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What can you tell us about your new release, State of Unity (Virgil Jones Mystery Thriller Series Book 21)?

State of Unity is the 21st novel in the Virgil Jones Series, and like all the prior novels, it is but a larger chapter in the overarching storyline. I don’t do cliffhangers, so each book is its own complete story…ones that readers seem to be enjoying as they move through the series.

Are your books meant to be read in order?

Mostly, yes. I have a large number of recurring characters, and if a reader jumps in at, say, book eight, or something like that, then they will have missed much of the character development that took place in the previous books. I do include a bit of recap with each book, but since my novels are very character driven, it’s natural to expect a lot of depth across the entire series. So, sometimes it’s hard to delineate the character development in a way that’s satisfying (at least to me) if someone drops in and starts reading in the middle of the series. That’s not to say you can’t, but reader response on the whole has shown that starting at the beginning of the series is the way to go.

You’ve said that before…that your novels are character driven. Can you explain that?

Sure. All my Virgil Jones novels are crime fiction, but when you hear or see that label, I think the first question that goes through everyone’s head is: What’s the plot? But to me—as the writer—plot is always secondary. The book itself could be about anything…murder, kidnapping, drugs, extortion…whatever fits into the crime fiction category. It really doesn’t matter. What does matter is how the characters interact with each other as they navigate their way through the story. I try to create bad guys who are sometimes a little good, and good guys who sometimes do bad things to get the job done. It makes for some pretty interesting characters.

Did you accomplish that with State of Unity (Virgil Jones Mystery Thriller Series Book 21)?

Yes, absolutely. Most of my novels—and this is another good reason to read them in order—have a sort of circular element to them. In other words, something that happened two or three books ago will be an integral part of another book down the line. In State of Unity, I pulled part of the story arc from both State of Play, and State of Remains.

Do your readers enjoy that…referencing something from a previous novel and using it later in the series?

Oh yeah, without a doubt. As I mentioned, each book is, in its entirety, a chapter of a much larger story, so it’s quite natural to pull from previous story arcs to continue the series.

Many people have commented that your novels have an odd combination of violence and humor. Those two things don’t seem to go together on paper, but you seem to pull it off. Can you explain how you do that?

I’ll try, but the main thing to remember is this: I write fiction. That means I can put a certain character in any given situation—even an horrific one—and often find this little nugget of humor, one that usually presents itself as an interaction between two or more characters. Humor balances the scale, so to speak, and gives the reader room to breathe. There are a lot of suspenseful situations in all of my books, and as Alfred Hitchcock once said, “Without humor there can be no suspense.” I couldn’t agree more.

You’ve said on more than one occasion that you don’t outline your novels. Why is that?

That’s true, I don’t outline. I let the story itself lead me wherever it wants to go. But there is a caveat to my answer. I do outline what I’ve already written (usually chapter by chapter) after the fact…although I’m not sure I would even call it an outline. It’s more like notes to myself about what I wrote, and why. I find the exercise necessary because I’m not a linear writer. I can be three chapters in on a new manuscript, then write something that ends up being placed in say, chapter eight, or something like that, so the after-the-fact outline saves me quite a bit of time.

What scene from State of Unity (Virgil Jones Mystery Thriller Series Book 21) was your favorite to write?

As I mentioned, I pulled part of this story from State of Play, and State of Remains. In doing so, one of the characters spoke to me in a way I hadn’t considered, and when that happened, I discovered this undertow of life that (for the character) was at once beautiful and heart-wrenching. As soon as that happened I stopped and immediately wrote two different scenes in separate parts of the novel, and one of them was at the very end of the epilogue. I never saw it coming, and when that sort of thing happens it always makes my day. Those types of scenes are the most fun to write.

Finally, it doesn’t go unnoticed that you’re nearing the end of the alphabet.

Yeah, only five more letters to go.

So, where do you see the series ending…or do you?

I don’t have a master plan for Virgil and the gang. Newsflash: I don’t have a master plan for much of anything. But I will say this: I don’t believe that Virgil’s story will end when I reach the letter Z. It could…I’d be foolish to say that’s not a possibility, but in all likelihood, the series will continue and future Virgil Jones books will simply be titled differently when I reach that point.

If you could tell your readers only one thing about your writing, what would it be?

That I give it my all, each and every time. I don’t phone it in. If you pick up a Virgil Jones novel, you’re going to get a complete (and hopefully) satisfying read…one that will lead you to the next book. I write every novel as if it might be my last. [laughs] Here’s hoping this one isn’t it, huh? Thanks for your time.

Thomas Scott is the author of the new book State of Unity (Virgil Jones Mystery Thriller Series Book 21)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Provoking Fate (Paradox Book 4)?

Provoking Fate was originally just one segment of a mammoth supernovel with 120+ chapters and 1500+ pages. A sober examination of the fiction market today convinced me to break it up into a series. As for the story behind that initial Tolstoy-sized epic: I’ve always had a soft spot for time travel, and like many others I would guess, I often find myself wishing I could wind the clock back to my youth, knowing what I know now. Being a fan of history, there’s some parts of it I wanted to bring to life for readers who have perhaps never studied them. And I thought it would be fun to have the hero confront a vast conspiracy which operates across space and time. All these ideas brewed in my mind and evolved over many years before I was finally ready to start putting the words down.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Provoking Fate (Paradox Book 4), what would they be?

