Thirteen years as a police officer patrolling the dark side of the city streets inspired Lowen Clausen to write three books he says don't fit the typical mold of detective or mystery novels.

"My stories are about characters and individuals as much as it is about solving a crime. I focus on the characters who show up, even the minor characters. I like to write about their lives," said Ballard-local Clausen.

"First Avenue" was published in 2000, followed by "Second Watch" in 2003 and "Third and Forever" in 2004. Initially self-published by his own Silo Press, all three books have been printed in soft cover by Penguin Putnam.

Clausen's experience with the Seattle Police Department gave him plenty of stories to incorporate in his books. Although he did some writing when he was a policeman, he did not take any notes or write anything down. He used his off duty time to get his mind away from his police work.

The introduction of female officers in the department left an impression on Clausen. The first women officers were assigned to special functions like juvenile and the sex crimes division.

In his tenth year with the department, women officers began working with men in the field. He worked with some of the first women to work city beats and this influenced the characters he included in "Second Watch," and "Third and Forever."

In "Second Watch," Clausen created officers Katherine Murphy and Grace Stevens. The two women were assigned to the Ballard neighborhood and the story incorporated the Ballard Building, Ballard Avenue and local Norwegian businesses.

Women were not well accepted by male officers at first. They felt that women could not do the job, especially when working together in a pair without a male partner.

Unlike some of his peers, Clausen found the women officers quite capable, strong and able to deal with situations differently than men.

"Those who knew them, worked with them, did not feel that way," said Clausen.

Murphy's character was influenced by one of the women Clausen worked with. Stevens is the primary character in "Third and Forever."

The storyline is about a sexual assault committed by a college football player and Stevens "unmasking a dangerous stalker."

Clausen and his wife divide their time between Seattle and their other home in St. Paul, Nebraska. "It's and easy occupation to have. Have pen will travel," he said.

Clausen is now working on a fourth book that is not crime related.

The book is about a rancher in Western Nebraska's Sand Hill Country. He loses his son in a horse riding accident. The ranch was a tradition in the family, started by his grandfather 100 years ago. He began to question if it was worth it to stay in the ranching business after going through the tragedy.

The man decided to sell the ranch and bought a kayak with plans to paddle down a river to see where it ends up. Perhaps it leads to the ocean, Clausen says.

Clausen's fans will have to wait until the book is published to see where the rancher's journey takes him.

Visit www.lowenclausen.com to read samples of Clausen's books.