In the Handbasket: Kelli Stanley and CITY OF DRAGONS

Way back in the day--July 18, 2008, to be exact--writer Kelli Stanley dropped by the Handbasket to blog about the background of her excellent debut novel, Nox Dormienda. You can visit Kelli's website to read about the exciting things that have happened to her since then, including all the praise-filled reviews she's been receiving for her latest historical thriller, CITY OF DRAGONS (February 2, Thomas Dunne/Minotaur). I was privileged to read CITY OF DRAGONS early on, and became an immediate fan. So I wanted to have Kelli here at the Handbasket again--but this time I got to ask the questions.

Welcome, Kelli!

What are the roots of City of Dragons? Did the character of Miranda Corbie come first for you, or did she just naturally emerge from the story?

First, thank you, my dear friend, for hosting me on the Handbasket. I miss you!! Considering how busy we both are, I’m just gonna go ahead and pretend we’re in fuzzy slippers and sipping cocoa and kickin’ back. ;)

So, Miranda. Well, Miranda came first, but the story was right behind her. And they grew at about the same pace. Long ago, when the idea of a mystery set around the ’39 World’s Fair first occurred to me, I had no idea it would wind up being as dark as it is. But then there was Bouchercon Alaska—where I first met you in person, remember?—and that first conference really changed my life, which is one reason it’s in my dedication to CoD. It encouraged me to fully embrace my “dark side”, so to speak. And my goals were clear: I wanted to write a paradigmatic noir that would also blow away genre conventions.

The Rice Bowl Party idea came to me during research … I remember getting chills down my back when I thought about what it would have been like to be a Japanese-American caught in that atmosphere. And yet the anger and the despair and the tensions in Chinatown were totally understandable, given human nature and what had happened in Nanking.

Miranda is both actor and reactor, like all of us, so after she walked on stage the ensuing plot developments also developed her. And late in the novel, she commits an act that actually shocked me. I thought about taking it out, but I couldn’t do it, because for better or worse … that’s what she did.

Like so many of her male noir counterparts, Miranda is emotionally damaged and has a troubled past. She's seen war, lost her true love, worked as an escort. What makes personal hardship a job requirement for the noir private investigator?

I think acknowledgment of hardship is a requirement for empathy. How can you emotionally understand what you’ve never experienced? Someone might be able to reach understanding through sheer intellectual analysis, but I don’t even think Spock was capable of that. ;) For me, empathy is the foundation of civilization, of society. It’s the thing that makes it work or not work. One of the characteristics that separates out the socio and psychopaths of the world.

In the investigation business, that empathetic experience of what it means to be hungry, to be abused, to be desperate, to lose what you most cherish—it gives you a much better understanding of both your clients and your quarry, and certainly of the world you’re living in. PIs are liminal creatures … they cross boundaries, exist outside “the system”. And like our other American mythic hero, the gunslinger, they need to be capable of traversing both Park Avenue and Hell’s Kitchen … or, to put it in San Francisco terms, Nob Hill and the Tenderloin. Understanding what makes people tick—that degree of experience and empathy—makes for a good private investigator.
And noir, for me, is the crime fiction subgenre that is most free to explore the human soul, flaws and foibles … darkness at the heart of light, ruin of innocence, unexpected heroism in a hired killer. That’s one reason I love to write it … and I think having an understanding of human pain and suffering is what makes for memorable writing … and an effective PI.

That said, the idea for Miranda as an escort fell into place from another piece of research. Diane’s Escort Bureau was real – and was indeed located at 41 Grant Avenue.

Who were the fictional predecessors or character models for Miranda? Were any of them men?

I think every PI has two fathers: Spade and Marlowe. Miranda’s no exception. But she’s got a whole legion of mothers … every film noir femme fatale who walked down the mean streets in high heeled pumps. My original idea—conscious, as opposed to the character development that is organic and subconscious—was to create a character with the superficial attributes of these women—sexual, attractive, manipulative, even dangerous—but with the moral codes that were reserved for the male hero. In other words, a “real” femme fatale, a real woman, a real person, someone for whom beauty is both a meal ticket and a burden and at times a curse, someone for whom harassment is a daily occurrence, someone who has to worry about getting older and is trying to live life on her own terms. She’s going to be objectified, and she knows it. So she takes advantage of it for her own ends.

When you were researching the novel, did you find traces of real-life female private investigators who worked in the first half of the 20th century?

Traces. But I wasn’t really looking. There were an unbelievable number of private detective agencies, though, and I knew female investigators did exist … and that was enough.

Your first novel, Nox Dormienda, took place on the British frontier of the Roman Empire. As a writer, what was it like making that nearly two thousand year jump? Do you see any surprising similarities (or differences) between the women of the two periods?