Uncle Si: “Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King & Cream. Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation.” “Tush” by ZZ Top.

Pete/Ike: Sparks’ “(Eaten by the) Monster of Love.” “Tub Thumper” by Chumbawumba. “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson. John Cougar Mellencamp’s “I Need a Lover (Who Won’t Drive Me Crazy)”.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I go through phases with both, wherein I focus on one genre or another. As far as a favorite, I can’t narrow it down to one. I’m the same way with music. My first published books are considered military thrillers. Right now I’m writing time travel adventure. In the future, I hope to write some sword & sorcery, and space opera. I’ve just finished reading a sword & planet novel, and am currently reading historical fiction. There’s no doubt I’ll delve into some fantasy, sci-fi. adventure, and mystery in the near future.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Egads, that’s an enormous pile. I’ll highlight just a few: The rest of the Hidden Truth series by Hans G. Schantz. She by H. Rider Haggard. The Third Bullet by Stephen Hunter. The Robert E. Howard Omnibus. The End by G. Michael Hope.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scenes with Uncle Si are always up toward the top. He’s obviously got some issues, but he’s also magnetic. However, in this book, my favorite scene might be when Ike and Vivian finally come face-to-face and play a little cat-and-mouse with each other. Vivian is one of those characters who takes on a life of her own. My fingers were typing the words, yes, but she entertained me as if I were just a reader being passively entertained. She’s also got an aura of mystery that electrifies the scenes she’s in. Is she a femme fatale, or just a sexy ally who is too seductive for anyone to believe she’s really one of the good guys?

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Quirky? I don’t think so. Insane? Possibly. I tend to constantly self-edit, even before finishing the rough draft. In fact, I don’t follow much of the ubiquitous “how to write” advice bandied about in creative circles.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Make real-world decisions based on reality—not what you believe reality should be.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Provoking Fate is one leg of the epic journey that is the Paradox Series.

Henry Brown is the author of the new book Provoking Fate (Paradox Book 4)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Love, Literally?

In the early fall of 2020, the pandemic's first year, I had the idea for a novel about a group of college students who got an AirBnB for the semester in Colorado—a fun place to do their online courses. Gradually, the story's focus switched to their parents, who steal their idea of decamping from Boston to a nice locale with a group of friends. Over time, the characters took up residence in my heart and head. It didn't start out as a love story. But it became one.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I prefer to read literary fiction. I can't say there's any particular genre I like to write, as I've only written two books—this love story and a historical novel about Irish immigrants who settle in Denver in the 1890s. Very different books. Equally fun to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

In my queue to read are: Muriel Barbery's The Elegance of the Hedgehog; Kate Christensen's Welcome Home, Stranger; Dolly Alderton's Good Material; Mary Ellen Taylor's The Promise of Tomorrow; and Taylor Jenkins Reid's Forever, Interrupted.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There's a scene about 40 percent into the book where Hallie and Quinn take the dog for a fall hike at Morris Island, an area that showcases the different habitats of the Cape Cod shoreline. It was a fun scene to write because it's full of wordplay between the characters and lots of descriptive scenery.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not so much quirky as pathetic or pathological: when I'm really in the thick of writing a book, I can sit and work on it for 12 or 14 hours at a stretch. I gotta get a life!

J.T. Tierney is the author of the new book Love, Literally

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Lumberjack John?

My husband and I visited a section of Northern Wisconsin and learned of a family whose legacy is to preserve land that had been restored from over-logging and wildfires. On a tour of the land, I spotted a beautiful cabin nestled in the tall pines, and the story came to life for me.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Lumberjack John, what would they be?

John’s music would be evening jazz – any song would do. In my mind, he always had it playing in the background. Frankie’s song would be "Don’t Stop Me Now" by Queen because it would remind her of London, and she’s the type of woman to never take no for an answer.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

It is the same genre I write - I love romance in general. When I started writing, I was determined to write love stories that I wanted to read. I think it’s what makes my books so genuine.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Gin Fling by Lucy Score (love her!), usually anything by Megan Quinn and Tessa Bailey, Sterling Brick by LB Dunbar. I’ve recently discovered KF Breene – her Magical Midlife series is fantastic – and Zoey Draven. I’m eagerly awaiting Sherilee Gray’s next release, A Bond in Flames, next month.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Frankie is FaceTiming her best friend/boss, Sharon, from John’s cabin and doing her best to hide any evidence of a relationship developing between her and John. Sharon was such a blast to write and I’ve already had several requests to write her story. It’s a definite possibility!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do! I usually write down the scenes I’ll write that day and meditate until the scene is playing out in my head. Then I’ll jump to the computer and get it down. It’s an amazing way to get the story rolling.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Treat people the way you wish to be treated. I want to receive respect and kindness, and that’s what I give back (and sometimes have to remind myself when situations get tense).

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That life is meant to be enjoyed, no matter the difficulty. Stay positive no matter what and remember that the universe works for you, not against you. We can all have our happily ever after.

Irene Lawless is the author of the new book Lumberjack John

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