It’s hard for me to remember a time when I didn’t want to be a novelist. I was lucky. I grew up in a family of readers and storytellers. I began to write stories in elementary school and took every English and writing course I could in high school. I studied English literature at university, took a year off to write a book and found I couldn’t write more than a chapter.

I took a long detour. Went to law school in Toronto and graduate school in England, worked as a magazine editor in Paris for an English-speaking magazine named “PASSION,” then came back to Toronto and for six years published and edited my own city magazine, “T.O. THE MAGAZINE OF TORONTO.” I also worked as a film executive and as a producer at CBC Radio.

After all this, I opened my criminal law practice — crime was the only part of law that interested me. The first day I started as a lawyer, I started writing my first novel. That took 10 years, and it never got published. (Until now – see below).

I worked on “OLD CITY HALL” next. It took a decade, and in 2009 I had my first breakthrough. The book was published in nine languages and became an instant bestseller. Since then, I’ve written seven more novels. My newest, “ONE MINUTE MORE,” is that first book that I wrote all those years ago, that I’ve rewritten as a prequel to the series.

All eight novels have been bestsellers and I’m thrilled, and rather amazed, at my growing fan base.

I also work as a screenwriter. I’ve co-written two Murdoch Mysteries and we have now optioned the books for a potential film or TV series.

I’ve always loved teaching. For many years I taught at the Humber Writer’s Correspondence Course, (which I took myself years ago) and now I work exclusively with private students whom I mentor. (Proud to say three have been published.)

I am also a criminal lawyer. My law firm, Rotenberg, Shidlowski, Jesin, handles every kind of criminal case, from shoplifting to murder. We also represent many victims of crime. I’m blessed with wonderful partners and take great pride in the work we do.

Often people ask me: Why pursue both careers? The answer is easy — being a writer makes me a better lawyer and being a lawyer makes me a better writer. Both are about the endlessly fascinating journey that people go through in their lives. People. That’s the story that I strive to tell.

Especially important to me is the support I am blessed to receive from readers all over the world. I have done more than a hundred book readings, book clubs etc. I love talking about writing. Get in touch if your group is interested.

Most of all I love getting your emails. Write to me and I promise that, even though it might take a few days, I’ll always write you back.

Best and keep reading,

Robert Rotenberg