Global Book Blast Interviews Author Betty Gordon

GLOBAL BOOK BLAST INTERVIEW

1. What was the inspiration for you to write this story?  What was your motivation to complete it?  Were there defining moments that helped you along the way?  

1. The inspiration began with a true crime in Houston during the 1970s. A rapist  was terrorizing women in the southwest part of the city, taking their shoes and putting them in his automobile trunk as trophies.  My motivation to complete the story was to develop it into my Master’s Thesis in creative writing.

2. Many writers do research or construct outlines before writing a story, take us through the process you used before you started writing.

1. Because the women were those who were followed after leaving popular Houston bars, I researched the history of the bars, particularly Todd’s, plus newspaper articles concerning the crimes. Since I lived in the southwest part of Houston, I was on constant alert.

3. How did you come up with the title?

1. The original title was Murder in the Third Person. I wanted a title that would give readers a clue without disclosing the end. The new title, Murder By Design, accomplishes the same goal..

4. Tell our readers what the setting or backdrop is for your novel.

1. Houston, Texas in the 1970s, Houston Homicide Division, and Todd’s a popular nightclub.

5. Without giving too much away, can you give us some background on the major characters?  Do you have a favorite character?

1. The major characters are David Farrell, a promising law student; Sharon Berg, a young woman enamored with Farrell; Karen Matthews and Vicki Sanders, law students whose lives become intertwined with Farrell’s; Kim Lowry, Farrell’s fiancé; Paul Barlow, Detective, Houston Homicide.  My favorite character is Vicki Sanders.

6. Can you give us a brief summary of your book?

1. Law student, David Farrell, is months away from becoming a powerful attorney in Texas when fate steps in. A chance encounter in a Houston bar opens a seam into his past and threatens to expose a secret kept hidden behind smiles and charm. In one brief moment, Farrell goes from charismatic law student on the brink of a brilliant career to a man embarking on a journey of no return. While Farrell fights his personal demons, a Houston Homicide detective is frustrated with suspected serial rape cases in the southwest part of the city. A call comes in – a young woman has been murdered in the same area of the city. The modus operandi of the crimes dovetail and Barlow must figure out the connection between the women and the crimes, if there is one, before more fall victim to the rapist or killer. Suspicions lead the detective through a maze of secrets, disguises, obsessions, love and betrayals.

7. Do you have a favorite part or chapter?

1. My favorite part is Chapter 41.

8. Are there any anecdotal stories pertaining to writing this story that you would like to share?  

1. When the Houston police solved the murder crime, all the rape victims’ shoes were in his trunk.

9. With all the new genres out there today, what categories and sub category would you say your novel falls into?

1. Mystery, romantic suspense, suspense, police procedural, romance.

10. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the most difficult) what is the reading level of your novel?  

1. 2 (Two)

11. What well known author would you compare your writing style to?  

1. Robert Crais.

12. Other than your current novel what other books short stories etc. have you written?  

1. Into Thin Air, Murder by Proxy, The Magic of Christmas (five short stories), The Common Thread (co-authored with CC Smith), and numerous short stories in various anthologies.

13. Are you working on any new projects?

1. Yes, I am working on several projects that will fall into the genres of mystery, suspense and romantic suspense.

14. Is there a sequel or a prequel for Murder By Design somewhere out there in the future?  

1. Yes, but not defined as of this posting.

15. Do you have any media or book signing appearances coming in the near future?

1. I am concentrating on on—line marketing at the moment. Please check my website, http://www.bettygordon.com, for information.  

The tiny url for Murder by Design is http://tinyurl.com/hplwye7 or available at Amazon.com

16. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans or potentially new fans?

1. I am honored to have readers who have enjoyed my work and have taken time to let me know.  I thank all of you and welcome new readers to join my mysterious world.

Available: Amazon.Com + Betty Gordon/ or tinyurl: http://www.tinyurl.com/hplwye7

Thank you for your time.  We wish you much success with your novel.

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