I’m one of those old-fashioned humanists who don’t believe that human nature has changed much. The powerful women of ancient Rome were demonized or accused of witchcraft in the histories or in speeches … and one of the most ancient Greek poems extant is a diatribe by a poet named Simonides in which he compares different types of women to animals (the vixen, the sow, etc.). So there is a strong undercurrent of a kind of distrust of the power of women, particularly beautiful women, that goes back a long, long time … way before Darin yelled at Samantha! ;) You might say the femme fatale is embedded in Western culture.
As a writer, noir is what I’ve always wanted to tackle, and though I of course am over the moon to be able to continue the Arcturus series—I get very attached to my characters, and I spent many years studying Rome—this period, the late ‘30s and early ‘40s, feels like what I was born to write. It’s truly been a dream come true to see it materialize!

1940 San Francisco is a central character in CITY OF DRAGONS. Where does your intense affinity for the city and the period come from? Past-life experience, perhaps?

I’ve always loved San Francisco. When we lived in San Jose, taking the occasional trip to the city was like going to Disneyland. Later, when we moved to rural Humboldt and northern Mendocino counties, I took every chance I could to get back and revel in both the beauty and the urban-ness of it all. It’s really one of only two places I could picture myself living—the other being New York.
As for the period … maybe we should get all Shirley MacClaine for a minute. I was born with this very odd sense of nostalgia for the period. I mean, my parents were born in ’39, so their memories are mostly of the late ‘40s and ‘50s. My yearning went back further. I resonated with the music, the movies, the popular culture … it was bizarre. I was the only kid on the block who could tell you who won the Oscar in 1934, or do a Jimmy Cagney impression.

And you know, nostalgia is an interesting word. The Greek roots literally mean “home-coming” … and in some way, this period always felt like home to me. So who knows? I’m ready to embrace my past life, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of this one. ☺

CITY OF DRAGONS has been getting wonderful reviews and you have a massive personal tour planned to promote it. What's next?

Thanks so much, sweetie. You’re one of the godmothers of the book—you blurbed it for me before we sold it! So I’m feeling very lucky and very blessed to have gotten it this far, and now next week (Yikes!!) is the launch date.

I’m currently working on the sequel to City of Dragons—tentative title is Country of Spiders, and it takes place three months after CoD. A short story prequel to the novel—“Children’s Day”—is being published in the next ITW anthology, FIRST THRILLS, on June 22—I’m very excited about this project, as the anthology is a combination of stories from ITW Debut authors and legends like Lee Child and Ken Bruen. Talk about thrills!!

And at some point, Minotaur will be bringing out CURSED, the sequel to NOX DORMIENDA. So I’ve got my hands full, but you know, my goal has always been to be able to write full time—live modestly, but to be able to support myself through my work. If I can get to that point, I’ve got other stories I want to tell … graphic novels, a stand-alone thriller set in Redwood country … and of course, continue my series for as long as possible. I could happily write Miranda for the rest of my life, and would love to get her into the McCarthy era.

Thank you again for having me over, Laura!! I loved the cocoa and marshmallows … sigh … now it’s back to work!! ;)

You know you're welcome any time, dearest Kelli. But, uh, COUNTRY OF SPIDERS? Sounds terrifying--and I know it will be loaded with suspense!

City of Dragons (released February 2, 2010), the first of a series, has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and Booklist, is an RT Book Reviews Top Pick, and an Indie Next Book for February. “Children’s Day”, a prequel to City of Dragons, will be published in First Thrills: High Octane Stories by the Hottest Thriller Writers, coming June 22nd from Tor/Forge.

Kelli’s debut novel, Nox Dormienda, won the Bruce Alexander Award and was nominated for a Macavity. She lives in San Francisco, and frequents old movie palaces, speakeasies and bookstores. You can find out more about her and her books at her website: http://www.kellistanley.com.

In the Handbasket: Roberta Isleib

As promised, mystery writer Roberta Isleib is in the Handbasket today as part of her online tour for her latest novel, ASKING FOR MURDER! Roberta is one of those people you meet and wonder, how in the world does she do it all? She's a clinical psychologist, is the current president of Sisters in Crime, appears on mystery panels all over the country, takes glamorous trips to foreign lands, keeps a bountiful garden, cooks like a dream, blogs at her own blog as well as at (speaking of glamorous) Jungle Red Writers, golfs, and, oh, yes, writes killer mysteries!

ASKING FOR MURDER is the third in Roberta's latest series featuring psychologist/advice columnist Rebecca Butterman. Usually I'd treat you to a synopsis here, but Roberta has a terrific book trailer that you just have to see--I've posted it below, so be sure to take a look.

As a newbie to the novel business, I'm in awe of the fact that Asking for Murder is Roberta's eighth mystery. She wrote five books for her acclaimed golf series--the first one, SIX STROKES UNDER was nominated for an Agatha as well as an Anthony Award. Roberta's success is a great example for aspiring writers: she brought together the things that she loves to create exciting new worlds for her readers.

