By Samuel Donnelly
For the Lacombe Express
Fiction is filled with compelling thrillers from every walk of life, but local Bentley author Richard Cozicar, best known for his Brand Coldwell series, creates exciting thrillers through a local Canadian lens.
The Brand Coldwell novels follow a retired Canadian intelligence agent trying to enjoy his life as a fly fisherman while adventure and danger drag him away from his peaceful life and into the action once again.
Cozicar, grew up on a farm in Vilna, Alta. where he played hockey and worked on his family farm. It’s here that Cozicar developed a love of reading.
Cozicar said he read a lot of thriller novels about American heroes and he wanted Canada to have their own heroes. Some of Cozicar’s favourite novelists include John Grisham and Lee Child.
“Any Jack Reacher is a good idea,” said Cozicar.
When it comes to his prose, however, Cozicar said that Bob Dylan and Billy Joel were other huge influences.
“The way they put their words together is so beautiful,” said Cozicar.
Despite having an interest in writing for most of his life, he didn’t start writing until 2014. After being laid off he decided to sit down and write his first book, Going Silent.
Cozicar later reflected that the writing of his first novel was “surprisingly easy.” His advice is to use the time you have and simply write when you can.
“Just write it. Don’t worry about the rules. It works itself out after a while,” he said.
Since writing his first book he has written three books in the Brand Coldwell series as well as a dystopian novel called The Ice Racer, published in 2017.
When he isn’t working on his writing, Cozicar’s time is spent on his furniture business in Gull Lake, Alta.
Like his protagonist, Cozicar enjoys fly fishing. He says that recently, his favourite spot is Goldeye Lake. He also enjoys spending time with his two children and three granddaughters.
Currently, Cozicar is working on several projects including the release of the next book in the Brand Coldwell series called The Wrong Side of Too Late. Which, according to Cozicar should be out in the next couple of months if the process goes smoothly.
He has also started the followup, which according to Cozicar will take place in Brazil. As of writing, the working title is Dangerous Waters.
He is in the process of rewriting his first novel as well. When asked why, he said now with a little more experience, he would be better able to tell the story he intended to tell.
Cozicar also mentioned that he would one day like to write a science fiction novel, but said that he is naturally disposed to writing thrillers and that writing a sci-fi would require wrapping his head around a different style of creative writing.
When asked what his plans are for the future Cozicar said, “I just want to enjoy life. Maybe go fly fishing.”
Those looking for more on Cozicar, his books, or his blog can find more on his website.