Who is Melinda James? A Character Interview

Starting tomorrow, September 2, 2016, you can read Melinda’s Story for 99 CENTS!

I've been posting and tweeting and facebooking about Melinda James. I'm getting emails from people--some I know, others I don't--asking who is Melinda James? To answer that question, I've brought Melinda James here today. She will answer the question and give you some enlightening information about why you should get to know her. In my opinion--I am her creator--she's an enigma. Yes, even to me.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Melinda James:

QueenWriter (QW): Melinda, I've been asked by several people who you are. Can you please tell everyone?

Melinda James (MJ): I was created by Starr Gardinier. I'm simply a fictional character.

QW: There must be more you can tell your readers.

MJ: There's a lot I can tell you. Okay, I'll give you a glimpse into my life. That should more than explain why I've been breathed into existence.

As you know, my name is Melinda James. My childhood growing up was pretty typical. That is, until I reached my teenage years. That's when everything started going downhill. I know some of the first things some thought about are typical teenage problems: zits, too fat, other kids making fun, bullies. God, how I wish that's all it was. 

My problems started and ended with death. Not mine, mind you, but some people very close to me. It's a wonder I didn't end up in an insane asylum. Oh wait...I did. Well, to put it simply, death made me crazy. At least, that's what everyone thought. Was I crazy? Am I still crazy?

QW: Are you?

MJ: Crazy? No. At least, my best friends Beth and Trent say I'm not. Even Felicity sees how normal I am. Then again, Dr. Leever might argue with those assumptions.

Anyway, to tell you who I really am, we have to go back in time to when I was thirteen....

***

I tried to tell them it was going to happen, but nobody would listen. They all said I was just having bad dreams, or that I was crazy.

It started at my father’s funeral. It’s been so long since it first began, about eight years ago. Sometimes though, it seems like yesterday. My father was there. No, I don’t mean just in the casket. He was there. He talked to me, begged me to tell Mom that we all needed to run and hide. He said we were all in danger.

I asked him why he didn’t tell Mom himself. He said he tried, but she wasn’t listening. I heard him fine. But I didn’t believe him. Why would we be in danger? We can’t just up and leave. My friends are all here in Beaumont. When I told him that, he said it was important, that it was a matter of life and death. He seemed so worried, but I was so confused, I blew him off.

I guess when it first happened I didn’t pay any heed to his warning. We went on with our lives. Mom was grief stricken, my brother Kyle was in his own world playing videos and I was trying to shut my father out of my mind. Was I going crazy? What was wrong with me? Dad was dead, but I could still see and hear him.

If I tell you the story, will you believe me?

***

QW: Wait. So you're saying your father was dead and he talked to you from the grave?

MJ: From the grave, from wherever. He called it the "Other Side."

QW: Have you been to this "Other Side?"

MJ: Now, you're jumping the gun. I'll answer and say yes, but it's Trent who will tell you that story later on. Starr created him, too and you'll read about him in "The Other Side: Trent's Story." It would be an injustice to Trent to try and explain him to you. Talk about an enigma. I'm like an open book, pun intended, whereas Trent...well, let's just say, Starr really crossed to the "Other Side" to create him.

QW; Is there anything else you can tell us?

MJ: I would love to, but I can't. Starr would be very upset if I told you everything. Just read "The Other Side: Melinda's Story" and you'll have your answers.

QW: Thank you for joining us today, Melinda. It was nice speaking with you.

If you want to know even more about Melinda James, click on any of the links below:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bi0EIk

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aCiTXT

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b5xQhY

All Romance Books: http://bit.ly/2b5yOdX

Bookstrand: http://bit.ly/2aTVTT9

Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/2b9vK4B

Stay tuned for an in-depth interview with Trent Miller.

HAPPY READING!

Who is Melinda James? A Character Interview

Starting tomorrow, September 2, 2016, you can read Melinda’s Story for 99 CENTS!

