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When author Loretta Craig isn’t writing, she’s thinking about what she’s going to write next. Already author of six novels in three genres, she’s got plans for a young adult work and a historical romance, and she’s just getting warmed up.

Ms. Craig was kind enough to join Book Addict and share her thoughts on crime fiction and answer questions about her prodigious writing habits.

Tell us about The Killer Instincts series.

My Killer Instincts series takes place in Washington, D.C. It deals with crime, corruption, sex, lust, murder and some powerful main characters. Namely, Detective Amanda Moore, Prosecuting Attorney Sam Powers, and Sgt. Jeremy Holmes. In Volume I, Amanda is out to catch a serial killer that has local and government agents in a tail spin. And she isn’t just a pretty face; she has to dig deep to unravel the clues and catch this diabolical, hi-tech assassin before he strikes again. Without giving it away, our serial killer has a very interesting job, and readers will be surprised. Of course Our Lady Detective’s life is in danger, adding twists, turns, and thrilling moments through the end of the book. A Passionate Murder, Volume II dives into the political world, dealing with corruption, murder, and the twisted minds of powerful people. I refer to Washington, D.C. as the devil’s playground in this novel. The book deals with a series of murders and those behind them. As the detectives delve deeper, they end up only with more questions. The path to justice is fraught with peril at every turn, and in the process of uncovering the truth of the crime, they learn truths about themselves.

I’m just finishing up Killer Instincts, Volume III, the final chapter of this series. This book looks into the personal lives of our heroes, and traces the connection of justice, crime and the constant battle of good versus evil.

I will say that I’m leaving the door open for another book.

What kind of audience do you have in mind when you’re writing?

Someone who loves a good mystery.  I want my readers to think when they’re reading, but I also want them to have fun with it. My books are written for a mature audience. I don’t suggest younger kids read my novels, because they are explicit. I write about strong, independent women with a passion for life.

What inspired you to become a writer?

When I was four years old, my mother started teaching me to read. I fell in love with books! From that moment on, I knew I wanted to become a writer. It’s my passion. It’s who I am. I’m lost without it. I started writing poetry at 16, publishing everything I put to paper. At 17, I moved to California to study script writing and have since evolved to novels. I think writing is in my blood.

What draws you to the crime genre?

I don’t want to be stereotyped as just a mystery writer.  Three of my books are romance novels, one a suspense-thriller with a paranormal twist, and my Killer Instincts novels are a murder/suspense series. In addition to finishing up Volume III for Killer Instincts, I’m also working on a cookbook/coffee table book that has recipes, memories of growing up in the country and lots of photos. I also have plans to write children’s literature, and a historical romance that I started four years ago. I have no genre; I want to do it all! When a reader tells me they couldn’t put my book down, I know I’ve done my job. It’s a personal satisfaction for me that I can’t put into words.

How would you describe your particular take on crime fiction?

I love mysteries! My dad was a cop when I was a child, and I always had an interest in police work. I love to confuse my reader, I admit. I want my readers involved in the story and solve the case before they finish the book… if they can. I’ve gotten some very satisfying feedback with my books.

Describe for us your writing process.

I eat, sleep and dream my next story, my next paragraph. I basically write 10 hours a day when working on a novel. But I’m also a wife, mother and grandmother. I’ve trained myself to just sit down and start writing. I don’t consider writing “work”; it’s my way of relaxing, and I love it. It’s not unusual for me to cook, do the laundry, run errands and still find time to get in at least 5 chapters a day. I do take care of my family, but I won’t give up my dream of writing. They are very supportive of me.

What writers have most influenced you?

I love Shakespeare, Arthur Conan Doyle… whatever gets my attention, really. I was once an avid reader with a collection of 5000 books. Now, as a writer with a family, reading is something I have to make time for.

Where can we find your books?

Most bookstores have my books. If not, they can order them. You can also find them online with Barnes & Noble and Amazon, among others. Don’t forget to ask your local bookstore for my novels.

Book Addict extends a special thanks to Loretta Craig for her time and insight. Below is an excerpt from her novel, Killer Instincts.

Cathedral Park was a favorite spot for George Washington University’s high achievers. It offered peaceful surroundings, a coffee shop and bookstore for late night brainiacs. However, on this night - it would only bring panic and fear.

A cluster of blue lights flashed repeatedly in a circle at the lower east end of the park. The body of a young female college student lye face down in a ditch…Police Officers combed the area and taped off the crime scene as a police photographer snapped pictures of the dead body.

The latest victim in a series of serial type killings, the MO was the same. Young female reporting car trouble, the tow truck driver always finds the victim DOA. This would be the forth victim in two months. There were evidence of a struggle, torn clothing, cuts and bruises; cause of death - a broken neck.

Victims 1 and 3 had been strangled, and victim number two had a broken neck. Psychological motive was pointing toward a tortured death. Psychological profile fit the pattern of a woman hater…

Officer Holmes and O’Connor questioned the tow truck driver extensively, while Detective Brown worked with the Lab Boys. It would be another long night…

Sam sat across from Amanda at their breakfast table watching her consume every word, repeatedly, following the Bi-line of the Washington Post, which read: SERIAL KILLER STRIKES AGAIN!

Amanda analyzed the full page spread as if trying to decipher some secret code. She removed her reading glasses, chewing on the rubbery cover that fit snuggly behind her ear, her thoughts deep on the subject of a new victim and no suspect. The department would be taking the heat with this one…

Sam sipped on his hot coffee as he watched his future wife with an eagle eye. This would be victim number four; with any luck, the police would have some new leads on the case.

Amanda stared into space, going over page after page of police reports that would be forever in her brain - detail after detail. When it came to work - her mind functioned like that of a computer - always processing data and information in search of an answer. Because the slightest clue or most minor, detail could mean the difference between solving a case and ending up on the unsolved list.

Sam lay down the business section of The Washington Post and leaned in to give this adorable, sweet and sexy woman a kiss. This breaking her deep concentration, she gave him a smile and returned the sweet gesture of love.

His hand reached for the cordless phone that was lying on the table.

“Here.” He said, offering Amanda the phone.

“What?” She asked still lost in his heavenly dark eyes.

Even though she had turned her attention on work issues, she could not help but express her silent thoughts of him with her eyes. His rock hard body excited her, she could not help it - he turned her on.

Amanda reached across the table, running her slender fingers across his bare chest. His dedication to physical fitness was only a bonus. He loved Amanda…and she loved him.

“You aren’t going to be satisfied until you talk with Jeremy.” He said with some concern.

“I’m off the clock, remember? I’m on vacation time.” She said somewhat restless in her chair.

His eyes never left hers, knowing this woman oh so well.

“…You already called…didn’t you?” he asked.

“…umm, Sam why don’t we go back to bed.” She grinned, moving out of her chair and into his lap.

He gave her a “dedicated” smile.

“Yes…I already called. I was curious. I confess my terrible sin to you - I’m a workaholic…” She whispered, then kissing his lips softly and seductively.