Interview with Kim Cresswell
Published 2014-01-12.
What types of books do you read?
I love true crime, crime fiction, romantic suspense and thrillers but also enjoy paranormal and supernatural mysteries.
What is your all-time favorite book?
My favorite book would have to be Waiting Wives: The Story of Schilling Manor, Home Front to the Vietnam War by Donna Moreau. “In 1964, as the first B-52s took flight in what would become America’s longest combat mission, an old Air Force base on the plains of Kansas became Schilling Manor — the only base ever to be set aside for the wives and children of soldiers assigned to Vietnam.” It's an incredible story about determination, strength and love!
What three things do you think your readers would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a gamer chick! A gaming junkie. Have been since the '80s. I'm a die-hard PC gamer and known to play first-person shooters (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3), adventure, fantasy and RPG's (Role Playing Games). I put Smarties in my cottage cheese and I love old-school hip-hop. (Okay...the Smarties thing might gross a few people out! )
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from many different places such as movies, conversations and experiences to name a few. Occasionally, an idea smacks me in the side of the head. Such is the case with a book I'm working on, a supernatural thriller. The idea came from a terrifying dream—the perfect scenario for the story's villain, a serial killer. I watch the news, read the paper, and search the Internet looking for interesting stories that make me ask, “What if?”
Of all of the characters you have written, which has been your favorite? Why?
Great question! I admit it. I have a thing for villains. <evil grin> I would have to say, Nathan Shaw, the villain from my award-winning debut romantic thriller REFLECTION. Nathan is a billionaire bio-tech company owner obsessed with genetic perfection. He will do anything, and I mean anything, to keep his illegal human cloning project concealed from outsiders. He is the creepiest character I've had to pleasure to bring to life—at least so far and the most enjoyable to create. Least favorite? Why? I would have to say, Andrew West, a secondary character in the story because I had to get inside his head and think like a revenge-killer. He was one of my tougher characters to bring to life.
Is there anything you want to make sure potential readers know?
If you enjoy edge-of-the-seat suspense, loads of action, and hot romance, you will enjoy my cinematic writing style. I write as if I'm watching a movie and I hope readers enjoy the show. (I highly recommend having some popcorn on hand.) :)
If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
Hmm...if it was in the winter, maybe I'd use a sharpened icicle to commit the perfect murder. Got to love evidence that melts. <evil grin> or if my intended victim had a peanut allergy...well maybe invite them to a picnic and make sure they have some peanuts.
Do you believe in a deity?
I do believe there are beings with powers greater than humans—what exactly they are, I'm not sure. There is a lot in this world that can't be explained.
Why do you think what you do matters?
Being an author does matter. I'm a huge supporter of freedom of speech. I also try to use some type of controversial topic in all my books. Human cloning is one, and has caused lots of debate over the years. It gets people talking.
What are some of the challenges in your writing process?
The most challenging aspect of writing for me is finishing the first draft. My internal editor will not shut off which makes me the slowest writer on earth but saves time when it comes to editing. In the end, it all probably balances out.
What books or authors have influenced your writing?
I'm going to show my age! I've loved the suspense genre since I was a teenager after reading Sidney Sheldon's, Master of the Game. He certainly influenced my writing over the years. In my opinion, Mr. Sheldon was one of the best
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Books by This Author
Edge of Madness (A True Crime Quickie - Book Four)
by Kim Cresswell
Edge of Madness - A True Crime Quickie is the fourth book in a compelling series of true crime short stories for readers who don't have time to read a full-length novel.
"The Story of Joseph Kallinger" examines the horrifying account of a knife-wielding shoemaker who kills under the command of Charlie, a floating head.
Real Life Evil - A True Crime Quickie (Book One)
by Kim Cresswell
Many serial murders go unsolved, others take decades to unravel but one thing is certain...serial killers walk among us—hiding in plain sight. Real Life Evil is a compelling collection of two true crime short stories: Jack Unterweger and the unsolved Giglo Beach murders.
Lethal Journey
by Kim Cresswell
A killer lurks in the shadows of Hyde Park, New York…waiting. A district attorneys' journey into the past makes her a target and anyone she's ever loved.