I've been posting and tweeting and facebooking about Melinda James. I'm getting emails from people--some I know, others I don't--asking who is Melinda James? To answer that question, I've brought Melinda James here today. She will answer the question and give you some enlightening information about why you should get to know her. In my opinion--I am her creator--she's an enigma. Yes, even to me.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Melinda James:

QueenWriter (QW): Melinda, I've been asked by several people who you are. Can you please tell everyone?

Melinda James (MJ): I was created by Starr Gardinier. I'm simply a fictional character.

QW: There must be more you can tell your readers.

MJ: There's a lot I can tell you. Okay, I'll give you a glimpse into my life. That should more than explain why I've been breathed into existence.

As you know, my name is Melinda James. My childhood growing up was pretty typical. That is, until I reached my teenage years. That's when everything started going downhill. I know some of the first things some thought about are typical teenage problems: zits, too fat, other kids making fun, bullies. God, how I wish that's all it was. 

My problems started and ended with death. Not mine, mind you, but some people very close to me. It's a wonder I didn't end up in an insane asylum. Oh wait...I did. Well, to put it simply, death made me crazy. At least, that's what everyone thought. Was I crazy? Am I still crazy?

QW: Are you?

MJ: Crazy? No. At least, my best friends Beth and Trent say I'm not. Even Felicity sees how normal I am. Then again, Dr. Leever might argue with those assumptions.

Anyway, to tell you who I really am, we have to go back in time to when I was thirteen....

***

I tried to tell them it was going to happen, but nobody would listen. They all said I was just having bad dreams, or that I was crazy.

It started at my father’s funeral. It’s been so long since it first began, about eight years ago. Sometimes though, it seems like yesterday. My father was there. No, I don’t mean just in the casket. He was there. He talked to me, begged me to tell Mom that we all needed to run and hide. He said we were all in danger.

I asked him why he didn’t tell Mom himself. He said he tried, but she wasn’t listening. I heard him fine. But I didn’t believe him. Why would we be in danger? We can’t just up and leave. My friends are all here in Beaumont. When I told him that, he said it was important, that it was a matter of life and death. He seemed so worried, but I was so confused, I blew him off.

I guess when it first happened I didn’t pay any heed to his warning. We went on with our lives. Mom was grief stricken, my brother Kyle was in his own world playing videos and I was trying to shut my father out of my mind. Was I going crazy? What was wrong with me? Dad was dead, but I could still see and hear him.

If I tell you the story, will you believe me?

***

QW: Wait. So you're saying your father was dead and he talked to you from the grave?

MJ: From the grave, from wherever. He called it the "Other Side."

QW: Have you been to this "Other Side?"

MJ: Now, you're jumping the gun. I'll answer and say yes, but it's Trent who will tell you that story later on. Starr created him, too and you'll read about him in "The Other Side: Trent's Story." It would be an injustice to Trent to try and explain him to you. Talk about an enigma. I'm like an open book, pun intended, whereas Trent...well, let's just say, Starr really crossed to the "Other Side" to create him.

QW; Is there anything else you can tell us?

MJ: I would love to, but I can't. Starr would be very upset if I told you everything. Just read "The Other Side: Melinda's Story" and you'll have your answers.

QW: Thank you for joining us today, Melinda. It was nice speaking with you.

If you want to know even more about Melinda James, click on any of the links below:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bi0EIk

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aCiTXT

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b5xQhY

All Romance Books: http://bit.ly/2b5yOdX

Bookstrand: http://bit.ly/2aTVTT9

Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/2b9vK4B

Stay tuned for an in-depth interview with Trent Miller.

HAPPY READING!

Who is Melinda James? A Character Interview

First, I have to say that you will want to read this entire posting. There's an unveiling below. And don't skip to the end just to see it!

I've been posting and tweeting and facebooking about Melinda James. I'm getting emails from people--some I know, others I don't--asking who is Melinda James? To answer that question, I've brought Melinda James here today. She will answer the question and give you some enlightening information about why you should get to know her. In my opinion--I am her creator--she's an enigma. Yes, even to me.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Melinda James:

QueenWriter (QW): Melinda, I've been asked by several people who you are. Can you please tell everyone?

