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Jennifer’s Interrogation of 20 Questions

Thank you to everyone who has read Compulsion. I appreciate all my reviews, support, and feedback from fans.

I receive all types of questions about my writing and Compulsion. Here’s a quick highlight:

1. What writers or books have inspired you?

There are so many great books and writers out there. I’ve especially enjoyed finding new authors and networking. If I had to pick the writers that have inspired me over the years, it would be Dean Koontz (wonderful good versus evil and horror stories), Jeffrey Deaver (fantastic Lincoln Rhyme novels), and John Douglas (opening my eyes to the true crime genre and profiling of serial killers).

2. What books made an impression on you as a child?

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene made a big impression on me as a child. I still love these books today.

3. Do you write more during the day or at night?

I write mostly during the day, especially the morning. I like to keep a regular sleeping schedule if at all possible. It helps to keep me focused on my projects and well rested.

4. Do you prefer a desktop or laptop computer?

I have both, but I mainly write from my desktop computer. When I’m getting restless and want a change of scenery, I will take my laptop outdoors.

5. What’s your favorite genre?

Thrillers of course! Actually, I really enjoy any type of mystery, paranormal, or horror story too.

6. What’s your favorite food?

Without a doubt, Italian food is my favorite.

7. Do you prefer cats or dogs?

I love animals, but I’m definitely a dog person with two high-energy Labradors. I also have two funny cats that help round out the crew.

8. How long did it take you to write Compulsion?

I thought about the story for quite a while, but the actual writing time up to submitting it to the publisher was about eight months.

9. What inspired you to write Compulsion?

My inspiration for Compulsion is really three-fold. First, my love for writing and wanting to complete a thriller novel has been the main driving force. Second, my academic background in forensics and criminology actually gave me the confidence to write about serial killers and related crime scene investigations. And finally, it was my first hand experience living next door to a psychopathic individual with violent tendencies that consistently threatened my life for more than two years, along with my interaction with local law enforcement. But, this bad experience gave me first-hand exposure and a great jumping off point to begin planning the characters for my first book.

10. Do you outline your stories?

Yes, I spend time working out a complete outline of my story. It’s more like a choppy first draft of my book. Then I write the actual manuscript and it flows along like a breeze. It’s a great process for me!

11. What is surrounding you on your desk right now?

A ton of books both read and unread, research books and notes, miscellaneous papers, various articles, several sizes of spiral notebooks with more notes, pens, several colors of highlighters, and of course my two loyal Labradors at my feet.

12. What’s your writing schedule?

I generally write everyday, except Sunday. I try to begin my writing day as early as I can because I seem to be more productive before lunch. I also try to break up the long day with a walk with my dogs, aerobic exercise, or something outdoors to refresh my mind.

13. What’s your favorite part of research?

I don’t dread research at all because I like learning something new I didn’t know before. And I always enjoy talking with a variety of forensic experts in the law enforcement profession.

14. What do you do if you get writer’s block?

I really don’t get writer’s block per se. What sometimes plagues me instead is if a scene or character isn’t working out in the story. It’s more frustrating than anything else. I like to take a little bit of time to get outdoors and enjoy a nice walk, go to the beach and enjoy the waves, or take some photographs. This helps to calm my overactive creative mind and then I can refocus on my project when I return to my computer.

15. Are characters in Compulsion based on any “real” people?

I have to smile when I hear this question. My characters are generally a combination of people I’ve observed or met in my life along with my imagination. Some may resemble an actual person, but this is purely coincidental. However, I’ve met quite a few of interesting and inspiring characters in my journey.

16. What’s your favorite meal during your writing time?

Chicken, apple, and walnut salad.

17. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

The first time I ever saw a book.

18. What book are you reading right now?

The Good Guy by Dean Koontz.

19. If you weren’t a writer, what profession would you choose?

It would have to be in the psychology or criminology field with a law enforcement agency like the FBI.

20. What can we expect to see next?

My second Emily Stone novel will be out later this year and she has her hands full trying to track down a high-tech serial killer. I’m also outlining more thriller novels and I’m working on a possible paranormal thriller project as well. On the back burner for now is a true crime that I want to write. I’m keeping busy!

Be sure to check out the adventures of Emily Stone in Compulsion and I look forward to receiving your comments and questions.

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