How can you research and write about these gory crimes?
I've be taught a long time ago to detach myself from "what I have to do or see". Sorry, that's vague but I'm not permitted to elaborate. I've seen the worst of the worst in criminals, serial and spree killers....up close and personal. The worse kind of crime scenes you can possibly imagine. To separate your emotions is not easy...that's why since retiring I write and publish so that my mind is active and doesn't drift back. Most people are fascinated with the criminal mind. That's why shows like Dexter, Criminal Minds, Cold Cases, CSI are so popular. We don't want these killers in our neighbourhood or course but to learn what makes the dregs of society tick is curious to most people.
What is the most heinous crime you've written about?
Writing about school shootings. When I was writing No Killing in the Hallways, I was an emotional wreck. Being a parent of two teenage girls in school, and to research and write about what happened at V. Tech and Columbine, was emotionally draining.
Read more of this interview.