6-13-2012 Online Blog Tour Interview:
Q: Are any of your characters based off real people?
A: Not really. There will always be similarities between characters and people I know just because of the adversity in all of us, but so far no one was specifically referenced.
Q: Have you use any family names in your books?
A: Actually I did! In Cromwell Deep I used my husband's name, my sister's name, and the names of my three boys. I plan on honoring a few of my friends in my next book.
Q: How long was the writing process?
A: The book only took four months to write, however, the editing process took much longer. I chose not to have my book professionally edited. Instead I had friends and family each make their suggestions/edits, and I revised my drafts accordingly. Hindsight being what it is, I am considering a professional editor on my next book.
Q: Is your herione from Cromwell Deep supposed to be you?
A: LOL I wish! No. Kaitlynn is way too cool to be me. If I had a daughter, I imagine she would be very much like Kaitlynn.
Q: Could you tell us what inspired you to write Cromwell Deep?
A: Honestly, the first idea I had about the book began because I thought it would make a great movie. From chapter 13 on was very vivid in my mind, and it was quick and easy to write. I am a big fan of CSI, and I know that show helped to inspire parts of the story as well.
Q: How did you come up with the name of the book?
A: Cromwell Deep was not the original name I came up with. It was the third! I knew I wanted the story to take place at Flathead Lake in Montana, however, it was only after I viewed the topography of the lake when I found the perfect spot! Cromwell Deep is an actual part of Flathead Lake. I personally visited the locations mentioned in the book, for visual inspiration. Of course it was just as much a pleasure as it was "research."
Q: If the book was ever made into a movie who do you think would be a good Kaitlynn and Nate?
A: I love this question! Early into writing the book I considered this, simply because my story was as alive in my mind as any movie I'd seen. I though long and hard about which actors I could see for both characters, and I have changed my mind a time or two. I think Jason Behr would be perfect as Nate, and Deborah Ann Woll would be a wonderful Kaitlynn.
Q: Who are some of your favorite writers?
A: I really enjoy the works of Stephen King, Stephanie Meyer, JK Rowlings, Michael Crichton, and now Suzanne Collins! I love being taken on a journey. While Stephen King's work doesn't always leave you with a happy ending, his imagination is second to none! I love the variety.
Q: What are your future writing plans?
A: I am currently writing a new book that, so far, is the first of three. They will be called the Morowak series. The first being Journey Through Morowak.* It is much different than Cromwell Deep, and I am thoroughly invested in it! Some say they would like to see more from Kaitlynn and Nate, though I don't have plans for that at the moment. There are a couple other stories floating around in my head but who knows what will become of them. I think a writer's best work comes out when you truly become passionate about a story and its characters.
*Read the synopsis for Journey Through Morowak on Kari's home page!