Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Jim Colombo

This week's Book-A-Week Challenge was The Keys to the Vault - A Caroline Baker Adventure by Jim Colombo.

www.strategicbookpublishing.com/thekeystothevault.html

Learn more about Jim and his writing with the interview posted below. Leave him a comment, ask a question, tell him how much you enjoyed the book.

Interview:

What motivated you to write this book?

I love reading books. Slowly, the seed was planted in my mind that I could write a book also. It was an interesting challenge, and a wonderful outlet for my creative energies. Once I started, so many ideas flooded from my mind that I couldn’t quit. Besides I needed to see how the story would end. I had to finish. It is a little scary though having people literally read what’s on my mind.

Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Perhaps just a little bit. I have been fortunate to be able to have travelled a bit, so I can use that to my advantage. When setting a story in a particular place in the world, London for example is where part of Caroline’s adventure takes place, my experience of having visited London helps me describe a detailed scene.

Some of the characters are based on a mix of people I know. A little of this one, a little of that one. It helps my characters to act in a real way. Others are pure fiction. Caroline, my main character, however, is a stranger to me, who chose me to tell her story to.

Do you have a particular writing style?

I think my style is straight forward. I start with a general idea of where I want to go, and try to write myself there. I hope my stories are well thought out, exciting and keep a good pace. I am a minimalist, so I try not to add a lot of plot twists that do nothing to help the main story.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

My favorite author is Agatha Christie. Even though we are from different eras, I still can learn from her by reading her stories. She was a master at building a story, giving just the right piece of information at just the right time. Wonderful! I am in awe!

What are your current projects?

I have three or four ideas running around in my head at present. I am working on my second novel entitled The Madonna, The Mistress and The Thief. The main character, Valentina Vasari, is a brilliant art conservator known the world over. She is also an art thief. She is a little more complex than Caroline, almost an anti-hero. In spite of her success, Valentina has led a difficult life, always struggling to gain the respect of her father who did not approve of her becoming an artist. I am about half completed, and I’m eager for her to tell me how her story ends.

What makes your stories unique?

My main characters are women and I’m not. I think that gives them a unique perspective on what’s going on in their lives. I can’t think like a woman, so the way Caroline or Valentina may act or react in a situation may not be what the reader, especially my female readers, is expecting. This allows for some unique situations and unusual results that otherwise would not be possible.

How do you come up your story ideas and your characters?

Honestly, I have learned over the years to listen to that little voice in my head, talking to me… giving me ideas. It speaks at the most inconvenient times too! I usually carry some index cards with me to jot a note on. Then when it’s quiet, it’s easier for me to listen to that voice more carefully and see where that idea may lead to.

When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?

I find that I do my best work when I am in the mood to do it. It sounds silly I know, but that is the best time for me. There are days when my mind is on business, and writing or being creative is nowhere on my agenda. There is no sense staring at my reflection in the computer screen. It’s not going to happen. There are also days when writing is almost like taking dictation. Everything flows smoothly. Those are the days I look for and I really try to take advantage of. I can accomplish a lot on those days.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

Caroline. I think we could be friends.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Anything that makes me happy. Reading. Chocolate chip cookies. Travelling. Visiting with family and friends. Just sitting and watching the world go by. Life is abundant. It should be enjoyed…everyday.

What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

If I’m getting fatigued or confused about details, I find a brisk walk will help clear my mind. If I want to take a longer break, I just do what need to be done around the house. Mow the lawn. Tend the garden. It’s the everyday things, believe it or not that make me happy.

Last, but not least. . .

Thanks Jim for taking the time for this interview and giving us some insight into the author behind the book. More importantly, thank you for the great read.