Reprisal (38 page)

Q: How often do you write?

A: I try to write every day. Like most authors, I have a “day job” that takes time. It’s important to set a disciplined schedule for writing and so I try to do some writing every day, especially if I’m in the middle of a book. It may only be a few paragraphs for the day, but at least I’ve done some work.

Q: Do you have advice for new writers?

A: Read, read, read!! A good writer is an even better reader. Beyond that, take writing classes from respected schools or writer’s workshops. The value of having direction and an objective assessment of your writing is critical. I know it’ll cost some money, but it’s worth it. Then, you must face the blank page and start to write and keep writing until you have something good enough to interest others. Notice that I didn’t say “sell to others” because I don’t think selling a book is a guarantee that it contains good writing!! Of course, it’s a thrill to actually sell a book to a stranger other than your mother or family member.

Q: Why do you write mysteries and suspense stories?

A: Most writers produce stories that they like to read. It makes sense that if I like suspense novels, I will try to write one. I also love it when readers come up to me and say, “I couldn’t put your book down!” It gives me satisfaction that I’ve hooked them into a great story just like I enjoy getting hooked.

Q: Do you talk to book clubs?

A: Yes!! I love to meet with book clubs…usually the food and wine is great! Book clubs are nice because most of the members have bought/read the book and the discussion can be a lot deeper and interesting.

Q: What are some of the fun things about being a writer?

A: For me, when a reader tells me they enjoyed my books, I get immense satisfaction from that. I feel like I’ve given them something valuable that they appreciate. Also, I’m a curious person and writing gives me the opportunity to poke my nose into things that normally would be none of my business. For instance, in my new book, Fallout, I interviewed data retrieval experts in both the police department and private industry. They are able to get data off of our smart phones for up to two years—even if we’ve deleted the material. Spooky!

Q: Is there a theme to your stories?

A: I believe strongly in tolerance. My stories are populated by people of all different backgrounds, race, and religion. I try to show how these differences are really the norm right now in our country. Even though the press emphasizes how different and polarized we are, I think Americans get along a lot better, on an individual basis, than we realize.

Q: The courtroom scenes seem so real and accurate. Is this a result of your work as a lawyer?

A: Absolutely. I’ve spent over 30 years working as both a prosecutor and a Public Defender. I reveal the “back room” stories—both tragic and hilarious.

Q: Do eBooks worry you in any way?

A: Not at all. I sell many through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In my opinion, any medium that gets more people reading is only positive.

Q: Are you working on a new book?

A: My new book is also a mystery/suspense book that continues the character of Zehra Hassan. In this story, she’s forced to prosecute a serial arsonist that she thinks may be innocent. When several other suspects pop-up, including some who will try to kill her, she must solve the case and save her life.

Websites

Center for Disease Control/ Bioterrorism:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/

New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/washington/24fbi.html?_r=0

New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/us/24terror.html

Center for Disease Control/Small pox

www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/

Table of Contents

Reprisal

Dedication

Copyright © 2010 Colin Nelson

www.northstarpress.com

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Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Thirty-Two

Thirty-Three

Thirty-Four

Thirty-Five

Thirty-Six

Thirty-Seven

Thirty-Eight

Thirty-Nine

Forty

Forty-One

Forty-Two

Forty-Three

Forty-Four

Forty-Five

Acknowledgements

Additional Resources

Discussion Questions For Book Clubs

Interview with Colin T. Nelson

Websites