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Book Tour: Virtual Sitdown with Andrea Kane

Q: What is it like to be Andrea Kane?

A: That’s a tough opening question!  I’d say that being Andrea Kane is a thriller unto itself.  I’m a Type-A, super-charged, intense, multi-tasking, perfection-striving whirlwind of activity—mentally, physically, and psychologically.  That’s probably why I love writing complex psychological thrillers with lots of fleshed-out, “real people” characters as much as I do.  The process is incredibly difficult, but it’s rewarding, it’s exciting, and it’s a great outlet for all my energy.

Q: You started off as a successful historical romance writer, then moved into romantic suspense. Why did you decide to make that leap?

A: It was less of a leap than you’d think.  If there was enough rack space on bookshelves, my earlier novels would have been in a section entitled: “Historical romantic suspense.” Relationships (romantic and otherwise) and mystery/suspense have always been my greatest loves—both in reading, and in writing.  Creating novels with those fundamentals, set in historical time periods like Regency and Victorian England was fascinating, and I loved every minute of it.  But when my creative muse told me to move on to contemporary thrillers, I followed it.  I’m a big believer in writing the book that’s inside you to give.  Otherwise, you’re offering less than your best.  That cheats you, and your readers.

Q: Was it a difficult transition?

A: In some ways, yes.  The research for my thrillers is far more extensive, especially where it comes to my characters’ careers (technology didn’t exist in the 1800’s!), and the medical and law enforcement aspects of my books.  I spend months and months on research, and where I used to be able to do it via libraries and the Internet, now I need to interview and call upon real experts who work in the applicable professions, and who can educate me so I’m able to create the best, most realistic characters and plot possible.  On the flip side, other parts of writing contemporary thrillers are easier—there are telephones, cell phones, and 911-- no more sending emergency missives via horse and carriage!

Q: How is your new series different from your previous romantic suspense novels?

A: TWISTED is bigger, scarier, and, in many ways, more mainstream than my previous novels.  I’d have to say that it’s much more thriller and much less romance.  Don’t get me wrong—Sloane and Derek have a combustible relationship that’s central to the story, but the in-depth FBI content, the escalating tension of the missing women and the brutally murdered prostitutes, and the threat to Sloane’s life (not to mention a villain that several readers and reviewers have compared to Hannibal Lecter!) are what seem to be drawing in a wider audience for TWISTED—male as well as female.

Q: The first novel in the new series is TWISTED. Where did you get the idea for it?

A: I get my ideas in snatches.  I was fascinated by the FBI’S Crisis Negotiation Unit and how they operate.  Ditto for the Behavioral Analysis Unit.  In fact, one thing led to another, and I ended up totally fascinated by the entire Bureau—its composite, its agents, its diversity—you name it.  My main protagonists, the male/female FBI team of Sloane Burbank and Derek Parker, came first—and I could visualize both of them vividly, as well as understand their individual emotional baggage and their personal goals.  Ah, then came the villain.  Once he started taking shape, so did his sick agenda, and the basis for TWISTED’s plot.

Q: You did extensive research at Quantico. Tell us about what it took just to get behind the scenes.

A: It took a superb team of FBI employees, starting with the Office of Special Affairs at FBI Headquarters in Washington DC.  My awesome media contact there put me in touch with the Field Offices I needed to visit, the Special Agents I needed to talk to, and the squads I needed to observe and learn from.  Most fabulous of all, she arranged my trip to Quantico, where I had the unique opportunity to meet the CNU, whose squad leader allowed me to spend a full day observing the exercises being conducted for those Special Agents who were going on to become crisis negotiators.  I also gained insight into the real world of criminal profiling from one of the brilliant agents of the BAU.  (Trust me, they might not be as glamorous as the fictitious agents in “Criminal Minds”, but they’re every bit as amazing.) I even learned how to load and shoot a Glock 22.  It was a visit I’ll never forget—and can’t wait to repeat!

Q: Was there something you learned while talking to FBI agents that changed your perspective on how to present your characters?

A: I learned how widely heterogeneous the backgrounds are of those who go on to become FBI Special Agents.  They hail from law enforcement and all branches of the military, to languages and computer experts, to attorneys, accountants—I could go on and on.  The versatility of the Bureau’s Special Agents, together with their unity of purpose, gave me the added incentive to infuse both Sloane and Derek with that same level of integrity and commitment.

Q: Did you meet agents who embodied the characters in TWISTED?

A: Definitely—just not all in one person.  There were a whole range of agents who had a whole range of skills, specialties, and personality traits, all of which filtered their way into Derek and Sloane.

Q: Tell us the best and worst of your experiences behind-the-scenes at Quantico.

A: The best was the firsthand, insider view I got of what takes place during actual hostage negotiations—no TV show or movie can possibly bring the reality so vividly to life.  The worst was realizing how insignificant my “being in good shape” was.  I had so much less energy and physical prowess than everyone I met—it was a very humbling experience!

Q: I read that one murder scene in TWISTED is so gruesome, you had to skip over it. Do you think your readers will have difficulty embracing this darker approach?

A: I think my readership is very broad-based at this point.  Some will gravitate toward the grittier thriller elements, others will gravitate toward the characters and their personal struggles, and still others will gravitate toward the relationships, romantic and otherwise.  But it is true that I balked, and then quickly skimmed the particular scene you’re referring to when I proofread TWISTED.  It was definitely darker and more violent than I’m used to in my own writing.  So I owe that scene to my creative muse, because I shuddered when I had to re-read it.

Q: Who will this new series appeal to?

A: Hopefully, anyone who thrives on an exciting, fast-paced read, filled with complex characters, escalating danger, and a passionate, re-kindled relationship between two very different but equally passionate people—all topped off by a chilling, driven serial killer.

Q: What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your writing experiences so far?

A:  Write the book that’s inside you.  Don’t succumb to trends.  And don’t give in to the insecurities that every writer occasionally finds him or herself battling.  Trust your instincts.  Trust and consult the chosen few you’ve made a part of your career.  And then, just write!

Q: Who are you reading?

A: These days, all I’m reading are books on art theft and art forgery.  That’s the premise behind the sequel to TWISTED.

Q: What’s next for Andrea Kane?

A: TWISTED’s sequel will be released in 2009.  I’m researching and writing it now.  That translates into very little sleep, a very actively racing mind, and lots and lots of hours on the computer and with the FBI.

Q: Where can we find you on the Web?

A: My website is: www.andreakane.com.  On it, you’ll find all sorts of really cool things-- like “FBI Central”-- a section devoted just to my experiences with the FBI; a multi-media section with a TWISTED video clip, a podcast, and lots of great flash openings for my previous novels, plus the opportunity to sign up for my reader e-mail list, which will keep you apprised of all my latest releases, news, appearances, etc.  I encourage you to visit my site and enjoy!