This is the first Author interview for 2017 - and I am featuring bestselling mystery author Carolyn Arnold.
1. Whenyou firstbegin writinga newbook, is your mainfocus on the charactersor theplot?
I’dhave tosay it’s really a blend of both. I approachwriting abook withoutan outlineand withmerely anidea ofthe storyline. Oftentimes, Idon’teven knowthe identityof thekiller untilmy characterswork throughthe investigation. Both thecharacters andthe plotare strengthenedthrough theediting process.
2. Whydo youwrite withinyour chosengenre?
I lovethe logicalprogression andintrigue thatgoes withthe mysterygenre. Thefact thatI loveto readmysteries andwatch crimedramas hasalso madewriting inthe genreonly amatter oftime.
3. Howmuch researchdo youdo? Whatis yourapproach?
As anauthor ofpolice andFBI procedurals, a lotof researchgoes intoeach ofmy books. I needto knowhow reallife policeor FBIwould handlesituations, havean understandingof forensicsand weapons, as wellas agrasp ofthe humanaspect—theinteraction betweendepartments oflaw enforcementand withina department.
I’mgrateful tohave contactsfrom lawenforcement whoare generousin sharingtheir wisdomand experiencewith me.
4. Whenin theday do you usuallywrite?
It usedto alwaysbe themorning, butthat’snot alwaysthe caseanymore.
5. Where doyou feelmost inspiredto write? Describe yourwriting environment. Do youlisten tomusic whileyou writeor doyou prefersilence?
Oh, Ilove workingin myoffice forthe mostpart, butsometimes duringthe summer, I’lltake mylaptop outsideand writeon mypatio.
