Author interview:
Jessica Strong
Title: Unacceptable Behavior
Genre: Legal Thriller
Genre: Legal Thriller
When I was 9 there were writing competitions called the Eisteddfod’s. It is a festival in Wales and I competed each year. I always thought it would be wonderful write stories all day.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I love mysteries and there was a high profile court case in the state I was living in at the time that sparked the idea of “what if….” which is where the book started.
What have you written?
My first book is Reluctant Witness - Laura Cahill series (in the process of getting a new cover and slight revision), the second in that series is In $ We Trust and that is about to be published (July 1st). Then Unacceptable Behavior (second series) and Fearfully Made (third series). I also have two kids books.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
I certainly would like my readers to be involved and truly think about what they are reading. But, first and foremost, I write to entertain and to tell what I hope is a good story.
Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?
I would say that all of my books have some connection to a life experience. I try to make them current and relevant.
Who is your favorite character from one of your stories?
Oh, wow, that is like trying to pick a favorite child. I love each of my protagonists for different reasons.
What actor do you see playing them in a movie?
The only one of my characters that I have thought, I would love them to play “x” is in my book Unacceptable Behavior, I would love Benjamin Bratt to play Peter Birch.
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
Georgette Heyer, Louis L’amor, Martha Grimes, and Agatha Christie. There are probably a few others but those are the names that immediately come to mind.
What is your favorite book?
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer, I am the Only Running Footman by Martha Grimes, and Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder.
How do you conquer writer’s block?
I write by hand, the only time I have suffered from writer’s block is when I have had to write straight onto the computer. Something about that blank screen intimidates me.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
Greatest challenge is making sure my facts are accurate and finding a good editor. I definitely have to have an editor and a really good one is hard to find.
How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?
Honestly, I find writing rejuvenates me. I might be tired if it has been a particularly long session but usually tired in a good way.
What is your funniest experience in writing?
I get very involved in my stories, I had someone walk in on me when I was writing a sad part and I was crying. I think they thought I had lost my mind.
What are you working on right now?
I am writing the third in the Laura Cahill series.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
Don’t give up, don't write for others, write for yourself. If you love the story other people will too.
What famous person would you like to meet? Why?
This one kind of stumped me because honestly I can't think of anyone that I would just love to meet. I guess, if it was possible, I would say Georgette Heyer but I would need to time travel for that.
If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?
Today, my answer to that question is the Shetland Islands. I want to write a book set there and I would love to visit. But tomorrow my answer could be Italy.
What is your favorite book quote?
You know I can't say that I have a favorite book quote. But in The Lamorna Wink there is a passage where a mother is describing the loss of her child and one of the main characters seeks to comfort her. The description given is so beautiful and so touching that the words sort of blur together and you are left with an image that is unforgettable.
An old crime and an overly ambitious district attorney bring two college friends back together. One is a white police officer and the other a Native American attorney. The officer is involved in the arrest of a juvenile Native American but, when he sees that the District Attorney is going to railroad the young man to help jump start his political career, he calls his old college friend.
Book Retailer is:
I grew up in Zimbabwe, but have lived in the US for more than 20 years. I have spent time in California, Texas, and Mississippi. I love spending time in the mountains when I don’t have my nose in a book.
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What inspired you to write your first book?
I love mysteries and there was a high profile court case in the state I was living in at the time that sparked the idea of “what if….” which is where the book started.
What have you written?
My first book is Reluctant Witness - Laura Cahill series (in the process of getting a new cover and slight revision), the second in that series is In $ We Trust and that is about to be published (July 1st). Then Unacceptable Behavior (second series) and Fearfully Made (third series). I also have two kids books.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
I certainly would like my readers to be involved and truly think about what they are reading. But, first and foremost, I write to entertain and to tell what I hope is a good story.
Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?
I would say that all of my books have some connection to a life experience. I try to make them current and relevant.
Who is your favorite character from one of your stories?
Oh, wow, that is like trying to pick a favorite child. I love each of my protagonists for different reasons.
What actor do you see playing them in a movie?
The only one of my characters that I have thought, I would love them to play “x” is in my book Unacceptable Behavior, I would love Benjamin Bratt to play Peter Birch.
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
Georgette Heyer, Louis L’amor, Martha Grimes, and Agatha Christie. There are probably a few others but those are the names that immediately come to mind.
What is your favorite book?
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer, I am the Only Running Footman by Martha Grimes, and Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder.
How do you conquer writer’s block?
I write by hand, the only time I have suffered from writer’s block is when I have had to write straight onto the computer. Something about that blank screen intimidates me.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
Greatest challenge is making sure my facts are accurate and finding a good editor. I definitely have to have an editor and a really good one is hard to find.
How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?
Honestly, I find writing rejuvenates me. I might be tired if it has been a particularly long session but usually tired in a good way.
What is your funniest experience in writing?
I get very involved in my stories, I had someone walk in on me when I was writing a sad part and I was crying. I think they thought I had lost my mind.
What are you working on right now?
I am writing the third in the Laura Cahill series.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
Don’t give up, don't write for others, write for yourself. If you love the story other people will too.
What famous person would you like to meet? Why?
This one kind of stumped me because honestly I can't think of anyone that I would just love to meet. I guess, if it was possible, I would say Georgette Heyer but I would need to time travel for that.
If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?
Today, my answer to that question is the Shetland Islands. I want to write a book set there and I would love to visit. But tomorrow my answer could be Italy.
What is your favorite book quote?
You know I can't say that I have a favorite book quote. But in The Lamorna Wink there is a passage where a mother is describing the loss of her child and one of the main characters seeks to comfort her. The description given is so beautiful and so touching that the words sort of blur together and you are left with an image that is unforgettable.
About the Book
The young man arrested is the son of a suspect in a serial murder case that has never been solved. Prejudice in the community, and sloppy police work when the boy’s father was originally arrested, has made solving the crime impossible. The friendship, though never in doubt, is strained at times, but provides the salvation for the attorney when the case takes an unexpected twist, and a witness comes forward that no one knew existed.
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About the Author
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