Rising Stars: Meet Mike Rothmiller of Greater Phoenix area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Rothmiller

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a police officer in Los Angeles for ten years working as a patrol training officer, vice enforcement officer, patrol supervisor and five years as a deep undercover detective investigating the Mafia and political corruption. As an undercover detective I saw there was never a shortage of corrupt politicians and some corrupt cops.

I left the police department to become a TV reporter in San Diego and that lead to hosting and producing my own series for ESPN and international markets. I travelled extensively during my TV productions. Not fond of the travel requirements I quit TV production and accepted a senior executive position at Sony Electronics heading three divisions.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As one can imagine, I encountered may obstacles and difficulties in police work. There were times when a high ranking officer asked me to disregard certain crimes. This is not unusual and happens in all law enforcement agencies.

At times I was able to overcome their objections. At times I had to walk close an investigation on their orders. It was disheartening.

In my other occupations I occasionally encountered struggles, but they were overcome. At times, a co-workers ego presented an unnecessary roadblock. I overcame most of them by discussing the situation with the person and offering to include them in the decision-making process. However, there were times as a senior executive I would hear them out, but I could not accept their input. I would always explain my decision to them. Some accepted it and others did not.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was a police officer in Los Angeles for ten years. I was a patrol training officer, vice enforcement officer, patrol supervisor and spent my last five years as a deep undercover detective investigating the Mafia and political corruption.

I left the police department to become a TV reporter in San Diego and that lead to hosting and producing my own series for ESPN and international markets. I travelled extensively during my TV productions. Not fond of the travel requirements I quit TV production and accepted a senior executive position at Sony Electronics heading three divisions.

After leaving TV producing, I met a literary agent and discussed an idea I had for a book. He was somewhat interested and sent the proposal to several major publishers. Some publishers dismissed the idea as not worth their time. However, several others liked the story and Pocket Books quickly signed me to a contract. That book was a New York Times Bestseller. As a result, I retired from the corporate world in 2003 and have devoted my time to writing books. The TV/Movie rights to three of my books have been optioned. A side note to my writing is that I must have an interest in the subject or I won’t have the desire to spend the time in research and writing.

My specialty and interests are in writing nonfiction and true crime. I’d never attempt to write a romance novel.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In nonfiction writing accuracy is the most important factor I follow. It is a must in my books. Without accuracy a nonfiction book is not credible, and a reader will quickly dismiss it.