Author Interview:
How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in your book?
Quite a lot—especially in Whitney Steel, the heroine from REFLECTION. She has my drive and strength incorporated into her character and a few more character traits.
How much of a story did you have in mind before you started writing?
I always begin with the main characters names and an idea. With REFLECTION, I knew the story would revolve around an illegal human cloning project. The story evolved after Clonaid, a company founded by the religious sect called the Raelians, announced the birth of Eve, the "first human clone" in 2002 using the similar technique to clone, Dolly the Sheep.
About 160 nations in the world have yet to outlaw the birth of human clones and others are allowing the creation of human clones as long as they are not put into a woman's womb (how do we know they aren't implanted?), add a kick-ass heroine, a sexy FBI agent and a villain you love to hate, thus, REFLECTION was born.
Can you tell us what genre you write?
I write a variety of different genres; mainly romantic and supernatural thrillers. I also write true crime short stories.
How do you cope with writer's block?
I have experienced writer's block a few times and it's not fun. What works for me is to be creative in a completely different way. I've been designing graphics for years. If I can't write, I fire up Photoshop and design a logo, banner or a book cover.
Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?
Since my books are plot-driven, I outline using a spreadsheet or index cards. I use the Hero's Journey based on The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler to flesh out the main plot. As far as characters, I start with nothing more than a name and then allow the plot to dictate character development.
How (or when) do you decide that you are finished writing a story?
Once I'm confident the main plot and all sub-plots are wrapped up, I know the story is done. I'm always sad when a story is finished because I've spent so much time in world I have created. It's difficult to let the characters go.
Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?
I think there is a message in my books. No matter what life hands you, you are strong and can and will overcome!
What are you working on right now?
I'm working on two books at the moment; The much-anticipated sequel to REFLECTION (working title – Retribution). I can't wait to share more of Blake and Whitney's story with the world. I'm also writing Deadly Shadow, the first book in a four book supernatural thriller series. This series is going to be exciting!
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Growing up I wanted to be a journalist and travel the world. I've been writing off and on all my life but after becoming disabled with Fibromyalgia and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, I returned to my first love.
At what age did you discover your love of writing?
I was twelve when I first discovered I love to write. I started by writing in a journal daily and moved on to short stories.
What was the first story that you wrote?
The first full length novel I wrote was called, Bright Big City. I was in my mid-twenties and thought the book was great! Fast forward a few decades and boy was I wrong. The story was horrible to the point I threw it out. Believe me...there was nothing to rescue. I'm glad I've grown as an author—at least I hope I have.
When were you first published? How were you discovered?
I wasn't published until January of this year. With REFLECTION, I was blessed to work with two fantastic agents. The first being an agent in Toronto who ended up closing her agency. From there I signed with Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Jill was wonderful and supportive.
Publishing is all about timing, so I have learned. Even the best agent was unable to sell my book when the economy went into a recession in 2010. Every rejection letter basically said the same thing. ”Great book...loved it...but we can't take the chance on a new author in this economy.”
More recently, I was asked to rewrite REFLECTION to a category romance by a well-known and popular publishing house. I declined because I am not a category romance author. I simply have too much to say. So I decided to go with a smaller publishing house, MuseItUp Publishing because I knew I would be allowed to publish my story the way I wanted to—as a single title mainstream romantic thriller.
What is the most difficult part of the whole writing process?
I think the hardest part of the writing process for me is the amount of research needed to be as accurate as possible. Since REFLECTION is about cloning, I spent hundreds of hours reading about human cloning. I think I could replicate my dog at this point. <grin>
What do you like to read?
I mainly read romantic suspense, crime fiction, paranormal and thrillers. Some of my favorite authors are James Patterson, Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell, Iris Johansen and Kelly Armstrong.
What writer influences you the most?
Sidney Sheldon. As long as I can remember I've been a huge fan of Mr. Sheldon's cinematic writing style. Master of the Game is one of my favorite novels. He certainly has influenced my writing over the years. In my opinion, Mr. Sheldon was one of the best story-telling ever.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, which actors would you like to see playing your characters?
I would choose Charlize Theron to play feisty investigative reporter, Whitney Steel and Russel Crowe would be perfect to play FBI Agent Blake Neely. For the part of Nathan Shaw, the villain, I would love to see Robert DeNiro play the role. How’s that for an all-star lineup?
Where can people learn more about you?
Readers can visit my web site and follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
www.kimcresswell.ca www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooks http://twitter.com/kimcresswell
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
When I'm not writing or spending time with my family, I love to curl up with a good book or watch a movie. I'm also a gamer chick—a gaming junkie! Have been since the '80s, the decade of big hair, leg-warmers, snap-crotch bodysuits (remember those?), acid washed jeans and authors, Danielle Steel and Jackie Collins. I'm a die-hard PC gamer known to play first-person shooters (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3), adventure, fantasy and RPG's (Role Playing Games).
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About Kim Cresswell
About the Author
Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.
Her debut thriller, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards. UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley's Romance Writers of America (RWA) "Gotcha!" #
Romantic Suspense Winner (2004) and an Honourable Mention in Calgary's (RWA) The Writer's Voice Contest (2006).
LETHAL JOURNEY was a finalist in From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003).
Her action-packed thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers worldwide. As one reviewer said, "Buckle up, Hang on tight!"
Kim recently entered the True Crime arena. Her latest story about accused Canadian killer, Cody Legebokoff, will is featured in Serial Killer Quarterly, a new e-magazine published by Grinning Man Press which debuted in December 2013. Her short story collection, Real Life Evil - A True Crime Quickie releases in January 2014.
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About the Book
Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the “Big” story.
She found it.
Now it may kill her.
After Whitney receives a lead pointing to the world’s first cloned human, now a small child, she vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder.
When Whitney is nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective—at least not right away.
Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man’s thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother’s death over a decade ago…
Can they save an innocent child before it’s too late?
Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many—Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reflection-Kim-Cresswell-ebook/dp/B00B5HRBZE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392841249&sr=1-1&keywords=reflection+kim+cresswell
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Reflection-Kim-Cresswell-ebook/dp/B00B5HRBZE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392841249&sr=1-1&keywords=reflection+kim+cresswell
Kim's Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Cresswell/e/B00B5LKAXA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooks?fref=tsTwitter: https://twitter.com/kimcresswell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898395.Kim_Cresswell?from_search=true