Author News & Interviews

Interview: Brenda Rickman Vantrease, author of The Mercy Seller

Mar 16, 2007

March 16, 2007

Former English teacher and librarian Brenda Rickman Vantrease is the author of the acclaimed debut novel THE ILLUMINATOR. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Stephen Hubbard, Vantrease talks about what drew her to the particular period in history that she portrays in her latest release, THE MERCY SELLER, and discusses the challenges of cohesively blending fact with fiction. She also explains why she decided to set this sequel years after her first book takes place, and shares how her experiences as an educator has taught her the discipline and patience needed to be a writer.

Interview: Michele Martinez, author of Cover-Up

Mar 16, 2007

March 16, 2007

Michele Martinez, who was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York for eight years, is the author of MOST WANTED, THE FINISHING SCHOOL and the newly published COVER-UP, which feature Melanie Vargas and her exploits as a New York City prosecutor.

Author Talk: Cassandra King Conroy, author of Queen of Broken Hearts

Mar 9, 2007

March 9, 2007

Cassandra King is the bestselling author of MAKING WAVES, THE SUNDAY WIFE and THE SAME SWEET GIRLS. In this interview, King describes the real-life events that inspired her to write her fourth novel, QUEEN OF BROKEN HEARTS, and elaborates on its message about love and loss. She also discusses the recurring themes found in all of her work and shares her thoughts on the importance of finding humor in the most dire situations.

Interview: Tim Maleeny, author of Stealing the Dragon

Mar 9, 2007

Tim Maleeny's debut novel, STEALING THE DRAGON, is the first installment in an ongoing series featuring private detective Cape Weathers and his ex-assassin sidekick, Sally. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Maleeny explains the appeal of San Francisco as his novel's setting and describes the various elements upon which he relied to bring its neighborhoods to life. He also elaborates on the complex and unique relationship between his main characters, discusses his childhood literary influences, and compares and contrasts writing with his "day job" in advertising.

Interview: Karen Harter, author of Autumn Blue

Mar 2, 2007

March 2, 2007

In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Alexis Burling, Karen Harter --- author of WHERE MERCY FLOWS --- describes the events in her life that inspired her to write her second novel, AUTUMN BLUE, and explains how the story grew and evolved from its initial conception. She also discusses the significance of religion in the lives of her characters and addresses issues that are prevalent today regarding children with special needs.