Ask the Author: Tami Hoag
Answered Questions (93)
Tami Hoag
I'm so glad everyone loves those characters as much as I do! I'm working on the next Kovac and Liska book right now. Liska has moved into the cold case squad, and Kovac is having to break in a new partner. The story involves a 20 year old murder, and a fresh homicide case that would seem to have nothing to do with one another . . . or do they?
Tami Hoag
Interesting question! When I write about Minnesota --especially when the book is set in wintertime--the weather is really like another character, and I can manipulate it in ways that influence the story. There's nothing like an ill-timed storm or a vicious arctic cold snap to ratchet up tension. One thing about NIGHT SINS that people always commented on was that every chapter stated the temperature and windchill factor that established the setting and reminded them that the bad guy wasn't the only danger in the story.
Tami Hoag
There are days when I can't wait to get to my desk and get started. I'm so eager to get back to my characters and see what they're going to get up to next. Then there are days when I have to be my own cheerleader and pump myself up to get at it. And there are days when I have to be a stern taskmaster and crack the whip, and remind myself I have a lot of bills to pay, and I'd better stick my butt in the chair and get cracking. Writing is an art, but it's also a job. I can't always wait for my muse to inspire me.
Tami Hoag
Yes, eventually. I love writing Elena, and I'm so glad to see so many readers want her to come back. I don't have a story for her right now, but she'll be back eventually.
Tami Hoag
I read all kinds of different things. There couldn't be enough time for me to read all I want to read. I like writers from all different genres. Raymond Chandler for classic private detective stories. Dean Koontz for something strange. Ella March Chase for historical fiction. Elizabeth Grayson for pioneer women. Luanne Rice and Kristen Hannah for contemporary women's fiction. I just finished reading a couple of books from Liane Moriarty. The list goes on and on and on.
Tami Hoag
Sometimes an actual crime will catch my attention and spark an idea for a book. Sometimes a character I've written about in a previous book will compel me to write more about them. That's how COLD COLD HEART came to be. A character from THE 9TH GIRL survived when I didn't think she would. I had to write more about her, and COLD COLD HEART was born.
Tami Hoag
I'm so glad you're enjoying the books! I'm not quite sure how to answer your question, probably because I'm a very intuitive writer. I don't know how I got these skills. I've just always had them. I was always an avid reader as a child, and as soon as I could figure out how to put two sentences together, I started writing my own stories.
Tami Hoag
Do you have a story you're ready to tell? Do you want to write a certain genre of book? When you feel like you have a story to tell, sit down and let your fingers do the talking. Some writers start with a detailed outline of the story--I'm not one of them. I fly by the seat of my pants. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's what works for me. If you intend to try to get published, do your homework and learn about the business of how to get published. Know where your story will fit in the marketplace and have an idea of what publishers put out the kind of book you're writing. Good luck!
Tami Hoag
Sometimes an actual crime will catch my interest and spark an idea for a book. Sometimes a character in one book will compel me to want to continue on with them and craft a story around them, which is how COLD COLD HEART came to be. A character I hadn't expected to survive THE 9TH GIRL fought back and saved herself. I had to know how she would go one with her life from there.
Tami Hoag
Inspiration can come from anywhere. For me, sometimes an actual crime will catch my attention and spark an idea. In the case of COLD COLD HEART, a character from THE 9TH GIRL had a story to tell after that book ended. As far as keeping stories engaging, keep the story moving, don't get bogged down. Picture your readers turning those pages!
Tami Hoag
I wrote one book that didn't sell. I sat down and wrote another, and it sold right away. I was very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time with the right story. But the reason that happened was that I had done my homework on the publishing business. I knew which publisher I wanted to target. I knew where my book would fit in the marketplace. Educate yourself about the process of getting published, study the market and know where you belong in it and what your options are.
Tami Hoag
I honestly don't have a favorite. Each book is its own journey, and they're hard journeys. No walks on the beach. Each one was a mountain to climb. As Dorothy Parker said, "I love having written." The process is more of a love/hate experience.
Tami Hoag
The settings are usually places I've either lived in or spent time in. Writing about those places allows me to revisit them--on paper, at least.
Tami Hoag
I've always had an interest in crime fiction and in criminal psychology. I find it fascinating to explore those darker sides of the human psyche. And there's an adrenaline rush to reading--and to writing--suspense that's addictive. It's a roller coaster ride.
Tami Hoag
COLD COLD HEART took about 9 months to write. I do my research first and make a lot of notes that I often lose. Once I start the actual process of writing, I try to write 6 days a week, sometimes 7. My hours get longer and longer the deeper into the book I get. After I've finished a book, I need a break of a couple of months to clear my head and recharge my batteries.
Tami Hoag
I loved books even before I could read. I would carry books around with me everywhere, knowing that if I could only figure out the words, I could go on some great adventures reading them. Once I learned how to put two sentences together, I knew I wanted to be a writer.
Tami Hoag
I have an office in my home with a great desk and chair, and my dogs all around me on their beds. It's a very cozy room. I like spending time in here, even when I'm not working.
Tami Hoag
Kovac and Liska make a cameo appearance in COLD COLD HEART. I'm working on their next book right now. I'm glad you enjoy them. So do I!
Tami Hoag
Thanks, Lyn! Sometimes an actual crime will catch my interest and I'll feel compelled to work a story around a similar crime. Sometimes a character in one book will compel me to go on and craft another book just for them. That's how COLD COLD HEART came to be. A character in THE 9TH GIRL had a story I felt I needed to continue.
Tami Hoag
Hi, Donna-- When I get stuck while writing a book the first thing I do is get up from my desk and move around. I'll try brainstorming on my white board. Sometimes I need to go do something else while my subconscious mind works on the problem. I'll go ride a horse, or work out, or go to a movie. Eventually, the problem sorts itself out.
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