Well, done, Roberta--and congratulations! Thanks for stopping by the Handbasket.


Now that you've turned to writing a series in which golf clubs are few and far between, how's your golf game?

My golf game is almost non-existent! I played my first 18 holes of the summer this past weekend. I blame that partly on my Sisters in Crime presidency and partly on Rebecca Butterman. Since she’s not at all interested in golf (and you’ll see evidence of that in ASKING FOR MURDER), I’ve lost some of my passion too.

You and your series protagonist Rebecca are both psychologists. How are you Rebecca and Rebecca alike? And how did psychology and your background figure into Asking for Murder?

Rebecca has a therapy practice (and an office) very similar to the one I had in New Haven for thirteen years. Although we both love to eat, I have to admit that she’s a better cook. She does inspire me! My personal life is a lot happier than hers—thank goodness for that!

I use my psychology background a lot in this book—in creating realistic characters, showing the work of therapy, and planting psychological clues to solve the mystery. I try to make the work of therapy accurate, but as you know if you’ve ever been in therapy, the process can be mind-numbingly dull with occasional flashes of insight. So I try to skip the boring parts!


What is "sandplay" therapy?

I stumbled into the sandplay part of the story, but I found a wonderful therapist in New Hampshire who walked me through how she uses the sand trays and what it all means. Based on the work of Carl Jung, the theory holds that using this nonverbal process allows the patient to bypass the conscious mind, allowing the deeper, unconscious issues to be revealed. A patient chooses figurines from an amazing collection stored on shelves and positions them in one of the sand trays, which stand waist-high. Then the therapist and patient look at the arrangement together and puzzle out what it might mean. Perfect for a mystery!

Who first encouraged your writing?

I never imagined I could write fiction, though several teachers over the years told me I was a good writer. I believe that gave me the confidence to try something very new. My older sister is a nature writer, and my husband edited technical material. So the two of them were my first readers and cheerleaders. Since those first days, I’ve joined a writers group, hired an independent editor (Nora Cavin,) and made many wonderful friends in the mystery community.

What writer has had a career you admire or would like to emulate?

I read a ton and admire many different authors including Julia Spencer-Fleming, CJ Box, Michael Connelly, Ann Patchett, Roxanne Robinson, Thomas Cook, Sarah Strohmeyer...I could go on and on. Dream career? How about JK Rowling??

Bengal, my eight-year-old asks: "Have you ever witnessed a crime?" (Actually, he asked if you've ever seen anyone get run over, but, uh, that kind of freaked me out--you're welcome to answer either!)

Bengal, I’m a terrible chicken in real life and glad to say I’ve never witnessed a crime. I have had things stolen from me, including some dishes of my mother’s that wouldn’t have meant much to anyone else. So I have a tiny, tiny idea of what a bigger crime might feel like.

Laura, thanks so much for hosting me on your blog. I look forward to your new book in December!

In The Handbasket: Andrew Peterson

My daddy was in the Corp, so I'm always delighted to see a Devil Dog as a literary hero. Today, Andrew Peterson--the guy who blew every other panel out of the water with his BATF, bomb-sniffing dog demo at Thrillerfest this summer--introduces former Marine sniper/CIA operative Nathan McBride in FIRST TO KILL. McBride is a scary son of a gun who is called out of retirement to rescue a missing agent and track down the terrorists who have been stockpiling Semtex explosives. But the situation suddenly turns political--and the bad guy may be someone very close to McBride.

Despite his own formidable hardware creds, the incredibly generous Andy Peterson uses his powers for good and has a boundless energy for his craft. Expect to see a lot more of Nathan McBride.

Thanks for--well, I was going to say "hopping into The Handbasket," but it doesn't seem quite appropriate. So, thanks for doing reconnaissance at The Handbasket, Andy. Happy pub day!

First To Kill is testosterone-pumped! Who are your writing heroes and what effect have they had on your decision to write thrillers?

My two favorite authors would be Ridley Pearson and Greg Iles. I also like Lee Child, Gayle Lynds, David Dun and John Connelly. I first wrote in the horror and science fiction genres. After reading one of Ridley Pearson's Lou Boldt detective stories, I knew I had to change genres. I was hooked on thrillers.

What character in First To Kill do you most resemble?

Probably the lead character, Nathan McBride. I think he's my alter ego. If I'd made a few decisions in my life differently, who knows... We have many characteristics in common, and many that are quite different. The biggest difference being; I've never dropped anyone from a 1,000 yards or been a CIA contract killer, but the day is still young!

What appeals to you about writing novels as part of a series? Do you have plans for stand-alone novels?

