Jefferiy Deaver is the bestselling author of the Lincold Rhyme series (of which the first book, The Bone Collector was filmed, starring Denzel Washington as Rhyme and Angelina Jolie as Amelia Sachs). But don't forget he also writes stand-alone thrillers, which are just as good!
Some time ago, I did an interview with Mr. Deaver, and here are his answers:
1. Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, I've alwanted to be a writer. I started writing short stories and poetry when I was about ten years old and continued to write through college, but it was many years before my first novel was published.
2. When did you decide or find the courage to present your work to a publisher?
I started sending my manuscripts out about thirty years ago. I received many rejection slips before a manuscript was finally accepted for publication.
3. Did your first book get a good reception? What did the critics say about it?
My first book was a nonfiction book about the study of law, but my first novel, Voodoo, was a paperback thriller about the occult. It didn't do very well and was not received well by the critics.
4. How do you handle criticism?
I feel if I am willing to accept the praise, I must also accept the criticism of my novels. After so many years of writing, I know that some critics will like my books and some won't.
5. You have written a large number of books already. Attentive readers will notice that some of these books belong to a series (with Rune, John Pellam, Lincoln Rhyme & Amelia Sachs). Now I happen to know that some publishers don't like their authors to divert too much. Yours obviously doesn't mind?
My publisher is very good about encouraging me to try different books, but at the same time, they allow me to continue to write the series characters I have enjoyed writing about in the past.
6. Do you do a lot of research?for each of your books?
Yes, I do many months of research for each novel. My research involves reading many articles, and interviewing experts on the topic my books deal with.
7. How long does it actually take you to write a manuscript?
It takes about a year to write each novel, then several months of revisions to get the book in the best possible shape.
8. Is writing your full time profession or do you have another job on the side?
I write full time. I work about ten hours a day, every day. Even when I'm traveling, I make time to write.
9. Two of your books have been turned into films already and some others are going to be filmed. Are you satisfied with the way in which they were put on the screen?
I am satisfied that the films bring additional attention to the books. I don't expect movies to be word-for-word translations of the novels.
10. From the current mystery/thriller/detective writers, which is your favorite?
I am a great admirer of Thomas Harris. I think Silence of the Lambs is an excellent thriller.
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