What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
What inspired me to write “Run Way” was dissatisfaction with a book written by a popular mystery author about a pop singer being kidnapped by three evil people. The book’s synopsis made it sound like a search-and-rescue story, but that turned out to be false advertising, as in the story, she is never rescued. I was so disgusted that I immediately thought, “I could write a better book than this!” However, as I began thinking more about this prospect, I decided that I would want to make my story take place in a different timeline. The 1980s certainly fascinated me because it was a time of creative excess, no internet, and a grungy but colorful atmosphere. I decided to make my story not a white-knuckle thriller, but rather a cozy thriller, which starts out comedic but turns dead-serious halfway through. I wrote this book in a “Rashomon” style, making each chapter a different character’s point of view so that the reader would not know what to expect when the twists and turns abound.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Juliette is a huge fan of Italo disco from both recognized and obscure artists. If I had to choose, it would probably be “Never Say Goodbye” by Chip Chip. Mitch, on the other hand, does not like synth-pop but is a massive movie buff and John Wayne fanatic, so I think his favorite song would be a Western theme composed by Elmer Bernstein.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I would say, thriller. I write what I want to read.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Too many to count, actually. Examples would include The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Odyssey by Homer, The Aeneid by Virgil, and a number of Michael Crichton books, including Congo and Sphere. I like to credit myself with the phrase, “Great literature begets mediocre and sometimes good literature.”
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene was in the last chapter of the book, where someone asks another, “What will you do now? Because I know what I will do.” I originally wrote the last chapter as a tail-end epilogue. However, while editing, I added a scene of dialogue where the main characters reach a new threshold in which one must make a decision that will change both of their lives forever. Not only did this transform the ending of the story, but it changed the entire story and who the main character actually was. The reader is literally left to write the next chapter in their head because, with this new approach, it ended this story but began another.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Sometimes I surround myself with scented candles while writing. They calm my nerves while I write. Usually, the TV is playing in the background. It may sound strange, but I think more clearly with noise in the background.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
My motto would be the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” I have learned from experience to try to find the good in people, no matter how hard it may be. If you have personal issues with someone, try to reconcile because, who knows, you might need that person’s help someday. This story does have a theme about this.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I would want readers to realize that keeping personal dignity is better than compromising it for fame. There is a specific scene in the book where Juliette realizes she may have to compromise her personal morals to become more famous, given how seedy the modeling and movie industry is. When she tells Mitch her fears and what she truly feels like as a model, he consoles her by explaining to Juliette that her dignity is far more beautiful than fame. This scene illustrates how Mitch, who is occasionally rude, crass, and uncouth to others, truly respects Juliette’s purity, and despite many of his outrageous statements beforehand, he wants Juliette to not only be safe but to remain pure with her dignity intact.
Patrick Ullmer is the author of the new book Run Way