Melinda James (MJ): I was created by Starr Gardinier. I'm simply a fictional character.

QW: There must be more you can tell your readers.

MJ: There's a lot I can tell you. Okay, I'll give you a glimpse into my life. That should more than explain why I've been breathed into existence.

As you know, my name is Melinda James. My childhood growing up was pretty typical. That is, until I reach my teenage years. That's when everything started going downhill. I know some of the first things you're thinking are typical teenage problems: zits, too fat, other kids making fun, bullies. God, how I wish that's all it was. 

My problems started and ended with death. Not mine, mind you, but some people very close to me. It's a wonder I didn't end up in an insane asylum. Oh wait...I did. Well, to put it simply, death made me crazy. At least, that's what everyone thought. Was I crazy? Am I still crazy?

QW: Are you?

MJ: Crazy? No. At least, my best friends Beth ad Trent say I'm not. Even Felicity sees how normal I am. Then again, Dr. Leever might argue with those assumptions.

Anyway, to tell you who I really am, we have to go back in time to when I was thirteen....

***

I tried to tell them it was going to happen, but nobody would listen. They all said I was just having bad dreams, or that I was crazy.

It started at my father’s funeral. It’s been so long since it first began, about eight years ago. Sometimes though, it seems like yesterday. My father was there. No, I don’t mean just in the casket. He was there. He talked to me, begged me to tell Mom that we all needed to run and hide. He said we were all in danger.

I asked him why he didn’t tell Mom himself. He said he tried, but she wasn’t listening. I heard him fine. But I didn’t believe him. Why would we be in danger? We can’t just up and leave. My friends are all here in Beaumont. When I told him that, he said it was important, that it was a matter of life and death. He seemed so worried, but I was so confused, I blew him off.

I guess when it first happened I didn’t pay any heed to his warning. We went on with our lives. Mom was grief stricken, my brother Kyle was in his own world playing videos and I was trying to shut my father out of my mind. Was I going crazy? What was wrong with me? Dad was dead, but I could still see and hear him.

If I tell you the story, will you believe me?

***

QW: Wait. So you're saying your father was dead and he talked to you from the grave?

MJ: From the grave, from wherever. He called it the "Other Side."

QW: Have you been to this "Other Side?"

MJ: Now, you're jumping the gun. I'll answer and say yes, but it's Trent who will tell you that story later on. Starr created him, too and you'll read about him in "The Other Side: Trent's Story." It would be an injustice to Trent to try and explain him to you. Talk about an enigma. I'm like an open book, pun intended, whereas Trent...well, let's just say, Starr really crossed to the "Other Side" to create him.

QW; Is there anything else you can tell us?

MJ: I would love to, but I can't. Starr would be very upset if I told you everything. Just read "The Other Side: Melinda's Story" and you'll have your answers.

QW: Thank you for joining us today, Melinda. It was nice speaking with you.

If you want to know even more about Melinda James, click on any of the links below:

http://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Melindas-Story-ebook/dp/B013Y0GIXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440537762&sr=1-1&keywords=the+other+side%3A+Melinda%27s+story&pebp=1440537767102&perid=1DQKT7S3FBXYHMVQZPWK

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-other-side-melinda-s-story-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-other-side-starr-gardinier/1122527380?ean=2940151148344

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theothersidemelinda039sstory-1872915-143.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/melindas-story

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6372

Starting tomorrow, September 18, 2015, you'll be so engrossed in Melinda's Story, you'll be begging to read Trent's, which is due out soon.

Now for the unveiling

Drum roll please...

That cover even scares me! The artist at Wild Rose Press did a fantastic job!

And by the way, you guys are the very first to see "The Other Side: Trent's Story" cover art unveiled!

Please comment and answer these simple questions:

1. Are you ready to read Melinda James's story? Did you pre-order?

2. Are you curious yet about what Trent might have to say? Would you like to be put on a list where I can email you when I get Trent's release date?

