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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Karen Robards answers readers' questions about sources of inspiration, the possibility of writing sequels and the meaning of her latest book's title.

Coral from Omak, WA: You are a very talented writer. How do you do it?

Karen Robards: First, thanks so much for the kind words. They're appreciated! As to how I do it, I think the answer has to start with the fact that I've always loved books. From the time I was a little girl, books have been my constant companion. In times of joy, sorrow, stress, you name it, I always turn to books. I read constantly, voraciously, and I read everything. For me, writing is simply an extension of that love for books.

Donna Jo from Pompton Plains, NJ: Would you ever write a sequel with some of the same characters that were in OBSESSION or any of your past books?

Karen Robards: I would love to do a sequel to OBSESSION, although nothing is planned as of right now. VANISHED is another of my books that I think would support a great sequel, or even a series. (In fact, there is a character from one of my earlier books in VANISHED in a small role; check my website for information about the contest to figure out who it is.) The thing is, there are so many exciting, new stories to tell that it's hard to choose between continuing with old favorites and writing something that's totally fresh. As a writer, I tend to like to try new paths and see where they take me.

Kendra from Davis, CA: What exactly is your link to law enforcement? You like to use the FBI in your books, so I'm wondering if you've ever worked with them, or in [other branches of] law enforcement.

Karen Robards: My only link to the FBI or law enforcement is a lot of research and a great imagination. (Actually, I do have a couple of cousins who are police officers.) I use the FBI so much because they make such interesting characters.

Kristine from Lombard, IL: Where do you get the ideas for your novels? Are any of them based on people you may have known or places you have been?

Karen Robards: I get ideas everywhere. I'm always reading, everything from thick nonfiction books to The National Enquirer, and ideas can spring from that. TV shows, movies, things that happen to my neighbors and family --- all are grist for the idea mill. Places I've been can also be starting points for ideas. What happens is, something I see, hear, or read will trigger an AHA! moment in my brain. I'll give you an example, the clearest instance I can remember of an idea for one of my books being born.

A number of years ago, I was walking in New York's Central Park with my younger sister. She was in what I call her Dolly Parton phase, with big hair and big --- well, never mind. Anyway, my hair has never been big in its life --- it's fine and silky and basically just lays there being hair --- and for some reason, on this day, its non-assertiveness apparently bothered my sister. She kept shooting me disapproving glances and finally said, "Your hair needs more puff."

I said, "Sweetie, your hair has enough puff for the both of us."

She said, "Does not."

I said, "Does too."

We continued along in this very adult vein for a few minutes, until --- loving big sister that I am --- I started humming "Puff, the Magic Dragon" to her under my breath. This made her mad, which was the whole point.

"Are you trying to say something?" she asked, stopping short.

"Nope," I said. "But you know what? I think I'll dedicate my next book to you --- with love to my sister, also known as Puff the Magic Dragon."

This made her madder, but I barely noticed. Because as soon as the words left my mouth I had one of those AHA! moments. What if I dedicated my next book with love to Puff the Magic Dragon --- without specifying that I was talking about my sister, because despite occasionally teasing her I really didn't want to embarrass her in front of hundreds of thousands of people --- and there just happened to be a secret agent out there whose code name was Puff the Magic Dragon. And he was missing. And everybody, including the KGB and his own people, was looking for him. And they picked up my book, read the dedication, and thought I knew where he was. And came --- guns blazing --- after me.

There, in that flash of imagination, was my plot. I used it, too, to write one of my best-loved books. If you haven't read it, check out NIGHT MAGIC, which is, indeed, dedicated to the real Puff, my sister Lee.

(Who still loves me anyway.)

Mari-Ella from Brick, NJ: I have no questions. I just wanted to let you know that you have a new fan.

Karen Robards: Thank you!

Ricki from Wildwood, MO: Why did you title this book OBSESSION?

Karen Robards: The title OBSESSION sprang from Nick's determination to find out what happened to his sister Allie.

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