ABOUT THE BOOK
As radio reporter Carol Childs
investigates a series of Beverly Hills jewelry heists, she realizes her
FBI boyfriend, Eric, is working the same case. Even worse, she may have
inadvertently helped the suspect escape. The situation intensifies when
the suspect calls the radio station during a live broadcast, baiting
Carol deeper into the investigation.
In order for her to uncover the truth,
Carol must choose between her job and her personal relationships. What
started out as coincidence between Carol and Eric becomes a race for the
facts—pitting them against one another—before the thieves can pull off a
daring escape, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind, and taking the
jewels with them.
INTERVIEW WITH NANCY COLE SILVERMAN
Nancy, how did you get started writing?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making up stories. My first blush at writing, however, was in second grade. I wrote my first short story for a spelling assignment. You know one of those tasks where kids have to use each new word in a sentence. I decided instead to write a story. I loved the story and was so excited about it. I don’t think I slept a wink the night I turned it in. I was convinced it was the best thing my teacher would ever read. Only trouble was, I’d paid no attention to my spelling words or to grammar and I don’t think my teacher thought I demonstrated any appreciation for the tools I’d need to pursue my passion as a writer. I remember getting my paper back the next day with lots of red marks on it–corrections I should have known–and a note telling me I needed to pay more attention in class. Umph! I thought she needed to pay more attention to the story and less to the minor errors I had made.
Do you have a writing routine?
I write every day. After retiring from a career in radio—where I wrote news, commercial copy and promos, I returned home and established a home office. I’m there nearly every day and busy as I ever was writing. I think it’s important writers write.
What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process? That’s a difficult question. The world of publishing changes daily and staying informed and on top of what’s working and what’s not is a full-time job. I prefer to think my publisher does most the heavy lifting.
What do you think is the hardest aspect of writing a book?
Re-writing. A draft is just a draft or the skeleton of what will become the book. There’s so much that is revealed as a writer works and reworks a manuscript. I think the biggest mistake a writer can make is trying to rush a finish.
What’s more important—characters or plot?
I like to think character. Readers relate to characters. The news is full of nasty things that happen every day to people but when the public has a face to go with the story it permeates our psyche so much deeper than if were just an event with a face. I try to put a face to all my plots.
How often do you read?
Everyday. People ask me all the time, must writers read. I answer, must a musician listen to music. A talent can’t be developed unless it is groomed and educated. Reading is the best thing a writer can do.
What books do you currently have published?
The Carol Childs Mysteries are my first published full-length novels. I’ve self-published several books, and I have a series of short stories on the internet, in various anthologies and magazines.
Is writing your dream job?
Yes, writing is my dream job. I’ve had a number of different jobs since I was a kid and every one of them shows up in my work at various times. It’s as though everything has come together as it should.
If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
PBS.
Would you make a good character in a book?
I like to think that Carol Childs is a memorable character because in my opinion, she’s real. She’s not a character that thinks she’s stronger than her male counterparts, but believes, "Brains Beat Brawn and a Mic is More Powerful than a Forty-five.” It’s the theme line of my books and one I hope that demonstrate that women have their own powers, different from their male counterparts, but equally as effective.
What five things would you never want to live without?
My computer with internet access, coffee, wine and stack of good books to read.
What’s one thing you never leave the house without (besides your phone).
My sense of humor. I like in L.A. to venture out into traffic one needs a sense of humor and patience.
What do you love about where you live?
The diversity of people and places to go and things to see. We’ve everything Hollywood to the Space Shuttle here. Lots to see. What’s your favorite thing to do/favorite place to go on date night?
What's the biggest lie you ever told?
I like to think that’s an unfair question. I don’t lie and I don’t respect people who do. But, that said, to write a mystery, one must learn to lie. A lie is a series of small stories and to be good at telling a story one must learn how to lie. I once mentioned that in a seminar and a woman took great issue with it. But the truth is, writers must learn to lie, it’s the basis of mystery.
Um . . . I think you forgot your sense of humor. What’s your favorite beverage?
Wine. White wine. Red wine. It doesn’t make a difference.
What is your superpower?
My belief that I have a connection to a higher power.
What do you wish you could do?
Ride horses. Up until several years ago I used to ride and own horses, and I loved it. Unfortunately, I had a bad accident and had to hang up my stirrups. It was one of the highlights of my life and I miss it.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
There are so many. When I was very young, I travel a lot through Europe. I had such fun exploring so many areas, particularly in Italy. I don’t think there is anywhere I wouldn’t like to go. I grew up in the Southwest and loved the four corner regions of the US. I am very lucky. My life has been rich in travel, and I believe it has opened my eyes to so much I never would have known about with the opportunity to travel.
What’s your least favorite chore?
Grocery shopping. I love to cook and I view food as an art. In fact, in my series, Carol Childs’ best friend is a gourmet cook. If everyone could have such a friend, we’d all be ten pounds heavier.
Do you give your characters any of your bad traits?
Do I have to be honest? Carol is driven. I was driven. I loved working for a news talk station and Carol is much the same. Consequently, relationships frequently took a back seat to her career.
If you had a talk show who would your dream guests be?
Stephen King and Lee Child.
Describe yourself in 5 words.
Obsessive. Compulsive. Sensitive.
What is your favorite movie?
Gone with the Wind .
Do you have a favorite book?
Gone with the Wind.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fourth book in the Carol Childs Series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
, debuted in December 2014 and the second, Beyond a Doubt
, debuted July 2015. The third, Without A Doubt
, is available in May 2016. Connect with Nancy:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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