1.   When did you decide to pursue writing seriously?

        Writing, and being a writer, is a dream I’ve had since high school – until three years ago, when I decided to make that dream a reality. I started by going to a Mystery Writers of America conference, talked to everyone I could, bought books on technique and joined Writers Circle critique group. That’s when the real work began, and I knew this was no longer a dream, but a goal.

2. How did you choose what genre to write – or did it choose you?

There was never any question about genre. I’ve been addicted to mysteries since the fourth grade. If I were to write anything, it would be a mystery.

3.         Tell us a little about your writing process. How do you get from idea to completed draft?

Because I write murder mysteries, I outline and plot the story from start to finish before I begin writing. It’s intense and highly creative as different ideas occur, often at the most inopportune moments - during a shower, the middle of the night. By the time I have it all worked out, there’s already a list of things I need to research. For Silent Scream this included antique Rolls Royce cars, chauffeurs and silent films. Members of the local chapter of the Rolls Royce Owners Club agreed to interviews, and one of them owned a limo service with a Silver Cloud he used for weddings. He let me explore all the nooks and crannies of that fabulous machine - I even crawled into the “boot” or trunk, to see how many dead bodies it would hold with the lid closed.    I also needed to update my memory of LA, and I had never been to Palm Springs. A friend and I drove across country (something I had always wanted to do). The highlight of that trip was hiking in Palm Canyon, a natural desert oasis from which Palm Springs derived it’s name. It’s featured in the book.

4.   What are some of your favorite authors to read?

Elizabeth Peters, Agatha Christie, Mabel Maney, Victor J. Bains and of course J.K. Rowling

5.   What do you like do when you're not writing?

When am I not writing? Or talking about writing? I love to read and watch 60s movies or television shows, but that sorta down-time and research combined. Okay, my time away from writing is usually spent playing with my Ragdoll cat Mojo, hanging out with friends or schmoozing on the social networks – I’m addicted to Twitter!

6.   How do you balance writing with the other aspects of your life?

There’s a way to balance it all? Why hasn’t someone told me? *blinks

7. Who is your favorite literary character or couple?

Jacqueline Kirby, or Jake to her friends, is my hero – I want to grow up to be just like her! Penned by Elizabeth Peters, Jake is a librarian turned romance novelist. If you’re a reader or writer and haven’t read Die For Love, you’ve missed a treat – get it today! This is my all-time favorite book, and I highly recommend it.

8.   Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I hope readers of Silent Scream come away with just one message:  that the past is just that - the past. What matters is who you are now and who you choose to be today. The world is full of possibilities, if we open ourselves to the freedom of change. I also hope readers have a good chuckle reading this caper.

About the book:

It’s 1960. Nora Bates, a silent-film star known as "Lil' Screamer", is publishing her memoirs loaded with old Hollywood's dirty little secrets, unless someone freeze-frames her in a final silent scream.

Yancy Dunkle, a chauffeur for Nora's publisher, can hardly refuse when his boss requests he drive the actress to Palm Springs for the book launch. But he soon wishes he had. Even before the glitter of Tinseltown fades in the rearview, Nora's madcap, reclusive world crumbles. Nora is in hysterics, but friends dismiss her neurotic fears. Rallying to her side, they persuade Nora to proceed with her plans. But when two of her allies inexplicably collapse, Yancy is unsure if he's not becoming as paranoid as the movie star. Perhaps Nora's claim someone's trying to kill her isn't all that far-fetched.

Yancy resolves to discover the truth as a kaleidoscope of intrigue and deceit swirls about him. Whispers and finger-pointing abound when Colossal Studios reunites for the gala. But when disaster strikes, no caption cards explain the villain's evil actions or motives.  Armed only with intuition and reckless disregard for his safety, Yancy pursues elusive clues while battling an unknown foe as the reel unwinds to the final melodramatic scene.

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

A 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood glided through the lush Bel Air neighborhood past walled estates with perfect manicured lawns and pristine mansions filled with perfect people. The windows of the stately homes were as dark as the street lights, rendering the black limousine as mere shadow. The blackout that paralyzed the city swallowed the entrance of a country club into nothingness as the limousine rolled past – the oppressive quiet smothering all sound, holding its breath, waiting.

The intercom cracked like a whip. “Why’ve we stopped out here, Dunkle?”

“The gates, sir. Without power--”

“Damn blackouts,” the voice from the intercom snarled. The merry tinkle of ice falling into crystal purled from the speaker. “Just as well, had something to say to you.”

The voice lingered in the glow of the dash as the intercom fizzled into silence. Yancy Dunkle’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as he stared at the iron bars of the gate the headlights illuminated. What could he have to say to him?

Yancy reviewed his recent work performance, then checked his reflection in the windshield; white shirt, black suit and tie, the standard black cap blending into dark hair. Everything seemed in order. His view shifted to the rearview mirror and his pulse quickened as the partition sank to reveal Joseph Fitzroy.

“I want to talk to you about my murder.”

“Your murder, sir?”

“Yes.”

“I see. Who’s going to murder you?”

“No idea.”

“When are you planning to be murdered, sir?”

“Anytime next few weeks, I s’pose.”

“Do you . . . how will you be murdered?”

“Gad only knows!”

“I see. How may I assist in your murder, sir?”

“What an uncouth way to put it, Dunkle. Don’t like driving for me?”

“Sorry, sir. Of course I meant to say, how may I assist you in preventing your murder.”

Thanks so much for stopping in today, James! I am amazed at all the research you do, and shall have to look up Die for Love. I don't read a lot of straight mysteries, but am very much looking forward to reading Silent Scream.

You can connect with James at his web site , on Twitter , and on Facebook ...and of course feel free to leave a comment below. Silent Scream is available now in ebook and print formats .