Questions (& answers) for the Author:
Did you plan this as a series?
I didn’t plan Final Sin as a series, but who knows? Since the characters seem to have taken on lives it always is possible that they will one day demand a new story. For instance, I sometimes find myself wondering how difficult things will be for Matt and Sudah as they battle immigration…
Who are your favorite characters and why?
Even though we only hear about her and never get a chance to meet with her, I think my favorite character is Suzy, Gregg’s wife. Suzy is very definitely supportive of Gregg and she doesn’t hide that from anyone. I liked it when (as Gregg told it) she told her sister in law off because of Helen’s snobbery. She also seems to be very tolerant and accepting. Suzy sounds as if she is very nurturing and yet strong.
How did you feel as you were writing this? It seems so brutal.
I won’t deny it was frightening. First of all the research I did for this book really scared me. People can sometimes do absolutely horrific things to other human beings and it is hard to get inside the minds of a character like that. I tried very hard to “think” the things the killer thought and it was really rather upsetting at times; it was necessary for me to alternate between the “evil” thoughts and the altruistic ones of Jake, Julie and Matt.
A while ago you offered a small part, like a cameo, in Final Sin to someone who commented on your blog about another one of your books. Which character was that?
Barbara, or Barb as Julie often calls her, appears for a few paragraphs in Chapter Six. Barb is in reality Barbara M, an editor with the Journal News and a very dear friend of mine since the early 1990’s. Since Barbara works in reality for a newspaper, I originally thought of giving her Lorna’s part (the pushy news reporter investigating Jake’s case) but there were so many things about Lorna I didn’t like; I still thought that Lorna was necessary to the story since she added to Jake’s frustration. So realizing how comfortable I have always found it to chat with the real Barbara, I decided that she should be a close friend to Julie and since she is an accomplished editor, it seemed natural to put her into the hospital’s Marketing and Media Department.
How did you dream up such a wicked scenario?
The setting inspired me. Years ago there was a brutal crime involving sadistic torture and murder (not the crime scene in the book and NOT a serial killing) off of one of the mountain roads near where I live. The crime took place in an abandoned smoke house down an isolated road. Anytime I have driven past that road, I feel a chill up my spine. I happen to be friends with the first police officer to have arrived at that scene and you can actually see him shudder when someone mentions it.
General Discussion Topics for Final Sin:
Did you plan this as a series?
I didn’t plan Final Sin as a series, but who knows? Since the characters seem to have taken on lives it always is possible that they will one day demand a new story. For instance, I sometimes find myself wondering how difficult things will be for Matt and Sudah as they battle immigration…
Who are your favorite characters and why?
Even though we only hear about her and never get a chance to meet with her, I think my favorite character is Suzy, Gregg’s wife. Suzy is very definitely supportive of Gregg and she doesn’t hide that from anyone. I liked it when (as Gregg told it) she told her sister in law off because of Helen’s snobbery. She also seems to be very tolerant and accepting. Suzy sounds as if she is very nurturing and yet strong.
How did you feel as you were writing this? It seems so brutal.
I won’t deny it was frightening. First of all the research I did for this book really scared me. People can sometimes do absolutely horrific things to other human beings and it is hard to get inside the minds of a character like that. I tried very hard to “think” the things the killer thought and it was really rather upsetting at times; it was necessary for me to alternate between the “evil” thoughts and the altruistic ones of Jake, Julie and Matt.
A while ago you offered a small part, like a cameo, in Final Sin to someone who commented on your blog about another one of your books. Which character was that?
Barbara, or Barb as Julie often calls her, appears for a few paragraphs in Chapter Six. Barb is in reality Barbara M, an editor with the Journal News and a very dear friend of mine since the early 1990’s. Since Barbara works in reality for a newspaper, I originally thought of giving her Lorna’s part (the pushy news reporter investigating Jake’s case) but there were so many things about Lorna I didn’t like; I still thought that Lorna was necessary to the story since she added to Jake’s frustration. So realizing how comfortable I have always found it to chat with the real Barbara, I decided that she should be a close friend to Julie and since she is an accomplished editor, it seemed natural to put her into the hospital’s Marketing and Media Department.
