Skip to content
About Conor Black

I write novels with:

Old-school heroes,Cunning conspiracies,& Artful violence.

The Nate Vigil Thrillers are my bestselling action-packed crime series.

Fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch, Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X, and Barry Eisler’s John Rain will find a lot to enjoy in my fiction. See below for more influences.

Misspent Youth

At age 16 I won the Current Science, science fiction short story contest, and I’ve been writing ever since.

I have a B.S. in Psychology and a master’s degree in Information Science & Technology.

I’ve earned coin as a strength coach, a web designer & e-commerce consultant, and a licensed motor carrier. I sold my company in 2021 to write fiction full-time.

A natural progression.

Writing Influences

In no particular order.

  • Lee Child
  • Chuck Palahniuk
  • Stephen King
  • Don Winslow
  • Gillian Flynn
  • Clive Barker
  • John D. MacDonald
  • Joan Didion
  • Raymond Chandler
  • Bret Easton Ellis
  • Cormac McCarthy
  • Barry Eisler
  • Gregg Hurwitz
  • Joe Ide
  • Dennis Lehane
  • Richard Price
  • Michael Connelly

Plausible Deniability

I realize I “look” like some kind of a redneck Marine, or maybe someone who takes their neighborhood watch duties a little too seriously. Actually, I’m quite chill.

I’m one of the most introverted (and happy) humans you’ll ever meet. I love people, but it’s in solitude that I come alive and recharge. This works out quite well for my creative pursuits, which all require large amounts of time alone.

I’m the opposite of tribal. I don’t choose sides and I’m not on anyone’s team. I prefer to think for myself, one issue at a time, rather than parrot talking points from a politically biased pundit. Sometimes the characters in my novels share political opinions, but I almost never do.

How I Live

I’ve pursued a lot of things. Made a lot of mistakes. But I’ve also made sure to take note of the behaviors that brought me success. I’ve learned from Taoist, Zen, and Stoic philosophies, and filtered their teachings through personal experience. I kept what worked, forgot what didn’t.

Here’s my framework for living a good life:

  1. Awareness

    • Know Thyself
    • Know What's Real
    • Notice Opportunity

  2. Acceptance

    • No Judgment
    • No Attachment
    • No Expectations

  3. Authentic Growth

    • Tend Your Garden
    • Master Your Craft
    • Share The Fruits

What I Love Other Than Writing

My sweet Eve, and I love her most of all.

Things I Enjoy Other Than Writing

Reading, helping other writers improve their craft, lifting weights, mixed martial arts, overlanding, hiking, sailing, fishing, and web design. Also—not gonna lie—I’ve got a pretty sick Toyota Land Cruiser (if Vigil ever gets his driver’s license, maybe this will be his ride).

Conor Black's Toyota Land Cruiser
2005 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Also a Fan of

The Golden State Warriors and recreational iconoclasm.

Pronouns

I’m a writer—all my nouns are professional

~ Conor Black

Now

Updated July 26th, 2026

Now

Writing — Fiction
BLACK PROJECT — A Nate Vigil, Vigilante Thriller. Book 3 [planning ⌖ Fall, 2026. Probably.]
Writing — Nonfiction
The Black Book on Storytelling series (title subject to change).
Launching
“Black & Write → Storytelling Simplified” — a community to master your craft.
Reading
See my Goodreads profile — though I need to update it.
Traveling
Michigan this summer. Ireland in the fall.

Later

Traveling
Spain is worth a visit.

Done

Published
PAIN KILLER — A Nate Vigil, Vigilante Thriller. Book 2 ⌖ Live on Amazon
Published
IN THE WIND — A Nate Vigil, Vigilante Justice Thriller. Book 1 ⌖ Live on Amazon
Published — audiobook
IN THE WIND — Book 1, as of September 25, 2024 ⌖ Live on Audible
Published
VIGIL: A Vigilante Justice Thriller (novella) ⌖ Free on this site
Married
Sweet Eve.
Read
See my Goodreads profile.