Is there one person past or present you would like to meet? Why?

Sylvia Plath. She is my writing hero. I think the world missed out on so many books from her. I’d love to go back in time and try to help her, as silly as that sounds.

What are your favourite books? Why?
  
I like books based on real life stories. I think the world is colorful enough that you don’t need pure fiction to tell a good story.

 

What’s your favourite word? Why?

Hope. I think that’s what gets most of us through life. Without it, you have nothing.

 

Are there any words you absolutely loathe? Why?
 
Promise. I don’t believe in making those. I don’t think you can predict the future and it’s a good setup for hurting trust.

 

What books have most influenced you?
     
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

It by Stephen King

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

 

What writing craft books are your most treasured resources?
   
I loved the book Stephen King put out – On Writing. I used to read them all the time, but haven’t had much time for that lately. These days, I’m turning to my favorite authors (also friends) for advice with writing and publishing.

 

What inspired you to write Just Things? That’s some pretty weighty business!
     
I was watching a documentary about serial killers and one killer said that he didn’t view his victims as people. He saw them as insert shrug “just things.” That’s how Jimmie sees his victims. At the time, it was called “Jimmie’s Freezers.” I changed the title that night. Then, I got to thinking: “How can I write about a murderer if I have never known one?” That’s when I got the idea to start interviewing convicted murderers as research for the series.

How did working on Just Things affect you?
    
It made me question myself and the people around me and what we are all capable of. My degree is in psychology. I’m fascinated by people’s minds. All of my books have to do with people and their behaviors or even taboo thoughts. I think we are all a little crazy in our own ways. The difference is who acts on that crazy and who doesn’t. I wanted to know what could make an ordinary guy like Jimmie snap and kill women vs someone, like me, who would rather do it on paper and by pen in a book as therapy.