How did you dream up such a wicked scenario?
The setting inspired me. Years ago there was a brutal crime involving sadistic torture and murder (not the crime scene in the book and NOT a serial killing) off of one of the mountain roads near where I live. The crime took place in an abandoned smoke house down an isolated road. Anytime I have driven past that road, I feel a chill up my spine. I happen to be friends with the first police officer to have arrived at that scene and you can actually see him shudder when someone mentions it.
General Discussion Topics for Final Sin:
As per Wikipedia: “A serial killer is a person who murders usually three or more people over a period of more than 30 days with a "cooling off" period between each murder, whose motivation for killing is largely based on psychological gratification. Often a sexual element is involved with the killings. The murders may have been attempted or completed in a similar fashion and the victims may have had something in common, for example occupation, race, appearance, gender, or age group.
1) Do you have any preconceived notions as to what a serial killer “looks like”? How can you pick him out in a crowd?
2) How does it make you feel to hear about real life serial killers such as Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and David Berkowitz? Does the media sensationalize them too much? Do you think media coverage inspires the “next” serial killer?
3) How did you feel about Chief Brook’s emphasis on publicity and politics?
4) What can someone do to protect themselves from stalkers? While stalking someone is always aggravating to their peace of mind, when does the obsession become dangerous? Is there really a harmless form of stalking such as when folks try to catch a glimpse of someone famous? Have you ever been the victim of stalking?
5) What are your thoughts about the emergency responders who are confronted with these scenes? How much do you know about Emergency Medical Services? Police work?
6) Do you feel that shows like CSI, NCIS and others fairly depict the field of crime scene investigation? How about shows like (the former) Third Watch, E.R. and Rescue Me about Emergency Services? Do you think you could ever handle a job like that- or do you already?
7) Do you know the difference between a Paramedic and an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)? Have you ever been a patient on an ambulance? How was the care? Do you feel differently about paid EMS workers as opposed to volunteer EMS? Is it “disappointing” to know that sometimes an emergency call isn’t a real “emergency”?
8) Let’s talk about the individual characters? What do you think about Julie, Jake, Matt, Andrew, Gregg, Helen and Brian Jr.? What about each one did you like or dislike?
9) Did you believe that Dr. Gormley was really as unaware of his wife’s nastiness? What are your thoughts on Jake’s demand to keep his son close instead of letting him go to Europe? Do you believe that Brian would be better off living with his father?
On Friday, May 29 I will post a short blog related to Final Sin by 9am (EST) and throughout the day (until 7PM) I will be checking in to answer questions and discuss topics. It’s going to be a fun day.
So look at the book discussion topics and see if any of them inspire more questions or topics – be sure to your questions before the 29th to me at ChelleCordero@optonline.net and I will post the answers on the blog on the 29th. Then throughout the day, come by and comment, comment, comment…
Remember - MAY CELEBRATION! thru May 31, 2009
2) How does it make you feel to hear about real life serial killers such as Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and David Berkowitz? Does the media sensationalize them too much? Do you think media coverage inspires the “next” serial killer?
3) How did you feel about Chief Brook’s emphasis on publicity and politics?
4) What can someone do to protect themselves from stalkers? While stalking someone is always aggravating to their peace of mind, when does the obsession become dangerous? Is there really a harmless form of stalking such as when folks try to catch a glimpse of someone famous? Have you ever been the victim of stalking?
5) What are your thoughts about the emergency responders who are confronted with these scenes? How much do you know about Emergency Medical Services? Police work?
6) Do you feel that shows like CSI, NCIS and others fairly depict the field of crime scene investigation? How about shows like (the former) Third Watch, E.R. and Rescue Me about Emergency Services? Do you think you could ever handle a job like that- or do you already?
7) Do you know the difference between a Paramedic and an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)? Have you ever been a patient on an ambulance? How was the care? Do you feel differently about paid EMS workers as opposed to volunteer EMS? Is it “disappointing” to know that sometimes an emergency call isn’t a real “emergency”?
