Can you shed some light on your latest book, “This Is Why We Lied”, published by HarperCollins?
The novel is a captivating mystery taking place at an isolated retreat named McAlpine Lodge, where a couple, Will and Sara, are celebrating their honeymoon. Suddenly, murder enters the scene.
Does the history of domestic abuse suffered by your own grandmother in any way influence the plot?
Indeed, there’s a main character in my novel who, much like my grandmother, is a victim of abuse by her ex-spouse while her family are either unwilling or unable to intervene or even admit to the existence of the abuse.
Your early life in the late 1970s and early 1980s was marked by the terror of the Atlanta Child Murderer who took the lives of 28 individuals. Has this influenced your journey as a writer?
Certainly, living through that period sparked my curiosity in criminal activity, the reasons people engage in such harmful acts and the significant impact this can have on one’s world.
You used to suffer from severe allergies which forced you to remain mostly indoors. Did this contribute to your passion for books and reading?
Unquestionably! My father often left me at the library where I passed hours engrossed in various books, and also dove in the relief of air conditioning.
You’ve referred to your crafted work as “socially conscious storytelling”, can you elaborate?
Through my storytelling, I aim to depict the powerful impact a single act of violence can have, sending waves of change throughout the lives touched by the victim.
Given that you’ve described your style as “big commercial fiction”, how do you define a strong story?
For me, a good story is like a puzzle, each falling piece incites a thrill in the reader as they are gradually pieced together.
You’ve championed libraries by creating the non-profit, Save the Libraries. Why do you feel so strongly about this?
Libraries are invaluable resources. Witnessing funding cuts and closures feels particularly harsh and short-sighted from my perspective.
How do you handle the matter of violence within your storytelling?
I place importance on providing victims with a voice, a belief forged from my grandmother’s experience where silence only emboldened her oppressor.
Can you talk about the pros and cons of creating a series?
The rewards of a series are akin to revisiting old friends, while the challenge lies in finding a fresh angle we haven’t explored before.
To what degree do you take part in the TV adaptations of your written work?
My work with the writing team of Will Trent has been harmonious; they’ve been respectful in seeking my input. Also, playing Will, Ramon Rodriguez, is committed to accurately portraying the character. I’m thoroughly enamoured with the cast and the series itself.
Majority of your creations are deeply rooted in your home state, Georgia. Can you give a brief description?
Atlanta is a city exuding diversity and Georgia, its state, boasts many quaint towns and spectacular mountain landscapes that make it an ideal setting for a murder story. As for the television series ‘Atlanta’, I consider its creator, Donald Glover, as nothing short of brilliant. His knack for scriptwriting across music and film genres is truly remarkable.
My stand-alone novels, such as the Edgar-winning Cop Town, were conceived out of a different kind of narrative tension compared to the ones in my Will Trent novels. On the topic of sequels, I am entertaining the thought of advancing my characters into the 1980s era but have not started yet.
My usual writing period ranges from September to February, where I devote two weeks per month to solitary writing in a cabin nestled in the mountains. Naturally, extensive planning for the plot is carried out in my head prior to writing so when I sit down to pen it, I’m just connecting the dots.
I hold a belief that every author has their unique writing process and there’s no wrong method. As for my own projects, I’m particularly thrilled about my forthcoming stand-alone novel and afterwards, I’ll proceed with another Will Trent piece. Additionally, I’m also gradually venturing into the television realm, hoping it would be well-received.
Reflecting back, speaking at Andalusia, Flannery O’Connor’s residence, was a literary pilgrimage of sorts for me and an awe-inspiring experience to see her living and working quarters. A nugget of wisdom I’ve held onto is to pen a book that you’d enjoy reading. As for my greatest admiration, it would be my ninth-grade English teacher.
In a hypothetical situation where I’m ruler, I’d implement a law that cupcakes should be mandatory and devoid of any calories. For recommendations, ‘What You Leave Behind’ by Wanda Morris, ‘For All Mankind’ series on Apple, and ‘Serial’ season 3 are my current favourites. Like many around the world, Covid’s has vastly impacted me. The most extraordinary place I’ve journeyed to still remains undisclosed.
Experiencing the profound beauty of swimming in Iceland’s frigid Silfra was a truly remarkable instance in my life. When it comes to cherished possessions, my cat Dexter comes out on top, considering the fact that reality leans more towards him owning me. The most aesthetically pleasing book in my collection? A primary edition of Wuthering Heights undoubtedly takes that spot.
As for my fantasy dinner party, I’d extend invitations to Flannery O’Connor, Mary Shelley, Emily Dickinson, Emily Brontë, and Dorothy Parker so we could collectively mock those absent from the gathering. Discussing home, it’s a battle between the unbearable heat and the mouthwatering cuisine, with the latter being the undeniable winner.
My preferred quote? “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have never forgotten this.” by Terry Pratchett. As for the title of my admired fictional character, there’s a draw between Elizabeth Bennett, Jo March and Ellen Ripley.
Barbara Gowdy’s Mister Sandman never fails in stimulating laughter, it’s honestly very impressive. Looking for a touching read? Young Mungo penned by Douglas Stuart recently managed to move me to tears with its resonating power.