L-word: As a fan fiction writer myself I know how difficult it is to write a crime novel or suspense thriller. What is the best way for a writer to keep the readers on the edge of the seat so they won’t lose their interest?

 

AH: Hmmm, I am still learning that process but I have a few things that I keep in mind while constructing a story:

1.  Make the characters diverse and muddy.  By muddy, I mean make them have interesting good qualities and bad qualities.  This helps me reveal them in surprising ways.

 

2.  Drop clues and foreshadowing into the writing that force the reader to pause.  Personally, I like stories that encourage me to think ahead.  I want my readers to know just enough about what “might” be coming ahead in the story, but not too much so that they are inclined to keep turning the pages.

L-word: Do you have any specific rituals when you write?

 

AH: My rituals include – lots of coffee and diet sodas.  I also need peace and quiet, so writing in my home is IMPOSSIBLE! (I have three children) I tend to write in libraries and in my office after work hours.

 

L-word: Your sister, Laurel Holloman, who is well known to her fans as Tina Kennard from “The L Word” and who is now a very dedicated and hardworking artist, contributed one of her paintings to be featured on the cover of your novel. How did this collaboration come about?

 

AH: My sister was an early reader of my novel and has been a great source of encouragement for me to continue writing.  When I dusted my novel off in 2011,  she was well on her way to establishing herself in her new career as a painter.  When I told her about the novel being accepted by a publisher, she was very excited and a few days later we were chatting about using one of her paintings for the book’s cover.  I love her style and the mood of her work and we kicked around some ideas on which of her current pieces might work well based on the feel of the novel.  When she sent me a picture of the painting that we chose, it was magical.  Her suggestion fit perfectly with what I had envisioned.  The same thing happened when I showed the painting to my graphic designer, Matt Taft.  He loved it and integrated it into the work that he had already started.  I can’t say enough about how much Matt has contributed, as well as my sister.