8) Let’s talk about the individual characters? What do you think about Julie, Jake, Matt, Andrew, Gregg, Helen and Brian Jr.? What about each one did you like or dislike?
9) Did you believe that Dr. Gormley was really as unaware of his wife’s nastiness? What are your thoughts on Jake’s demand to keep his son close instead of letting him go to Europe? Do you believe that Brian would be better off living with his father?
On Friday, May 29 I will post a short blog related to Final Sin by 9am (EST) and throughout the day (until 7PM) I will be checking in to answer questions and discuss topics. It’s going to be a fun day.
So look at the book discussion topics and see if any of them inspire more questions or topics – be sure to your questions before the 29th to me at ChelleCordero@optonline.net and I will post the answers on the blog on the 29th. Then throughout the day, come by and comment, comment, comment…
Remember - MAY CELEBRATION! thru May 31, 2009
are just $7.50 Instant Download!
~~~~~
Chelle Cordero celebrates Final Sin and EMS Month
On Books-With-Heart Blog-Talk-Radio
Wednesday - 5/20/2009, 4:00 PM (EST)
This interview is now in the archives!
~~~~~
CELEBRATING
Final Sin ISBN 978-1-935407-300
and
National EMS Week
Midnight May 16th, 2009 – Midnight May 23rd, 2009
See how you can contribute to a worthy cause.
Wow ~ Wow ~ Wow!!!
I just got the following note from my publisher -
"how about we extend it through midnight the 31st"
~~~~~
Final Sin by Chelle Cordero
~~~~~
Chelle Cordero celebrates Final Sin and EMS Month
On Books-With-Heart Blog-Talk-Radio
Wednesday - 5/20/2009, 4:00 PM (EST)
This interview is now in the archives!
~~~~~
CELEBRATING
Final Sin ISBN 978-1-935407-300
and
National EMS Week
Midnight May 16th, 2009 – Midnight May 23rd, 2009
See how you can contribute to a worthy cause.
Wow ~ Wow ~ Wow!!!
I just got the following note from my publisher -
"how about we extend it through midnight the 31st"
~~~~~
Final Sin by Chelle Cordero
Read the first chapter of Final Sin for FREE http://tr.im/hv3I
on Sunday, May 31 all of the names of folks who made comments on the book discussion blog on the 29th will be put into a hat and one name will be drawn to win a FREE & signed print copy of Final Sin
Welcome to Lindsay's Romantics, where we post on all kinds of romance topics.
8 comments:
Great idea! I'll have to think about it and see if I can come up with any questions.
Hope you get a chance to stop by and get involved with the discussion - I hope it will be lively.
I'm really looking forward to this, Chelle! Hope it's a big success!
I am very excited! I have received some questions via email which I will include in my base post.
And of course while I hope everyone will want to read my book beforehand, this discussion will be great for readers and non-readers alike.
Can't wait. I'm always interested in the darkside of mankind.
Darn! I misread & misunderstood the question thing. I wanted to ask you about the difference between an EMT & EMS. I'll admit that I have used the two terms interchangeably and I know that is not correct.
I really liked the questions & answers that were posted. I am so excited to read the book. Your work is always so good & I know this one is going to be GREAT! :)
I also LOVE the promo that VHP is doing! I think it's fantastic that they're helping to support the Youth Squad!
So to both you & VHP: Keep up the great work!! :)
Eva, what is it that causes so many of us to have such morbid curiosity? Of course I am not complaining, that's why folks are reading Final Sin I guess ;>
Namid, It isn't uncommon for folks to use the two terms; EMT = Emergency Medical Technician, a person who has achieved a certain level of training. There are commonly 4 levels of EMT, EMT4 is really a Paramedic (which is what my heroine is - so is my daughter). a basic EMT is EMT1 (that's me, hubby, son...). EMS = Emergency Medical Services, that is the umbrella phrase for the system.
On the series ER, which aired it's final episodes not long ago, one reoccurring them was having the doctors on the show ride with EMTs. (I think the practice was presented as something necessary for certification, but I was never clear just what that meant.)
In your experience, do you ever see emergency room doctors riding with, or as, paramedics? And why would they?
Malcolm
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