I like a series because Nathan McBride is such a neat character. He's really interesting and I want to keep creating difficult and challenging adventures for him. At this point, I don't plan to write any stand alone novels. I'm having too much fun writing the Nathan McBride stories.

Who is your most fascinating ancestor?

Probably my namesake. My great grandfather was named after Ulysses S. Grant, hence my middle name, Grant. He was tough hombre. A drinker, smoker, womanizer, liar, cheat, and all around, mean cuss. He drank his milk from a dirty glass. I love him!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Time travel. I'd love to go back in time — without the risk of contaminating the timeline. I'm not sure about going forward though, I think that might take the excitement out of living. There are some things I'd rather not know, like if FIRST TO KILL makes any bestseller lists. Knowing that would ruin the journey.

And this from Bengal, my eight-year-old: "Do you know anyone in the Army?"

Hi Bengal! Yes, his name is Jack Reacher, and he's an ex Army MP who travels around the country finding all kinds of cool adventures!

Laura, thank you kindly for having me on your blog. I can't wait to read CALLING MR. LONELY HEARTS!

In The Handbasket: Amy MacKinnon

You will probably think me lazy for having yet another guest at the Handbasket this week. (Really, I'm off buying school supplies and helping Pom answer that age-old question: What to wear on the first day of junior year?) But I wanted to make sure I introduced Amy MacKinnon to you; her debut novel, TETHERED, hit the bookstores this Tuesday.
TETHERED is the story of Clara Marsh, a Massachusetts undertaker whose deep personal scars and thoughtful reticence attract others who are suffering into her life. There is tough material in TETHERED: child abuse and pornography, random crime, and more dead bodies than you can shake a stick at. Amy has a deft, poetic hand, and her language is dense and lovely even in the most unlovely scenes.

I don't know Amy well, but her friends at The Writers' Group blog do, and have written an endearing series of posts on Amy's journey and success. You can read more about TETHERED here. And don't miss what her husband has to say!

I expect you'll be hearing lots more about Amy and her books. Before you wander off to find out more, here's what Amy had to say when I asked her a few questions about TETHERED, her writing life, and exotic pets.

Welcome, Amy!

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? Is it the same thing that motivates you to write?

One night while nursing my youngest, I wrote my obituary. It terrified me that I had so little to include. Knowing how fragile life can be -- I was comatose and on life support after the birth of my first child -- I started my writing journey soon after. It's important to have a dream and even more important to pursue it.

Scars--particularly the physical kind--play a very important role in TETHERED. Do you have a favorite scar? How did you get it? (Thanks, Jan!)

I find scars utterly intriguing, not ugly at all. Each one tells a story. The ones we bury deep within, those are the ugly ones. My favorite scar is on my back. I had a blemish, showed it to my doctor fearing it was skin cancer, and she said not to worry, it was nothing. Over the next several days, the warning in my gut grew to near physical proportions. I went back with my three children in tow and insisted she remove it. She still resisted, saying it would leave a huge scar. I pointed to my children and said I'd rather that than they be left without a mother. Turns out we caught it just in time.

What was the biggest surprise that you uncovered as you wrote TETHERED?

This might sound strange, insane to non-writers, but I was shocked to learn my story had a path that I was supposed to discover, not forge. It required a lot of patience to allow it to unfold. I never forced it.

I would definitely describe TETHERED as a thriller novel. Did the writing of it frighten you at any point?

It's funny how different people read it.You're the second person to consider it a thriller, some classify it as a mystery, others literary suspense. The Borders' buyer, who nominated it for their Original Voices Program, read it the way I'd always intended it be received. That was hugely gratifying. It was never intended to be frightening, it's more an exploration of faith: in one's self, in another, in a higher power. The only part that frightened me is the story of the real Precious Doe, how she was murdered and her body discarded. The book is dedicated to her.

How did the mortuary science research you did for the novel affect your attitude toward death?

We are of the nature to die, we all will die. I've long had my funeral plans filed with my uncle, the funeral director who helped me with the research and is the inspiration for Linus. I haven't changed a thing.

What's the first song you remember learning as a child?

Seasons in the Sun. It's about a man who learns he's dying and says goodbye to those he loves. Ironic, eh?

Here's a question from my eight-year-old, Bengal. "Do you have a pet monkey? If not, have you ever wanted one? And what would you name it?"

Oh, Bengal, I don't, though how did you know I've always wanted to adopt a chimp? My husband did have an ape, a gibbon, while growing up in Thailand, Gregory Haig, and a monkey named Susan. We do have two naughty cats and the most wonderful English bulldog, Babe. And this summer, a ferocious storm shook free a squirrel's nest and we helped raise them. Each morning there are 27 turkeys prancing around my yard and at night the deer come to eat from my garden. When I was your age, I begged my parents for a pet skunk. They never gave in.