You can send me  your email privately at sgardinier@queenwriter.com, but please do comment here. 

HAPPY READING!

Welcome Christy Effinger!

Today, I'm pleased to feature author Christy Effinger. Her poetry, fiction, and essays have appeared in various print and online publications.

But today, we're here to talk about her latest novel. Released on August 29, 2014, "Say Nothing of What you See" is a Paranormal New Adult.

Christy offers us some information about this novel.

When her aunt steps off a grain elevator into the emptiness of a prairie evening, Mira Piper loses her one protector. Chloe, her flighty mother, impulsively drags her daughter to Bramblewood, an isolated spiritualist retreat in northern Michigan, run by the enigmatic Dr. Virgil Simon.

Chloe plans to train as a medium, but it's Mira who discovers she can communicate with the dead. When her mother abandons her, Mira discovers a darker aspect to Bramblewood: the seemingly kind doctor has a sinister side and a strange control over his students.

Then one winter's day Troy Farrington arrives, to fulfill his mother's dying wish and deliver her letter to the doctor. But calamity strikes and he finds himself a captive, tended by a sympathetic Mira. Haunted by her dead aunt and desperate to escape Bramblewood, Mira makes a devil's deal with Dr. Simon. But fulfillment comes with a steep cost...betrayal. 

And Christy is generously allowing us to take a peek inside. Here's an excerpt:

“You are absolutely stunning, Mira.”

I stole another glance in the mirror. The material was a rich, shimmery gold that fell from my shoulders in folds of liquid light. It looked like something a Greek goddess might wear. Oh, how I wished the girls from Amberville High School could see me in this dress!

“When you came here,” said Dr. Simon, “I had a vision of you like this. I looked at the girl before me, but I saw the woman you are now.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, gesturing toward the piles of clothes on my bed. “You’ve been so generous. I know you’ve spent a good deal of money on me—”

“Money means nothing,” he interrupted abruptly. “I have more than I could ever spend, more than I know what to do with. Don’t consider the cost.”

His tone was brusque, and I wondered if I had offended him.

But the next moment Dr. Simon smiled. “I think of you as my charity case. You were like a doll thrown out in the garbage. I simply rescued you from the trash, cleaned you up, and dressed you in something decent. But the beauty was present all along.” He touched my cheek. “Here.” Then he touched my forehead. “Here.” Then he touched my chest. “And here.”

I knew he was referring to my heart, but even so, his hand on my chest made my face warm with discomfort.

“You blush so easily,” he laughed. “You’ll never be able hide anything, Mira, with such a transparent face.”

“That’s all right,” I said, taking a small step back. “I don’t have anything to hide.”

"Say Nothing of What you See" can be purchased at:

The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_139&products_id=5772

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Say-Nothing-What-You-See-ebook/dp/B00MW5HTZ0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1409

BN.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/say-nothing-of-what-you-see-christy-effinger/1120219553?ean=2940150511323:

I was able to get in touch with Christy and ask her a few questions. Check out her 'for fun' questions at the end of the interview.

Starr for QueenWriter News (QW): Tell us a bit about your background that we won't find in your bio.

           

Christy Effinger (CE): For as long as I can remember, I have loved the written word. My first job at sixteen was shelving books at the public library. In college, I worked as a writing tutor while majoring in English, and in graduate school I taught freshman composition as part of my master’s degree. After grad school, I taught English for several years at an urban community college. Through all of this, my dream was to one day be a professional writer with a book of my own in print. I am finally living that dream. 

QW: Tell us what inspired you to write "Say Nothing of What You See."

CE: I’ve long been interested in cults, communes, and other fringe groups. The follower mentality perplexes me. Why will some people do whatever they’re told, even to the point of mistreating others? The fascinating thing about humans is that we can rationalize anything.

Say Nothing began as an exploration into power, control, and jealousy—but also love, which is stronger than the other three. Stronger than anything, really.

