Ask the Author: L.T. Graham
Answered Questions (25)
L.T. Graham
The decision was made not to confuse my identity as the author of espionage thrillers with my work on THE BLUE JOURNAL.
L.T. Graham
I actually do not watch many of them, for various reasons, unless you count NCIS as a cop show. Love that cast. As for their methods, I believe NCIS is quite clever. On the lighter side, I adore CASTLE, even if their 'mysteries' and the resultant solutions are a bit elementary. Again, I enjoy watching the interaction of the characters.
L.T. Graham
I have written forever. From plays to poems, puppet shows to short stories, and ultimately novels. I have always loved telling a story. Love reading a good one too.
L.T. Graham
I have a few favorite novelists. Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Salinger were early heroes. Rand, Joyce, Maugham, Nabokov and Tolstoy came later.
L.T. Graham
Sorry my note was confusing--I was only taking a break from writing to answer these questions. The writing, happily, goes on.
L.T. Graham
I write early in the morning. As to your questions about process, I absolutely need to be alone, do not eat while I write, and virtually everything tends to distract me. Keeping focus is the ongoing battle. When I really get wrapped up in writing a scene, where nothing around me can grab my attention, that's when I know I'm at my best.
L.T. Graham
Dog, for sure. He's just that kinda guy.
L.T. Graham
I have a series of espionage thrillers, THE BLUE JOURNAL is my first published mystery. I have also written in other genres that should be published soon.
L.T. Graham
It depends on the novel, of course, but I would guesstimate that I do at least 10 full rewrites before I have the nerve to send if off to Kevin, who will then point out all the mistakes I didn't catch :)
L.T. Graham
Yes, I have done in-person talks, television and radio. Actually, I do not find it stressful, I find it fun. What makes me uncomfortable are book signings. I hate sitting in a bookstore, staring imploringly at each person who walks in, hoping she'll buy my novel. Very humbling. The most fun I've had is on television. If I can relate to the hosts and the crew, it's an enjoyable moment. Not sure it sells any books, though. I believe that you, the readers, sell books. If you like THE BLUE JOURNAL and tell friends about it, they will be likely to buy it. Appearing on tv or radio does not have anywhere near the same impact as a personal recommendation. You're the ones who hold the power.
L.T. Graham
That's a great question, since novelists work in many different ways. I have found a detailed outline is important to me, it helps me avoid any sort of roadblocks. That's not to say that I don't change direction from time to time (often, really) but with an outline I don't get too lost in the weeds. I have long believed that writing a novel is like taking a long journey. I would never embark on a long trip without some idea of where I'm heading, having a clear idea for the start and finish of the book are critical.
L.T. Graham
It's difficult to envision characters you've created being portrayed by someone else. I have to admit, though, I would love to see Catherine Zeta-Jones as Elizabeth Knoebel. Laura Dern or Nicole Kidman as Randi Conway. Still not sure about Walker . . . .
L.T. Graham
There are so many, from classics to current. I have to admit a weakness from Robert Parker and Michael Connelly among contemporary writers. The line between mysteries and thrillers sometimes gets blurred too, and I enjoy David Baldacci and Daniel Silva, even though they tend more to thriller than mystery. There is so much talent out there, some of whom do not get enough attention. Check out Lori Rader-Day, Terry Shames and James Ziskin.
L.T. Graham
Hopefully by the end of the year. Thanks so much for asking.
L.T. Graham
This is the first in the series, and was intended to introduce him, as well as Randi Conway. After this one I expect the order of future Walker novels not to matter.
L.T. Graham
Jail? Heavens no! Court? Way too much time. The stories I have to share are in my novels, one of which is a courtroom drama I'm working on now.
L.T. Graham
I'm a sun worshipper, so a beautiful day at the pool or beach works for me.
L.T. Graham
Among living writers--Malcolm Gladwell. He's not a novelist, but he is so brilliant, it would be fun to develop a plot with him. Among those long gone, Charles Dickens. I would be fascinated to learn how he kept all of those characters and story-lines straight without a computer!
L.T. Graham
There were certainly no fictional influences for the characters in this novel. This book was inspired by real people, and real events involving their marriages and, unfortunately, their divorces.
L.T. Graham
Some years ago, I witnessed the marriages of several close friends dissolve into unhappiness, unpleasantness and, ultimately, divorce. I wondered what led to the disintegration of those relationships, and why people I knew so well, and thought were so happy, had grown apart. That was my original inspiration for creating and examining the various characters for this book, especially one particularly evil woman who became the central figure of the mystery around which the story revolves.
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