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The Interview - George A Bernstein

https://georgeabernstein.com

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

Unless it can be worked into my current project, I add it to a list of "Story Ideas," with a brief synopsis. Then I continue with the current work, and address it later

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

I like the Jack Reacher novels because he's like my Detective Al Warner, principled, tough, and a bulldog to get to the truth. I also really liked the Dean Koontz 5-book Jane Hawk series

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

Seldom. If I stall a bit, my outline usually gets me writing, and once I start, it jus flows.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Fly-fishing for big pike oin far-north Canada

What are you reading right now?

Lee Child Jack Reacher novels, and I like Dean Koontz

Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?

No, but my 2nd novel, A 3rd Time to Die, is often mentioned as a great one for a made-for-TV movie.

How long did it take you to write this book?

Usually about 6 months. I first create a detailed outline (which often is revised as I go) and a list of main characters with Bios. For my 7-book Detective Al Warner series, the main cast is repeated, so it's only the new characters (victims, witnesses, antagonists, etc) who need to be created. Then I begin the writing, often moving chapters around for a better effect. Then there's another 1-2 months in editing, including intensifying scenes, and working on language. Then there's formatting, cover design, and final tweaks before publishing.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?

Only Jackee, in my first parapsychological romantic suspense, Trapped. A neighbor woman we knew suffered brain death during a cosmetic surgery, and I used what happened to her for Jackee, but kept out protagonist sentient, able to use her eyes. I later learned this is a real condition -- Locked-in Syndrome -- and modified the novel to show that.