Houston area author Colleen Thompson writes gritty, realistic suspense novels with a heavy dose of romance.
Welcome back to The Examiner, Colleen. Please tell us: do you consider yourself a romantic or just a darned imaginative writer?
A little from Column A, a little from Column B.
That's a good blend of talents. So how many books did you write before selling your first one, and how did you deal with rejection?
I co-wrote one complete manuscript and then wrote two on my own before selling. I dealt with rejection by taking comfort in what felt like forward motion. Finishing complete manuscripts, placing in and winning contests, and securing my first agent gave me enough incremental successes to keep me working toward my goal.
Did you have an agent for that first sale? If not, do you have one now and has it made it easier to sell your work?
Yes, my second agent made my first sale. I have never sold a book without an agent, and I do believe it opens doors. Editors are more predisposed to like a manuscript that's been vetted and recommended by a trusted source. An agent's enthusiasm isn't enough to sell a project, but it can definitely put it in the hands of the right party.
That makes a lot of sense. Please tell us about your latest book.
In March, my latest, TOUCH OF EVIL (Lovespell Romantic Suspense) focuses on the struggles of a young widow completing her late husband's term of office as sheriff of a small county in East Texas. Resentment from more veteran men in the department and her role as the mother of an autistic son complicate her investigation of a series of deadly hangings, as does her entanglement with a former lover whose relative may be the next target.
Where did you get the idea for that story?
The heroine, Sheriff Justine Wofford, began as a secondary character in my May 09 release, Beneath Bone Lake. Her dilemma and personality were so rich and compelling, I felt she deserved a story (and a happy ending) of her own.
How did you decide on the personality for your heroine?
Because I began developing Justine as a secondary character, I felt freer to make her more of a "real" person with a lot of emotional entanglements and an unanswerable moral ambiguity. A more mature character than some of my heroines (she's 39), I put her roles as mother of a special needs child and sheriff in direct conflict. With so many single mothers facing similar (though less dramatic, I hope) struggles, I found her dilemma instantly relatable, and the element of what she intended as a "no strings" sexual relationship made life even more interesting.
Most of us don’t run into villainous people in our real lives. What are some characteristics that make a believable villain in fiction?
It's important to remember that, as in real life, every villain is the hero of his/her own stories. Though we may never understand or condone the actions taken, relatable motivations can arise from perfectly understandable, often horrendous pressures. The villain may have to twist logic to do so, but on some level, he/she feels justified or even forced to take drastic measures.
Out of all the characters you’ve created, which one would you most like to know in real life?
Ross Bollinger, the hero of TOUCH OF EVIL, is one of my favorites. Loyal, protective (maybe even to a fault), great with kids, and sexy as all get-out, he's a ER doctor with a moral core of solid gold -- and he's strong-willed enough to go toe to toe with the likes of Justine Wofford. This is a man any woman would want in her corner. And did I mention seriously sexy?
I think you did mention it once or twice. So what is your latest writing news?
In Nov. 2010, I'm doing a Silhouette Romantic Suspense 2 in 1 addition with one of my writing idols, Sharon Sala. Working title: DEADLIER THAN THE MALE. I can't wait 'til it's out!
That sounds like a wonderful pairing, and something great for readers to look forward to. In the meantime, where can readers keep up with you on the internet these days?
You can find me at www.colleen-thompson.com of follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AuthorColleen
Thanks so much for inviting me, Teri, and Happy New Year to you and your readers!
Comments
Great intereview. Touch of Evil looks like a fantastic read. I also love the cover. I enjoy suspense romances. Good luck on sales.
magnolias_1@msn.com
Can't wait to read it! Great interview.
Since I can't meet Ross, I'd love to read about him :) Great interview and it sounds like a great read too!
catslady5(at)aol.com
Thanks for sharing your interview Colleen! Can't wait to "meet" Ross!
Missing you in NJ!!
Colleen,
Great interview and I love your cover. And Ross sounds like a hero any woman would love to have on her side, especially when there's a Touch of Evil around.
Linda
Thanks for stopping by and for the kind comments! Waving a special hi to Lori in New Jersey!
What a great interview
Colleen, great interview. Good luck with the new release.
I agree, the cover is beautiful.
Wonderful interview! Love your books, Colleen and can't wait to read this one. :)
I always learn so much from an interview. Yours was great. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to read Touch of Evil.
The sheriff was too great a character not to bring back! I'm really excited to read more about her.
perrinegj@aol.com
I enjoyed reading the interview & am looking forward to reading "Touch of Evil". Thanks ~ megalon22 at yahoo dot com
Touch of Evil sounds like a great read. I'm headed over to Amazon to pre-order now!
Rock on, Colleeny!
Very interesting and Touch of Evil sounds great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for those of you who have stopped by! Jane, I'd have to say that Sheriff Justine Wofford is probably my favorite heroine ever - a nice blend of exterior toughness overlaying a ton of vulnerability. If I were ever to write a police procedural series, I'd love to have her as a lead.
Congratulations, Judy! You're the drawing winner. I'll be e-mailing you with details. Thanks to everyone who stopped by.
Excited to find your website...A touch of Evil sounds intriguing. I am a new writer in the Woods...jtperset@gmail...please email to connect! Jeanna
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!