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This week, critic Angela Wilson chats it up with thriller author Michelle Gagnon.

Who is Michelle Gagnon?

That’s an excellent question, I’ve often wondered that myself. Depends on the day, really…

What inspires you to write?

I’ve just always loved doing it. I wrote my first book at the age of six. It was a ten-page opus detailing the adventures of a toothbrush named Billy. Once I had that one under my belt, I never looked back.

Tell us about your latest, Boneyard.

Boneyard is the second book in my series featuring FBI Special Agent Kelly Jones.

The story takes place nearly a year after the events in The Tunnels. Skeletal remains have been found on a section of the Appalachian Trail that winds through Western Massachusetts, and Kelly is called in to lead the task force investigating the murders. But she quickly becomes ensnared in a cat and mouse game between dueling serial killers. One of the killers has escaped detection for years by targeting victims who are rarely reported missing, and by burying the bodies where they wouldn’t be discovered. The other killer has a grudge against him, and digs up the bodies so they’ll be found…but being a somewhat sick individual himself, he becomes intrigued by the manner of death and starts claiming his own victims. That’s where things really start to get interesting.

What was your greatest triumph in writing Boneyard?

Finishing it on time. For a few days there, it looked like I might miss my first deadline, ever. I had a lot of trouble with the ending, and went back and forth quite a bit. I’m pleased with how it finally turned out.

What research did you do for this novel?

I did wayyy too much research on serial killers (just ask my husband, he was not pleased with the fact that I hogged the Tivo with Bundy, BTK, and a variety of other shows on serial killers). I read numerous research and true crime books about them, watched movies, and generally insured a future of terrible nightmares. I am definitely taking a break from them in my next book.  I also have some contacts in the FBI who were kind enough to answer questions for me, and Doug Lyle is such a prince for patiently responding to any and all forensics and medical questions.

Is there some of yourself in your protagonist, FBI Special Agent Kelly Jones?

Not really. I wish I was as cool as Kelly, and as good with a sidearm (in reality, guns make me very nervous). Plus she manages to stay up for days on end sometimes, whereas if I get less than eight hours of sleep a night I’m a wreck. But she did have a terrible past, and has no family to speak of, so in the end I would definitely not trade places.

Do you experience writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome it?

Maybe I’m just one of the lucky ones (at least so far) but I’ve never experienced writer’s block. I mainly credit spending so many years writing articles for magazines with strict deadlines, and if the piece wasn’t finished, I wasn’t paid and my food money ran out. Eating is a huge motivator for me.

Who are you reading?

I just finished Karin Slaughter’s series and am currently making my way through some of James Rollins earlier works while I wait for his next Sigma Force adventure.

Who are your top three favorite authors?

Ah, this is always a trick question, because it forces me to choose between so many wonderful writers, many of whom I also count as friends. In order to keep things civil, let’s go with one of my three favorite dead authors: Virginia Wolff, because I think she addressed the challenges of writing as a woman, much of which still applies today.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on both book three of the Kelly Jones series (tentatively entitled “Tiger Game,”) and a standalone with a new main character set in San Francisco. That one has been a lot of fun to work on. It’s more of a Carl Hiaasen-style “only in San Francisco” book with some kooky characters and situations. It’s given me a chance to dive into something with more humor in it, which has provided a nice change of pace.

Where can we find you on the Web?

Everywhere, I’m a ridiculous social networker. But the number one place is my website: http://www.michellegagnon.com. On the “contact” page there’s a list of all the other sites, along with a plea to add me as a friend. Pathetic, I know.