Connecticut Muse
Spotlight on Chris Knopf

Chris Knopf has enjoyed writing fiction for most of his adult life, but has only recently begun to figure out the mysterious world of publishing.  With the release of his first novel The Last Refuge: A Tale of Money and Murder in the Hamptons in 2004, Knopf became a published author for the first time at the tender age of 54.  But it took a bit of encouragement on the part of his agent, Mary Jack Wald, who convinced him that his manuscript was indeed worth rewriting, before he even considered the undertaking.  His manuscript ultimately found a home at The Permanent Press, a small boutique publishing company located in Sag Harbor, New York.  And in June, The Permanent Press released Knopf’s second novel, Two Time, a sequel to The Last Refuge.

Knopf is not completely convinced of his newfound status as author, however, despite several excellent reviews from Library Journal and other publications; he is nonetheless currently working on a third “Sam Acquillo Hamptons Mystery” hoping that readers will continue to enjoy his mysteries which feature the hard-boiled but extremely likeable Sam Acquillo.  Knopf notes, however, that regardless of the success of his novels, he plans to continue writing in any event, because that is his great passion. 

He also happens to have a fairly busy “day job” as a partner at Mintz & Hoke, a well respected advertising agency in Avon, the town in which he and his wife, Mary Farrell, reside during the week.  On weekends, he and Farrell, also a partner at Mintz & Hoke, head for the Hamptons.  It is here on the porch of his second home that Knopf derives inspiration for the exploits of the many intriguing characters that populate Sam Acquillo’s world. 

Despite his lack of serious ambitions to become a published author, Knopf always had a number of manuscripts in progress, hoping of course that one day he might get published, but not entirely sure that it would ever happen.  This did not dissuade him from continuing to write, though.  He admits that he is a bit of a compulsive when it comes to writing.  “I am always writing when I’m off.  I’ve always got all kinds of things cooking and a bunch of other ideas and concepts,” Knopf remarked.

Reflecting on the nature of the publishing business in general, Knopf says that in many ways it is a lot like advertising: they are both crazy industries.  Interestingly, many of the strategies he has employed as part of his advertising work over the years have found their way into his philosophy about writing.  For instance, he is a firm believer in perseverance – it is one of the hallmarks of the advertising world.  “That’s a part of the training of the business I’m in – you just can’t ever give up,” Knopf explained.  Based on his own experience of having a book published later in life, he encourages would-be writers to avoid becoming discouraged, and to keep trying, even in the face of rejection.

The author relates that another important facet of his experience working in the field of marketing communications which transferred to his writing career is the need to get customer feedback.  Knopf commented, “I want people to read my books so I can try to keep doing this.  I really want to know what people think - I’m eager to hear.”  And we may be eager to tell him, as he writes an engaging murder mystery with colorful, offbeat characters, a suspenseful story line with unexpected twists and turns and a surprise ending that does not disappoint.  In all likelihood, Knopf will be delighted by reader responses.  He might just indulge us by writing a few more.  Let’s hope so.

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