Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the next book out and what is it called?
Triptych is the next book to be released. Although this story is not in the Grant County series, you'll notice someone from Indelible poking around the third part. Foreign readers should check with their local bookstore or contact the publisher in their country. (Contact information can be found in the first few pages of the previous books)
- What are the books in the series and should I read them in order?
Blindsighted, Kisscut, A Faint Cold Fear, Indelible and Faithless.
You can start the series with any of them. I'm a stickler for order, so it's in my nature as a reader to want to begin at the beginning, but you could easily start with Indelible, which takes place mostly in the past, and then go back to Blindsighted -- or any of the books, for that matter.
- What are you working on now?
My next book, which will be out in 2007, is called Skin Privilege. It's a Grant County book and focuses a lot on Lena and her relationship with Hank. Basically, what you find out is that everything she's been told about her childhood so far has been a lie.
- I've read all of your books. Is there anything else you've written that maybe I'm not aware of?
I wrote a short story called Cold, Cold Heart for BMW Audio Books. You can download it here. I've also done two stories in a serial novel called Like a Charm. This has several other contributors -- authors whose work I love -- and is out in paperback now. They make great gifts!
- Is Grant County an actual place?
I totally made it up, though I have to admit that it's an amalgamation of the small towns of my childhood. I grew up in South Georgia, in a college town much like Grant, so I know the types of characters you'll find in this sort of community. The town is fictional because I didn't want people to write letters saying, "you can't turn left on Main Street!" but of course I still get letters saying that. I even had someone write to me to say that I'd used the wrong interstate to get to Grant County from Atlanta!
- Why is there so much violence in your books?
I adore Mary Higgins Clark and have been known to enjoy a Janet Evanovich or two, but in my writing, I want to show violence for what it is. For so long, women weren't expected to talk about these crimes, even though we were more likely to be the victims. I think it's time we started talking about rape and violence against women. When I was growing up, these subjects were "boys only" territory in fiction, so I find it refreshing to see authors like Mo Hayder and Denise Mina really opening up the conversation about abuse and sexual assault. This isn't to say that men are not capable of writing about these topics, only that women authors bring a different perspective.
- Why does Lena curse so much?
This question always surprises me, because no one takes Jeffrey to task for cursing. It's definitely a double standard, and looking at it that way, you can understand why Lena is pissed off. Most of her potty mouth came about as a way of adapting to her job. For a long time, she was the only female cop on an all-male force. Like many women in a testosterone-soaked workplace, she picked up rough language to make her seem like one of the boys. On a personal note, I don't think there's anything wrong with women expressing themselves however they darn well please.
- Who is your favorite character?
This is like asking parents which is their favorite child. For my parents, it was easy (me) but when folks ask me to choose among my characters, my answer usually depends on who I am writing or thinking about at the time. Lena is the most challenging, by far, but I love Sara for her strength and intelligence. Jeffrey always surprises me. I'll do the diplomatic thing and say that I love all of them.
- Which is your favorite book?
Again, it's hard to say. Usually it's the one I'm going to be working on next.
The most difficult book to write was Kisscut, because it's about such dark subject matter. I had to be very careful about showing just enough to give the reader an idea what was going on but not so much that it was off-putting or -- worse -- titillating. This was a very hard line to walk, but I think I pulled it off. I think I also showed a side of that life that is seldom talked about, even though it's been going on since the beginning of time.
- Why do you always victimize women in your stories?
I don't, actually. Lots of men have been maimed or killed in the series, and lots of women have turned out to be horrible people. I think the focus is on women being victimized because that's what people expect. The truth is that the sorts of crimes you find in thrillers are generally crimes against women. What I try to do is use violence as a way to open up a dialogue about this sort of violence and why it's happening. Perhaps if we understand it, we can help prevent it.
-
Where do you get your ideas?
I wish I knew! The stories form in my mind over a period of time, and before I know it, I'm sitting down at my computer writing. Mostly, it's a matter of thinking of a crime and wondering how Sara, Jeffrey and Lena will respond. I'm also interested in seeing how the town will respond. It's very important to me that Grant County seems like a fourth narrator in the story. There are a lot of recurring characters, so for instance when you see Old Man Burgess in Indelible, you know exactly who he is and you know some of his history. To me, that's the best thing about reading a series. Those secondary characters really add to the fabric of the story.
-
What's your writing schedule?
Unfortunately, I'm not very disciplined. I'm more of a "run off into the mountains and write until I collapse" author. I wish I could be more structured, but it's been working for me so far, so who am I to judge?
- How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on what the book is about and how much research is involved. I'd say on average that the whole process takes around ten to twelve months. Sometimes it goes more quickly, sometimes more slowly. I never want to be in a position where I am rushing a story, and thankfully my publishers are very patient.
-
How do you do your research?
I've got a friend who is a cop who tells me some procedural stuff and a handsome and kind doctor friend who fills me in on medical details. Mostly, it's a matter of me thinking up some plot point and then emailing them and asking, "hey, is it okay if Lena wears sneakers (women in crime shows on TV are always running in six inch heels)?" or "can Sara cut this person open and still have him live?"
I also read a lot of medical books and police manuals. I think I would do this even if I weren't writing thrillers because I just find it so interesting. I will say that for every book or paper I read, or hour I spend doing research, I end up putting in a line or two at the most in the books.
You made a gun mistake in Kisscut. Are you ignorant or just plain stupid?
Though I'm not pleased by those limited choices -- yes, I did make a mistake. I've probably made many more that I'm not even aware of. These books are works of fiction, which means I make it up as I go along. I am sorry that the gun mistake took you out of the story, but please know that I try my best to keep things as accurate as possible. Subsequent editions of Kisscut have been corrected.
As an aside, I once did an author panel with a writer who used to be one of the leading fire-arms experts with the FBI, and he said he's made gun mistakes in his novels.
Can I send you my manuscript so that you can get it published?
or, I sent you my six-thousand page manuscript on Unicorns helping heal adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Why haven't you responded?
Please do not send me manuscripts. My publisher and agent have asked that I not read them and I have to honor their requests. In this day and age, when charges of plagiarism are rampant, I have to protect myself.
Are you related to author Frank Slaughter?
No. Basically, I am the most famous Slaughter I know, unless you count a great uncle who was wanted by the revenuers for running moonshine.
You never tour in my area. Can I send you my books to be signed?
You can email me here for my post office box address. Please be sure to include return postage and packaging for whatever books you send. Postage should be in the form of stamps -- PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS OR CASH. I am more than happy to sign any books as long as they are mine.
What authors do you like to read?
I've just finished all of Kate Atkinson's stuff. I adored Case Histories. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters was one of my all-time favorites last year. Mo Hayder's Pig Island was fabulous. Peter Robinson, Fidelis Morgan, Mark Billingham, Lee Child, Lynda LaPlante... the list could go on. I also read a lot of books outside the thriller genre. I think Kathryn Harrison has written The Great American Novel about three times now. Margaret Atwood and John Irving have enviable careers because they've written in so many different styles. I also enjoy Neil Gaiman and Kelley Armstrong. Basically, if it's a well-written story with solid characters and a real plot, then I'm there.
I signed up for your newsletter but I haven't gotten it!
Okay, I'm lazy. There haven't been many newsletters lately, but I swear I'm working on it. Usually, I write them around the time of publication so y'all will go out and get the latest book. Yes, I am a slug, but at least I'm an honest one.