I am thrilled to introduce readers to Danielle
Girard. Before I get to the interview, I figured I can fill you in
on her first two books.
SAVAGE ART (August 2000) Top FBI profiler Casey
McKinley leaves the agency after almost falling victim to serial
killer Leonardo. Starting a new life across country seems to be
just what the doctor ordered, until Casey discovers that Leonardo
has followed her, and his new focal point is now children.
RUTHLESS GAME (June 2001) The review for this
one is on site!
TF- With only two books to your name, assuredly
after reading RUTHLESS GAME I know you are set up for an
outstanding career. Who were some of your favorite authors growing
up? Who do you enjoy reading now?
DG: Tracy, first of all, thank you. I'm always
thrilled to hear when someone enjoys my books because I so love
writing them. Growing up, I wasn't much of a reader, to be honest.
I read Agatha Christie and before that, Nancy Drew and a few Hardy
Boys. Now, I'm voracious. I love Michael Connelly, James
Patterson, Robert Parker, Iris Johansen, and Philip Margolin, to
name a few.
TF- Your father was a doctor and you did go
through pre-med before traveling the world with your husband. It
was during these travels that some of your story ideas were born.
Where did you travel? What were some of your favorite places and
sites?
DG: We were really lucky. We took a year off
and traveled from South America to Europe to Asia to Australia and
New Zealand and home. Some of my favorites were Machu Picchu in
Peru and the rice fields in Indonesia. I think I would have loved
the Great Barrier Reef more if we hadn't hit the cyclone. As it
was, we were out on a boat and terribly sick, but we did get a few
great dives in. One was with 10-foot reef sharks--very thrilling.
TF- While I have SAVAGE ART heading my way, I
adored Alex in RUTHLESS GAME, and she quickly became a favorite.
Any plans on turning her character into a series? I would love to
know if she will cave into her rule about not dating fellow
officers!
DG: I haven't done a series although I do think
it would be fun. I guess I haven't found that character that I
want to marry yet. :) I do think Alex rethinks her rules. For
those of you who haven't read it, I'll just say she has good
incentive. So I have high hopes for her. And who knows, maybe
she'll come back to me one of these days.
TF- I know you have a new book coming
out this coming March, can you share more with the readers?
What do you have in the works after this March release, anything
yet?
DG: CHASING DARKNESS is the story of tough
Department of Justice Agent, Samantha Chase. Sam seems unbreakable
until two women are found strangled, both from the shadows of
Sam's past. For Sam, the most unnerving detail is the eucalyptus
branch tucked behind the victims' ears--the signature of a
notorious serial murderer already convicted and executed for his
crimes. The only link to the killings seems to be Sam herself. And
to solve the crimes, she and Detective Nick Thomas must delve into
her past and a mystery that she's spent a lifetime trying to bury.
TF- Being able to try your hand at a variety of
things before choosing your true profession is, I feel, one of the
best things a person can do, and despite what my guidance
counselor said repeatedly, "Pick a career now or you have
wasted your life.", One does not have to pick a career during
senior year in order to live a fulfilling life. I never forgot his
advice and was so glad I ignored him. Have you ever regretted any
of the choices you made? If you could change anything would you go
back or leave things exactly the way they are?
DG: I definitely have NO regrets. I've taken
quite a twisty road to where I am, but I think each piece adds
something to my writing. I am always amazed by people who
"always knew" they wanted to be writers. It seems too
organized! I just feel lucky to have found something I love so
much. I wouldn't change a thing!!! And I hope I'm still
learning/growing as an author and in everything I do. I think
that's what makes life interesting!
TF- You have a wonderful website-- http://
