Lisa Jackson

QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Lisa Jackson answers readers’ questions about the inspirations behind characters and plotlines, recurring themes and upcoming releases.

Elisa from Troy, IL: Is there going to be a sequel?

Lisa Jackson: Yes! Thanks for asking. I'm currently working on MALICE, my April 2009 hardcover, which will be the sequel to LOST SOULS. It's Rick Bentz's story as he thinks he's being haunted by the ghost of his first wife, Jennifer. Or is she alive? He has to find out the truth about her death, and his journey takes him back to LA, where she died, or at least where he believed she died years earlier.

George from Cleveland, OH: How long will I have to wait for your next release? I plan to read all of your backlist and will be waiting for the next release.

Lisa Jackson: Oh, thanks! Let me know your favorite books! My next release is LEFT TO DIE, an original paperback from Zebra Books that will be published in August of 2008. It's the start of a new series and introduces Detectives Regan Pescoli and Selena Alvarez of the Pinewood County Sheriff's Department, located in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana.

Janet from Tonawanda, NY: Why did you choose to make LOST SOULS about the vampire cult?

Lisa Jackson: Good question. I was more interested in America's fascination with vampires than vampires themselves (look to all the television shows and movies). I find paranormal beings extremely interesting. Cults are inherently creepy, at least to me. I thought combining the two in LOST SOULS created a different, interesting backdrop for a thriller. It added a new dimension for me.

Janet from Tonawanda, NY: Did you have any inspiration for the character of Kristi?

Lisa Jackson: You know, Kristi just kind of evolved. I introduced her as a teenager in HOT BLOODED and COLD BLOODED, and she literally stole the scenes whenever she was on the page. She wasn't inspired by any one particular individual; she was her own person from the get-go. She's so real that I created a MySpace page for her, so check it out by clicking here. She gives her insight into what's happening on the All Saints campus!

Kris from Lincoln, NE: You have a lot of elements of murder and devious characters, but it seems you can't help but add a dash of love to your story. Are you a romantic at heart?

Lisa Jackson: The truth to tell is I always like a little romance in my thrillers. I think the emotional commitment and struggle between the characters actually ratchets up the suspense. Am I a romantic? Hmmm. Yeah, probably a little.

Linda from Avon, ME: You really brought a "sense of place" to LOST SOULS, which was a great enhancement to the story. What's your feeling about the importance of setting and atmosphere? Do you write about places that you know, or get to know places you are going to write about?

Lisa Jackson: Glad you think so. I introduced the campus of All Saints College in COLD BLOODED, I think, and then it reappeared in SHIVER. (I have a map of the college on my website at www.lisajackson.com). I loved the private school setting, and of course, I enjoy writing about New Orleans and the surrounding area. I think setting and atmosphere and the "feel" of a story are very important to pull the reader into the story.

I have written about places I know --- for example, I'm currently involved in a project with my sister that is set in Oregon, where we grew up. WICKED GAME will be out in paperback in February 2010. I've also written about places where I've never been --- though that's tough --- such as my new series set in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. I do a lot of research and I do actually plan to visit Montana soon, just as I have visited New Orleans many times.

Susie from Greenwood, IN: How do you come up with plotlines for your stories?

Lisa Jackson: I work like a dog on my plots, but many are inspired from real life. They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and yes, that's true. So I look to the news, see a germ of an idea, then put my spin on it and come up with a synopsis for a story. I work very closely with my editor, and we discuss different ideas and twists and characters before I actually write the book.

Mindy from Oakland, CA: What would you say are some of the recurring themes that surface in your work?

Lisa Jackson: Basically, that crime doesn't pay and good triumphs over evil. I try to make my characters different and interesting and put in enough twists and red herrings in my plots to keep readers interested, but in all of my books there is an underlying love story, and an overlying suspense plot.