By Kaye
George, who has offered to give a copy of her new book to one lucky commenter!
First of all,
thanks so much WWK, for having me here today! I once blogged here, until I got
overwhelmed by a number of things and had to drop out, so I feel like I’m
coming home for a visit.
Going out
on a limb. I think I’ve really done that with my latest release. SOMEONE IS OUT
THERE was released April 15th and could be classified as a psychological
thriller, but my publisher tags it with “suspense thriller.” That’s much easier
to type. Whatever it is, it’s an entirely new genre for me.
How did I get
here from mysteries? The same way I got to mysteries, actually. I wrote
literary short stories for many years without one ounce of success. When I
realized I loved to read mysteries, I decided to write those. And, after
learning that genre and querying a few hundred editors and publishers, I was a
published mystery writer.
In spite of the
fact that I have many folders of mystery ideas, I looked up one day and noticed
I was reading a lot of suspense. So I had to try it. Right? I had to do that.
It was like ABBA was in the room singing “Take a Chance on Me.”
I was grateful
that it took me a lot less time to learn this new craft than it had for me to
learn the ins and outs of mysteries. There is a lot of carryover, so that
helps. You still need setting, characters, a plot, and lots of tension. In
fact, it seems easier to build tension in a suspense thriller. It seems like
it’s an inside-out mystery.
In mystery,
something has happened and the sleuth must uncover who and why, at least. In
suspense, something is happening to the main character right now and she
doesn’t know who or why, so that’s what must be uncovered. It seems like the MC
is in a lot more danger since it’s ongoing and escalating. At least, that’s the
way I wrote it.
In the course of
meeting so many terrific mystery writers, those connections paid off. Marilyn
Levinson, who has written mystery, suspense, and even children’s books,
suggested I approach Rowan Prose Publishing with this project after I’d been
turned away a few times. Much easier than hundreds of times.
Anyway, even if
I’m on the same tree, this is a new limb and I’m sitting firmly on it.
How about you?
Have you taken a chance on something that paid off?
I’d love to give
a copy of SOMEONE IS OUT THERE to a reader here. I’ll pick a name Friday.
Thanks again!
The chance I took was giving up my day job to follow my passion to write.
ReplyDeleteYours was a big leap, Debra! From here, it looks like it's been a success.
DeleteMy writing naturally morphed from play-it-fair mystery to suspense thriller (or psychological thriller or domestic thriller depending on who is doing the labeling). Unlike you, I did it within the Seamus McCree series, which isn't exactly what branding people tell you is a good idea. Best of luck with your darker side.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that would even occur to me to use the same characters, but it's working for you!
DeleteI'm currently working on that same transition. It's a bit of a learning curve, but I love the challenge. Congrats on the new book, Kaye!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I predict that you'll overcome that challenge, knowing you!
DeleteThanks, Kaye.
DeleteYour persistence and flexibility is a admirable, a model for me to aspire to (dangling participle notwithstanding.) I'm looking forward to reading this.
ReplyDeleteThank you--hope you like it!
DeleteHi Kaye! Nice to see you here. Feeling out on a limb seems to be my natural state - especially at the beginning of a project. I usually think of it as standing at the edge of a cliff, though, and making myself step or leap off like a cliff diver. Not something I'd EVER do in real life, but when it comes to writing, I can talk myself into being brave (not always easily because in real life I'm a creampuff).
ReplyDeleteLOL--I totally get that. I'm exactly that way too!
DeleteKaye, I finished SOMEONE IS OUT THERE last night. Five stars. It is a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you--that's wonderful to hear! Thanks for telling me.
DeleteCongratulations, Kaye! You are remarkable, and I look forward to reading SOMEONE IS OUT THERE. It was lovely to see you at Malice this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was great to see you there, too!
DeleteWelcome back and congrats on making the leap into suspense.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's a bit scary!
DeleteKaye,
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to have you back with us. I'm looking forward to reading your suspense novel. Like you, I read lots of them but I'm not planning to write one.:)
Thanks! It feels good to be here!
DeleteI'm glad you climbed that tree and going out on the limb was a success!
ReplyDeleteLori Roberts Herbst, random.org picked you for my giveaway! Please email me at kayegeorge@gmail.com and I'll get it to you. Thanks for all the interest here!
ReplyDelete