QW: Other than the synopsis of your book, tell us why you think readers will enjoy it.

CE: A reviewer at Tome Tender called it, “A tale of darkness and despair at the hands of a madman . . . fabulous reading.” I hope readers looking for a suspenseful story set in an eerie atmosphere will enjoy this book.

QW: Your website indicates you also write short works, such as poetry. Where do you get your inspiration for your poetry?

CE: My poetry is much more personal than my fiction. Most of my poems are interpretations or reflections on what happens to me in real life.

QW: What other short works have you written, published or not?

CE: Besides poetry, I’ve written short stories, flash fiction, and short essays. My short work has been published in print and online literary journals. I’ve compiled a list with hyperlinks on my website.

QW: Do you believe in writer's block? If so, has this happened to you? And if so, what do you do to get past it?

CE: I do believe in writer’s block, but I’ve always managed to work through it and find my way again. Writer’s block has never caused me any long-term paralysis. (I hope I didn’t just jinx myself!)

QW: What's next on your writing list? Are you currently penning this or is this in the 'thinking' stage?

CE: I’m currently editing my WIP, so I’ve begun thinking about my next project. It’s still in the planning stage. I hope to begin writing it soon.

For fun:

QW: Complete the following sentence: "If I had one day to do something other than writing, I would ..."

CE: I would spend the day at the beach with my husband, fruity rum drinks, and a good book.

QW: Name two things you hate and two things you love.

CE: I hate soggy bread and being stuck in traffic. I love windy spring days and bubble baths.  

QW: You can bring one book, one movie, and one music CD to a remote island. What would those be?

CE: The book: "Good Poems," an anthology edited by Garrison Keillor. The movie: Young Frankenstein. The CD: Ceremonials by Florence + the Machine. 

Thank you, Christy, for taking time to speak with me and your readers and fans. Christy lives near Indianapolis. If you want to know more about Christy and her work, you can visit her at: 

Website: http://christyeffinger.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/christyeffinger

Tumblr: http://christyeffinger.tumblr.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/christyeffinger

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/christyeffinger

Google+: http://google.com/+christyeffinger

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/christyeffinger

Welcome, Author Chrys Fey!

Today, I am pleased to bring author Chrys Fey to QueenWriter News and her readers and fans. 

Chrys is a lover of rock music just like Dani Hart in "30 Seconds." She tells us that "Whenever she's writing at her desk, headphones are always emitting the sounds of her musical muses--especially that of her favorite band, 30 Seconds to Mars, the inspiration behind the title.

"30 Seconds" is her second eBook with The Wild Rose Press. Her debut, "Hurricane Crimes," is also available on Amazon.

What is "30 Seconds" all about? Here's the inside scoop:

"When a woman finds herself in the middle of a war between a police force and the Mob, 30 SECONDS is a long time."

When Officer Blake Herro agreed to go undercover in the Mob, he thought he understood the risks. But he's made mistakes and now an innocent woman has become their target. He's determined to protect her at all costs.

The Mob's death threat turns Dr. Dani Hart's life upside down, but there is one danger she doesn’t anticipate. As she's dodging bullets, she's falling in love with Blake. With danger all around them, will she and Blake survive and have a happy ending, or will the Mob make good on their threat?

Chrys offered us a look inside the pages:

She panted with fear. What if they see the chest? What if we get caught? What if my breath stinks and I’m breathing right into Officer Hottie’s face? She shut her mouth and let oxygen flow through her nose.

Her eyesight slowly adjusted to the darkness and she could see Officer Herro’s silhouette. His head was turned and he was listening to the thuds of heavy boots getting louder; the intruders were coming their way.

Then the thunder of footsteps sounded right next to them. “There’s no one here, Red,” someone announced.

“Look for documents,” a man ordered, who Dani could only assume was Red. “I want the name of the person I’m going to kill.”

A moment later, there was a reply. “All the mail is addressed to a Dr. Hart.”

