Q & A

What was the inspiration behind FINAL CROSSING?

A: I was traveling to Jerusalem on business, and I borrowed my co-worker's Lonely Planet guide. I read a small excerpt about something called Jerusalem Syndrome. In essence, this is a very rare syndrome where seemingly healthy people travel to Jerusalem and then cannot mentally absorb the religious significance of that city. In simple terms, they go crazy, to the point of institutionalization. They are treated for a few weeks and then are sent home, at which point they are fine.

And I thought to myself, what happens if they get home and they aren't fine? That's where Rudiger came from.

Do you identify with Rudiger?

A: You mean, can I rearrange words in my head and do I crucify people? Rarely.

Rudiger is a unique name. Where did it come from?

A: Rudiger is a name of a Mark Knopfler song. The lyrics describe a lonely man whose seemingly sole purpose in life is to wait in the rain and snow in order to get a chance for a celebrity's autograph. There's a certain creepiness associated with that, that I found desirable in a character. Of course, my Rudiger is much naughtier than that.

Is it more fun to write the hero or the villain?

A: Well, you have to have a good, balanced hero to thwart your villain. The hero needs to be strong but flawed, accessible but aspirational to your readers. But the fun for me is always the villain. I like exploring the depths of what we consider evil, but what evil people consider normal. I like writing villains who are just being true to their nature. There's something much scarier about a killer who thinks what he's doing is right, rather than a killer who simply doesn't care.

What's your writing process like?

A: Staggered. With a family and work obligations, I'm always looking for time to write and rewrite, which most often happens in the evenings. Usually, there's alcohol involved.

Do you know the ending of the book when you start?

A: Rarely. I mean, if I knew the ending right away, I am assuming the reader's going to see it a mile away, which is always a letdown. For me, the ending needs to evolve from the story, which itself continuously twists and turns as I write the story. I like the surprise myself.

So you don't outline?

A: I tried it once. I mean, I really, really tried. Character boards, intricate timelines, the whole bit. After I outlined for about three months, I hated the story and felt like taking a bath with an electrical appliance. Shame, really, because it was kind of a cool story. I might revisit it someday.

Do you have other books?

A: FINAL CROSSING is actually the fifth book I wrote. My agent once told me that I will write things that, regardless of how successful I may ever become, will never see the light of day. I can see that now. You just have to keep writing and keep getting better.

What are you working on now?

A: Vantage Point Books will be releasing a second book of mine in 2013. It will likely be the one I'm working on now, which deals with the past coming back to haunt a successful writer. And it deals with a sexually sadistic serial killer, who happens to be a woman. There's a little something for everyone.