Author Interview - Kristin Calendar

What are your favorite books and authors to read?

I love any story I can get lost in and that can be anything from Hemingway to Sidney Sheldon. I have read a lot of Danielle Steele, Sandra Brown, Mary Higgins Clark, and Nora Roberts. Right now I am reading Nora Roberts' J.D. Robb 'Death' series. I didn't think I was going to like the futuristic setting, but as soon as I got into the characters I forgot all about that.

Can you tell me a little about what got you started in writing?

I have wanted to write a book for a long time, but was too busy and full of doubt to try. I started writing The Truth Lies in the Dark on a pad while I watched my kids at the park. I still have all of those notes about the characters and the first chapter. I do the same thing before starting any book now. I write notes on each character and their backgrounds. It helps me see them as real people and then the story takes on a life of its own.

Do you have a routine when you write?

Some days I can sit down at the computer and next thing I know it's 3:00 and other days I can't seem to sit for 3 minutes. I am also a part time substitute teacher and a full time mom and wife, so I have to squeeze writing in around my other routines.

Do you have any tips for a writer starting out?

Be patient and expect rejection. Writing is a long process and publishing is even longer. Don't get discouraged by how long it takes a publisher to get back to you. In my experience, the longer they take considering your work the more they like it. All of my quick responses have been rejections. You will get rejected; it is part of writing. Keep reminding yourself that even the most famous writers have gotten rejected and keep trying until you get that one or two that say YES.

You just released a new book called The Truth Lies in the Dark. Could you tell us a little about it?

The Truth Lies in the Dark is about a woman, Amanda, who lost her memory as a child and then finds out that she is not who she thinks. While trying to find her true identity she uncovers a dark secret that could destroy everything she knows; her family, her marriage, and maybe even her life.

What made the plot about amnesia and true identity appealing to you?

I think the way our minds work is amazing; how some memories are kept while others are blocked from our consciousness. What interested me most was how Amanda's dreams, or nightmares, revealed the truth to her, but only as she became strong enough to handle what the truth was.

Do you have a favorite part in the book?

It is hard to say without giving away the ending, but there is a part when Amanda gets in the water at night to hide from someone who is after her. Not only does the water hide her from sight but it also creates an echo that helps keep her position a mystery.

What would you do if you found out this had happened to you? Find the truth or live the "perfect life" lie?

I would definetly find the truth. Life is too short to live a lie. Besides I don't believe there is a perfect life, just perfect moments :)

I would like to thank all of the readers and fans of Confuzzled Books for stopping by to get to know me and my book a little better. And of course, a big thanks to Shannon for interviewing me and participating in this Book Blog Tour. If anyone wants more information about me, the book, or the tour you can go to my website: http://sites.google.com/site/kristincallenderbooks.

The Truth Lies in the Dark by Kristin Callender is available at www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-Dark-Kristin-Callender/dp/1604520140 and is the 'Featured Book of the Month' at www.bluewaterpress.com.