I was so enthralled at reading the book, The Program, by Gregg Hurwitz, that I felt compelled to ask via email whether he might be willing to virually sit for an interview. He graciously agreed. One note: he is turning his book, The Kill Clause, into a movie. Stay tuned for details down the road.

Do you use your own experiences when compiling your storyline or characters?

Yes, quite often. It's one of the reasons that I do so much research in the field - it gives me an opportunity to widen my own experiences, and then I have more to draw from. This helps me add verisimilitude to my books, but it also gives me a chance to encounter problems on my own, whether it be a jammed gun, a shark in the water, or a stunt plane that's making me nauseas.

2)What first got your interested in being a professional writer?

Growing up, I wasn't allowed to watch television, so I read constantly. From as long ago as I can remember, I wanted to be a writer. My first book, bound in cardboard with dreadful art by the author, was called Willie, Julie, and the Case of the Buried Treasure. I wrote it in first grade and I still have it on my shelf with my published novels.

3)Was any family member a writer? Who?

Not a one.

4) What have been your biggest writing influences?

Probably reading Stephen King when I was kid tops the list. I read Salem's Lot in fifth grade, hiding under my bed in terror (my parents were at a dinner party. My academic studies were also very influential - I devoured Faulkner and Shakespeare, and I love their penchants for violence and suspense.

5)How long does it take to compose your novels?

My first two took me the longest. During the writing of The Tower, I finished my B.A. And got a master's, so I could only write summers. I started when I was 19 and sold it at 23, so that took the longest, I'd say. Minutes to Burn was two and a half dedicated years. After that, I've written my others at a clip of a little more than a year per book.

6) Which actor (s) would you like to read a book you wrote on tape?

Kiefer Sutherland, but mostly because I'm hooking on 24 right now (watching the DVDs of the first season every night). He's got a voice with a good wicked undertone that I think suits it to crime fiction.

7) Would you ever consider teaming up with another author on a writing projact? Who?

No, I'm too much of a control freak. I wouldn't even know how to begin collaborating on a novel. I stomp around and edit and rewrite and bang myself on the head too much. I wouldn't want to expose someone else to that.
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