Hearing her name said aloud by one of the men who had ransacked her place made her want to gasp. Her mouth fell open and her breath was reversing into her lungs, but before she could make a sound, Officer Herro lowered his lips to hers, silencing her. Stunned, she could only lie beneath him with her eyes wide and her body tense. She couldn’t believe he was kissing her. She wanted to push him back, but knew if she did he might hit the inside of the chest, giving away their hiding place. That was when she realized he was kissing her so she wouldn’t gasp.

She let her body relax. After her initial shock faded, she was able to feel his lips. They were comforting and caused a reaction deep inside her. She couldn’t stop her lips from reacting to his. It was an innocent connection, a soft touch of lips. Until his hand slid from her shoulder to her neck and the kiss deepened into something else.

"30 Seconds" is available for purchase at the following locations:

The Wild Rose Press: 

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5801

NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/30-seconds-chrys-fey/1120324958?ean=2940150711938

KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/30-seconds-1

Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B00N26EU9G

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N26EU9G

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22591698-30-seconds

But what about Chrys? We've heard the information on her latest novel and know where we can get it, but what about the author? Well, I was able to interview her. Here's what she has to say:

QueenWriter (QW): Question for your protagonist: Who do you consider your supporting character? And why?

Chrys Reys (CR): Hello, everyone, Dani Hart here. I am the heroine of Chrys Fey’s novella, "30 Seconds," a story detailing my thrilling account as a target for the Mob. I kid you not. Anyway, I’d say Blake is my supporting character, although he wouldn’t be too happy to hear me say that since he’s the hero and the hunky police officer who “saved” my life. But still, this is my story. He’ll have his own. Oops! I’m not sure if I was supposed to spill that secret...sorry, Chrys!

QW: Tell your readers what inspired you to create “30 Seconds.”

CR: I had a dream where I was spinning in a swivel chair to loud rock music when hands stopped the rotation and lips touched mine. I opened my eyes to find a sexy officer in full uniform who said, “I shouldn’t have done that.” Following his statement, I woke up and pondered a story idea where a woman falls in love with a police officer even though she knows she shouldn’t. Enter Dani and Blake. My dream even made it as a scene in "30 Seconds."

QW: You seem to write in several genres. Which is your favorite and why?

CR: That’s tough. I love romantic-suspense (like "30 Seconds") because it is the best of both worlds, but I also have a passion for the supernatural/paranormal. If I can blend all three into a story, I do.

QW: What is one thing—ie. character trait, style, voice, etc.—that you carry through all of your novels?

CR: All of my heroines are women of steel. I just love tough female characters!

QW: Many authors state a particular character in their book(s) reflect a trait of their own. Do any of your characters show a trait belonging to you?

CR: My heroines (Beth in "Hurricane Crimes" and Dani in "30 Seconds") have my anger. That makes me sound like I have anger management issues (I don’t), but I like to vent my anger through my characters and let them say and do what I won’t say or do. I had a lot of fun doing this with Dani, a witty and sarcastic character with a great sense of humor.

QW: Is there one book or one author that stands out in your mind that may have influenced your writing?

CR: Nora Roberts. From an early age, her books became my sources of reference, and she sort of became an invisible mentor to me.

QW: Other than your blog, is there other marketing you do? What is it?

CR: I utilize Facebook and Goodreads, my favorite social media platforms.

QW: The ‘always’ questions: What’s on your agenda now and in the future? Do you have a new book release you can tell us about?

CR: Well, "30 Seconds" is my newest release, but I hope to publish the sequel to "Hurricane Crimes" at the end of 2015. And since Dani already spilled the beans...I am planning on a prequel to "30 Seconds" from Blake’s perspective.

For fun:

QW: Tell us something fun about you that readers wouldn’t get a chance to know.

CR: I don’t usually listen to rap music, but I can rap all the lyrics to Eminem’s Lose Yourself.

QW: If you have three wishes (rub a genie’s bottle), what would they be?

CR: 1. To adopt.

