QUESTIONS FROM READERS

John Lutz answers readers' questions about finding inspiration and when to expect the release of his upcoming books.

Suzanne from Hornell, NY: The heart of this plot was very intriguing and imaginative. What do you use for inspiration?

John Lutz: Much thanks for your kind words on my work.

I don't so much write in the heat of inspiration as in cool contemplation. When I come across something I think might be interesting for a novel or part of a novel, I mentally file it away. If later I decide to use it, I ask myself "What if..?" and still later: "Then what if..?" Often, what seems like a good hook for a novel doesn't necessarily have the potential to lead down enough intriguing avenues, so I have to be choosy. I think that before and during the writing of a novel, the two most important questions a writer should keep asking him or herself are the two above: "What if..?" and "Then what if..?" How many good answers the writer comes up with determines the success or failure of the novel. This applies to fiction writers, of course, and not to someone who is, say, a travel writer or a lonely hearts columnist. But what if…?

Thanks again for your interest in my books.

Jackie from Marshfield, MO: When is your next book due out? I'm way behind and will have to start saving up because I want to own all your books.

John Lutz: In 2009, I will be releasing two titles. In September, it’s NIGHT VICTIMS (a repackaged edition of NIGHT SPIDER, specially priced at $4.99) and in October a brand-new book, URGE TO KILL, again featuring Frank Quinn as the hero and priced at $6.99.

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