opportunity to witness the workings of the criminal justice system up close. He then went on to work as a prosecutor for several years before entering private practice. He is now a partner at one of the largest law firms in Florida.
Section 3: Writing Career
Throughout his legal career, Sheehan continued to write in his spare time. He wrote two novels during this period, but neither of them was published. It was only after he retired from his public defender job that he published his first novel, The Alligator Man. Since then, he has published six novels, all of which have been well-received and highly acclaimed.
Section 4: Writing Style
Sheehan’s writing style is a reflection of his extensive experience as a lawyer and author. His books are meticulous in their detail and use legal terms and procedures to bring depth and authenticity to the plots. He focuses on character development and believes that the key to good storytelling is creating relatable and well-rounded characters.
Section 5: Literary Influences
Sheehan credits his love for crime and mystery novels to his early reading habits. He cites Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and John D. MacDonald as some of his biggest influences in the genre. He is also a big fan of Graham Greene and John le Carre and has cited their works as inspiration for his own writing.
Section 6: Writing Tips
Sheehan has given many useful tips and insights for young writers over the years. He advises aspiring writers to put in the hard work and to keep writing, no matter how difficult it may seem. He also emphasizes the importance of reading widely and paying attention to the techniques used by successful authors. Additionally, he suggests that writers immerse themselves in the world they are writing about, in order to create a more authentic experience for readers.
Section 7: FAQs
Q: What is James Sheehan’s most popular book?
A: James Sheehan’s most popular book is The Lawyer’s Lawyer.
Q: Does James Sheehan still practice law?
A: Yes, James Sheehan is still a practicing attorney and a partner at a law firm in Florida.
Q: Will James Sheehan write more books in the future?
A: Yes, James Sheehan has indicated that he will continue to write books in the future.
Q: Has James Sheehan won any literary awards?
A: Yes, James Sheehan has been nominated for several awards and has won the Florida Book Award for Best Fiction.
Q: What is James Sheehan’s writing process?
A: James Sheehan writes every day, for several hours, and aims to complete a set number of pages each day. He writes longhand and then types up his work later.
Q: How does James Sheehan research for his books?
A: James Sheehan spends a lot of time on research and has been known to visit the places where his books are set to get a better understanding of the setting and the culture.
Q: How does James Sheehan balance his law and writing career?
A: James Sheehan manages to balance his law and writing career by setting aside specific times for each pursuit and sticking to a strict schedule.
Conclusion
James Sheehan is a talented writer and lawyer whose passion for literature and law has enabled him to weave the two together in a unique and authentic way. His commitment to hard work and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration for aspiring writers and lawyers. As James Sheehan himself puts it, “it’s all about putting in the work.”