First of all, I make sure that I know the area I'm writing about pretty well.  When I'm researching a place, I try to absorb as much of the essence as possible-sights, sounds, smells, temperatures, textures.  Then, when I write, I sink myself into the re-imagining of it, drawing on those elements that most stand out for me, trying to be both succinct and creative in the descriptions I use.  I've been at this so long, it's kind of second nature to me now.

Q: Vermilion Drift is your 10th Cork O'Connor book. How do you think you've changed as a writer and how the series has changed since your debut, Iron Lake?

I hope I'm a better writer, more assured.  But, honestly, I still worry tremendously about the quality of the prose, the believability of the story, the solidness of the motives, the humanity of the characters.  I think I tend to create suspense in a greater variety of ways these days, not just relying on putting someone in danger.  As for the series, I think it's matured well.  I believe it still has a lot of narrative drive and energy, and even those folks who've been reading me from the beginning can still anticipate being surprised by what Cork and the rest of the folks in Tamarack County find themselves involved in.

Q: What was the last great book you've read?

Two fine books in the genre: Tin Roof Blowdown, by James Lee Burke, and Still Life, by Louise Penny.

Q: What are you looking forward to about this year's Magna cum Murder?

It's been a while since I've been able to attend Magna, and I'm so looking forward to reconnecting with the folks in Muncie - Kathryn and Jama and the rest of the gang, who always do such a great job of putting this conference together.

Q: What's your own message to all mystery authors and fans?

"Don't miss this year's Magna or the goblins'll get you!  And if they don't, I will!"