Last updated 7 November 2011.

Where can I buy your novels?
They are all available through my publisher's website - www.zeus-publications.com.
I have also just released e-reader friendly versions via www.smashwords.com. This site also contains many of my short stories, which are free to download.

You were short-listed in the 2005 Ned Kelly Awards
Yes. My second novel Static was short-listed for Best Novel and I feel honoured to be mentioned among well-known authors like Tara Moss and Gabrielle Lord for such a prestigious award.

The Ned Kelly Awards
The Crime Writers Association of Australia
August, 2005 (for novels published in 2004)

Best Novel (shortlist)
Lost by Michael Robotham
Static by Randall Longmire
Covet by Tara Moss
Spiking The Girl by Gabrielle Lord
Dangerous Deception by Sandy Curtis
A Hand In the Bush by Jane Clifton
The Domino Game by Greg Wilson
Murder By Manuscript by Steve J. Spears
The Happiness Punch by Kirsty Brooks
Heavenly Pleasures by Kerry Greenwood
No Trace by Barry Maitland
Private Dicks and Feisty Chicks by Cathy Cole
Queen Of the Flowers by Kerry Greenwood

When will your next novel be available?
Of Poisoned Minds is available now. My fourth novel is in progress. I'm about 40,000 words into it. I plan on completing the first draft by September 2012.

 How long does it take you to write a book?
I can take about 12 to 18 months to finish a manuscript. Other writers may take longer, others less. I work full-time and write outside this, so that influences my writing time.

I wrote a children's novella, Able Agents Inc., which is about 20,000 words and hardly took any time at all compared to a full novel. It would depend on the complexity of the story and the amount of detail and research required to make the story work.

Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere. The idea for Elephant Speak came from a National Geographic documentary on elephants. By the way, Elephant Speak is a crime novel and has absolutely nothing to do with elephants. The title is actually a metaphor.

Static; that idea came from a book I was reading on conspiracy theories. I actually thought of it when I was halfway through writing Elephant Speak.

My third, Of Poisoned Minds; I can't really say too much about the inspiration behind the story otherwise I might give it away, however it is based on ancient practices.

If you're intrigued by any of the above you're more than welcome to enter the Book purchases page and order your very own copy.

The idea for Able Agents Inc. came from high school. I had a teacher who would assign creative essay questions as a punishment for messing around and he would pick the most out of this world topics. Hence one day I heard the dreaded words, 'Randall, by tomorrow I want a 1000 word essay explaining why pancakes don't have bones.' You can't buy that sort of inspiration!

How did you strike it lucky with a publisher?
I researched publishers supporting crime fiction, wrote a covering letter and attached the first few chapters of my manuscript (each publishing house has their own submission guidelines). I received a number of rejections, like most successful authors have experienced, however Zeus Publications found merit in my work and offered me a publishing contract.

Favourite authors?
Harlan Coben, Dean Koontz, Gabrielle Lord and Ben Elton.

What are you reading at present?
Any number of books. A Time To Be In Earnest - a biography by P.D. James, which is research for a future novel. I'm also enjoying Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy. I'm currently on to the second 'The Girl who Played With Fire'.

Favourite crime novel?
Lynn Hightower - Flashpoint. What a chilling ending! It literally left me with goosebumps.

Best book you've ever read.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. It is the most beautiful story. Unfortunately the themes within this novel are still evident today.

Are you a full-time author?
No, I have a full-time job and a beautiful family, so any time available to write must be well planned.

Any advice for aspiring authors?
Do it for the right reasons! The money might not flow, but ask yourself; am I in this for the money? Most authors will tell you they would struggle financially if they didn't have an alternative means of income, or a partner on a decent salary.

If that point doesn't create some perspective for you this one might. I once heard someone say that you have two choices in life; aim to be rich or become a novelist.

Are you writing anything at the moment?
Yes, I'm always writing. I'm in the middle of my fourth novel and have a number of other projects on the boil. I also do some freelance feature writing and copywriting/copy editing.

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