2. To go to Ireland.

3. To buy my mom a house.

Discover Chrys's writing tips on her blog, and connect with her on Facebook. She loves to get to know her readers! You can find her at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysfey

Blog: www.writewithfey.blogspot.com  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ChrysFey

Please feel free to post any comments here. And if you know of anyone who would like to follow the QueenWriter News' Blog, share the link! I will be having more guest authors appearing soon!

Thank you, Chrys for taking time out of your busy schedule to appear here and to talk to your fans and readers. Much success to you!

The Return of an Author David Swykert

I've had author David Swykert on my blog before and am bringing him back to you. If you are not acquainted with his work, this might help you to get to know it and him:

QueenWriter (QW): Tell us a little about you, David, the person.

David Swykert (DS): I’m a blue collar person from Detroit. I’ve worked as a truck driver, dispatcher, logistics analyst, operations manager, and ten years as a 911 operator, which was the very best job of them all. I have a pretty straight forward style of telling a story. I write a book like you’d watch a movie and put it down on paper. 

QW: Now, tell us a little about the latest book.

DS: The underlying theme in my latest book, "The Death of Anyone," poses the Machiavellian question: Does the end justify the means? I developed this story around an impulsive homicide detective, Bonnie Benham, who wants to use Familial DNA, a search technique not in common use in the United States. Only two states even have a written policy regarding its use, Colorado and California. Many legal analysts believe it violates Fourth Amendment rights which guard against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Bonnie is a no-nonsense cop who describes herself as a blond with a badge and a gun. She has her own answer to the ethical use of Familial DNA, but the actual legality of its use will be determined in a real life courtroom in the California trial of a serial killer dubbed by the media: The Grim Sleeper.

Lonnie David Franklin, the Grim Sleeper, was caught because his son’s DNA was the closest match to DNA collected at the crime scenes in the database. Investigating Franklin’s son led them to investigate Lonnie Franklin. But there was no direct DNA evidence that linked Lonnie to the crime scene until they obtained a sample from him after his arrest. Lonnie Franklin will be the first person in the U.S. to ever stand trial based on Familial DNA evidence, and its admissibility issues in court will be thoroughly tested by defense attorneys. These are the very same issues that face Detroit Homicide Detective Bonnie Benham and form the plot of my story. 

Detroit Detective Bonnie Benham has been transferred from narcotics to homicide for using more than arresting and is working the case of a killer of adolescent girls. CSI collects DNA evidence from the scene of the latest victim, which had not been detected on the other victims. But no suspect turns up in the FBI database. Due to the notoriety of the crimes, a task force is put together with Bonnie as the lead detective, and she implores the D.A. to use an as yet unapproved type of a DNA search in an effort to identify the killer. Homicide Detective Neil Jensen, with his own history of drug and alcohol problems understands Bonnie's frailty and the two detectives become inseparable as they track this killer of children.

QW: Have you done any research for this book?

DS: I first heard about the use of Familial DNA working as a 911 operator in 2006. It came up in a conversation with officers working a case. I thought at the time it would make an interesting premise for a book. I began writing the mystery some three years later after leaving the department. I had just finished editing a first draft of "The Death of Anyone" in the summer 2010 when news of The Grim Sleeper’s capture in Los Angeles was released. I read with interest all the information pouring out of L.A. regarding the investigation and the problems confronting prosecutors. All of which are explored in "The Death of Anyone."

QW: What else have you done that you can share with your readers and fans?

DS: My work has appeared in The Tampa Review, Detroit News, Monarch Review, Zodiac Review, Scissors& Spackle, Spittoon, Barbaric Yawp, and Bull. His books include "Children of the Enemy," a novel from Cambridge Books; "Alpha Wolves," a novel from Noble Publishing, and "The Death of Anyone" is his third novel, just released by Melange Books. 

Thank you, David, for appearing on my blog again. You can find out more about him and how to buy his books on the blogspot: www.magicmasterminds.com, they are also available at Melange Books, Amazon, and at select mystery bookstores.