OBS reviewer Heidi is back with a new interview. This time she had the opportunity to chat with author Belinda G. Buchanan where they discuss her second novel ‘The Monster of Silver Creek’, just like her motivation for writing, her characters, future projects and more. Enjoy!
Read our review for The monster of Silver Creek here.
Heidi: When did you decide that you wanted to be an author? What age did you start writing?
B.G.B.: I’ve always like writing, and can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be an author. I was around fifteen when I wrote my first story.
Heidi: What motivates you and makes you want to write?
B.G.B.: My biggest motivator is hearing from fans that tell me how much they loved my books. I have made many, many new friends over the past year.
Heidi: What is the most nerve-wracking thing about writing?
B.G.B.: For me, it’s making sure the details, time-line and plot all fall in line. I’m rather anal about details and sometimes I drive myself nuts. For this book in particular, I had to make sure my dates were right in regards to the murders and how they unfolded over a four week time span. I keep a small journal that denotes my characters’ birthdays, anniversaries, etc. See? I told you I’m anal. LOL!
Heidi: What do you read? For pleasure? Motivation?
B.G.B.: I love reading mysteries, chick lit and some sci-fi. I also love celebrity memoirs. I always read for pleasure, although I don’t get to read as much as I’d like to.
Heidi: In the Monster of Silver Creek, Nathan is plagued with grief and guilt over the loss of his wife and unborn child. Where did you get your inspiration for this powerful and heart-wrenching storyline?
B.G.B.: I wanted Nathan to be a widow, because it brings a certain vulnerability to him. His connection to his past is what drives the story. It’s what makes him who he is as well as who he becomes.
Heidi: Any particular reason you chose Montana as the setting for this story? Do you have a personal connection with the state?
B.G.B.: I have always loved Montana, although I have never been. I just felt Montana would be a good setting. It’s a beautiful state and I hope to visit it someday.
Heidi: With Nathan being a do-it-all kind of police chief, there were several police codes in the book. Were you already familiar with these codes when you wrote the book or how did you learn about them?
B.G.B.: I spoke with my police chief about the codes, and I found the Montana State Police codes on their website. I wanted to make sure I was using them correctly.
Heidi: I was a little sad that this book didn’t have the happily ever after ending that I was expecting. Why did you choose to go the route you did?
B.G.B.: I wanted to make it like real life. Sometimes we don’t get the things we want or need, but we pick ourselves up and go forward.
Heidi: What was your favorite thing about The Monster of Silver Creek (a certain scene, character, etc)?
B.G.B.: My favorite scene was when Nathan went up to the tree, where his wife died. It was very moving, and I get a little misty when I read it.
Heidi: Both of your books, After All is Said and Done and The Monster of Silver Creek center around cheating spouses. Is there a reason for that?
B.G.B.: I love writing about characters with emotional flaws. I believe that makes them more human. For After All Is Said And Done, I always wanted to write a story that dealt with adultery and its aftermath. So many times we see the short-term effects, but not the long term.
Heidi: What future projects are in store for you? What are you working on now?
B.G.B.: I am currently working on Seasons Of Darkness, a prequel to After All Is Said And Done. After that, I will be working on a follow up to The Monster Of Silver Creek, which picks up almost exactly where the book left off.
Heidi: Well I guess I will just have to read the sequel to find out what happens next!! I can’t wait. Thanks, Belinda for taking the time to talk to us and I wish you great success on The Monster of Silver Creek and all your future endevours!!
