Richard A. Danzig is an attorney and novelist whose Chance Cormac legal thriller series draws on courtroom settings and fictional investigations to explore legal , ethical, and personal questions. His first novel, Facts Are Stubborn Things was recognized as a finalist in Best Thrillers.com’s 2004 Best Thriller Awards, and Against All Odds continues the series with new legal and human challenges. In this interview, Danzig discusses his writing journey, the development of his recurring characters, and the creative process behind the latest novel while reflecting on the experiences that continue to shape his work.

Richard, thank you for joining us. To begin, would you introduce yourself to our readers, tell us about your professional background, what you do today, and what continues to motivate your work?

A: Thank you for the invitation. I live in Ridgefield, Connecticut, with my wife. I am an attorney, author, and artist. I have written four books in the Chance Cormac Legal Thriller series. The most recent book, Against All Odds, was published in 2026. I am motivated by the social and personal issues confronted by the characters in my books.

Against All Odds is the fourth installment in your legal thriller series. How has your approach to writing the series and its central characters evolved since the first book?

A: I believe my books write themselves. The stories evolve through the characters and challenges in their lives. New characters are added and they are featured independently of Chance Cormac.

Chance Cormac has now appeared across multiple novels. What aspects of his character have remained constant, and what have you intentionally allowed to change over time?

A: Chance is a skilled and ethical litigator who firmly believes in the justice system. A lapsed Catholic, he still struggles with spiritual issues in living his life. Over the course of time in the novels, Chance is confronted with corruption in the government and legal system and loses his faith in his profession and himself.

Your latest novel brings together legal proceedings, personal relationships, and multiple storylines. How did you approach balancing those elements while maintaining a cohesive story?

A: Each character now has a full backstory and their own voice. They have had longstanding relationships and are very personally involved in each other’s lives. There is always a legal element even in the most difficult personal challenges. The pieces complete the full puzzle.

Readers often appreciate fiction that explores universal themes through compelling stories. What themes in Against All Odds were most important for you to examine, and why did they resonate with you?

A: The illegal arrest and detention of immigrants by ICE. The billion-dollar industry of gambling on online video games through offshore casinos and the fixing of these games. Money laundering. Cyberbullying and the damage and distress experienced by young victims. Spirituality. Reconciliation.

Many authors develop unique research and writing routines. What did your preparation for Against All Odds involve, and were there any discoveries during the process that influenced the process?

A: My writing process is to write 4 to 5 hours each morning. I am fortunate in that I have an excellent editor and send her a draft each day, which is edited and returned to me by the morning. I did research on Lebanon, ICE, the infamous CECOT prison, cash video game competitors, the writings of St. Aquinas, and the Via Francigena pilgrimage. I learned that hope can conquer hate.

Throughout your writing career, what milestones, recognitions, or accomplishments stand out most to you, and what have those experiences meant from your perspective?

A: I am most gratified when I read reviews where my books have resonated with reviewers and readers and they appreciate the deeply personal themes. I am very proud that my books have been best sellers on Amazon and have received various awards.

Looking across the four books in the series, what have you learned about sustaining a long-form fictional world and keeping both returning novels?

A: Each book stands alone. The book permits the characters to develop who they are and the challenges they face in their lives. The past personal relationships are easily understood.

Each book presents its own creative challenges. What did writing Against All Odds teach you about that differed from your experience with earlier works?

A: Against All Odds was a deeply personal book. Many issues concerning cancer, cyberbullying, depression, therapy, and loss of faith I have experienced in my life.

As you look ahead, what kinds of stories or creative goals would you like to pursue next, and how do you see your work continuing to develop?

I am writing two children’s books for my grandchildren. I am contemplating writing a book called Justice, where Wendell “Justice” Holmes will be the protagonist.

Related

Editorial Review: “Against All Odds” by Richard A. Danzig