Q – During the break, you referenced a neighbor who wore her new, full-length mink coat to walk her dog. Did you pattern Maggie on someone you know?
A – No. In fact, her character started out as the husband. I reversed the roles as the story evolved.
Q – Why did you make that change?
A – I was playing off an area of conflict that imperils many marriages, then I realized that I had wanted the woman to be the good guy. But every time I went back to make the story work, Maggie stole the spotlight. She literally took over the story.
Q – Completely?
A – Yes. The book’s original title was Aniline Black. It was all about Harry.
Q – Have you experienced a change to your characters in other books?
A – Unfortunately, it seems to be the bane of my writing life.
Q – So why do you think the characters switched places?
A – I think Maggie heard my husband’s comment about Harry. “He’s too good. Nice guys don’t win ballgames. He needs to have an affair.” I told him that Harry wouldn’t do that. My husband said, “No one will read the book.”
Q – I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t believe the ending.
