An Interview with Rick Mendes

Rick Mendes spent thirty-five years in the technology sector before retiring early to pursue writing full-time. Rick Mendes’ debut novel, Growing Future Operators, draws on his extensive professional experience and explores the intersection of technology, education, and innovation. Set in a fictional city, the novel follows public and Catholic schools competing to become the first to teach DevOps, informed by Rick’s background in software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity.

His second novel, The Chameleon Killer, launches a crime fiction series featuring Detective Alma Rossi of the Hillsford Police Department. Drawing on a lifelong appreciation for crime novels, suspense films, and television thrillers, the series examines justice, morality, and obsession. Atmosphere Press published The Chameleon Killer on January 13, 2026.

Rick’s writing journey began later in his career when he crafted a short story to communicate the value of modernizing his company’s infrastructure. The robust response from colleagues and leadership revealed the power of storytelling and inspired him to merge technical expertise with narrative fiction.

Now a full-time author, Rick writes novels that combine authenticity, depth, and suspense, exploring themes of innovation, human resilience, and the fine line between good and evil.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It was easy once I knew the type of each murder in my book.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I put the cover image on my website as soon as we complete the front cover. It’s a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you receive the first book.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

My mother taught me that reading was fun at an early age. The more I read, the more I wondered if I could write a book. I didn’t expect to become an author after I retired from the technology sector. It took a lifetime, but I now enjoy my retirement as a full-time writer.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity. They would know this based on my protagonist, Alma Rossi, if they read my books. I drink iced coffee daily, no matter the weather.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The developmental editing phase. I thought I brought a good book to Atmosphere. After working with the developmental editor, I had an outstanding book.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I’m Shipping Up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys

Setting the World On Fire by Kenny Chesney

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I want them to notice that my protagonist has a strong faith. That’s at her core. For this book, I need readers who like serial killer stories, crime stories, and thrillers.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on the second Alma Rossi novel. I am also working on developing my protagonist for the second series I plan to add, which will be a heist series.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Working with Atmosphere is fantastic. I used a different publisher for my first book, and they did little for me. Atmosphere lets you purchase the plan that gives you what you want and what you can afford. They provide the full set of resources for editing, proofreading, cover development, and marketing.

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