Interview with JB Kohl

A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing author JB Kohl via email. Her novel The Deputy's Widow is available from Amazon.com.
 

Mark: What is the name of your novel, and what is it about?

JB Kohl: The name of my novel is The Deputy's Widow. It's a noir throwback...takes place in 1948. I guess you could say it's a tribute to Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler and maybe even Orson Welles and Erle Stanley Gardner. I love the old noir flicks and books and no one writes in that setting much (although I think that is improving somewhat now) so I figured I write something from that time period in a gray world with gray morals.

Mark: Well, usually writers write about something they really like, for instance a noir setting for you. Have you ever thought about writing something else? If so, what would it be?

JB Kohl: I've got a couple of thrillers started...I have a heavy medical background, so one is a medical thriller. I also really like fantasy and supernatural writing, but I don't have the chops for doing it myself.

Mark: How long did it take you to write your novel?

JB Kohl: Just under one year...took about three months to crank out the rough draft and the rest of the time to tweak and edit.

Mark: How many edits did you go through?

JB Kohl: Four edits. By the fourth one my husband decided I was procrastinating about submitting it to agents and publishers...and I think he was right. So I finished the fourth and started shopping it out. I think Arctic Wolf had an editor go through it as well.

Mark: How much time for research as compared to time for writing?

JB Kohl: Ooh. Tough one. I'd say anywhere from 10%-35% of the time researching... depending on the chapter...things like old radio shows, slang, dress, salaries, food served in diners, size of the average household, hairstyles, on and on and on. But researching, although tedious at times, has its bright moments.

Mark: Have you ever had writer's block and if so, how did you overcome it?

JB Kohl: Gawd, yes, I've had writer's block. I get past it by doing something besides writing. I take a walk or read a book or go get groceries or I cook a gourmet dinner for the family. If it's really bad, I'll take on a home improvement project like painting a room or gardening...or I'll swear a lot and then watch TV. It really just depends on the day.

Mark: Everyone asks about suggestions for aspiring writers, but let's modify that a bit. What Internet sites would you suggest for aspiring writers? Either in helping them write better, get published, or whatever.

JB Kohl: Let me think...there are a million out there, but here are my faves:

• Writer's Market: If you're serious about writing and being published, get a subscription to it. It has tips for writers, information regarding agents, editors, publishers, including who is and isn't accepting submissions.
• Writer's Digest: The online version of the mag. Get the print version and use the online version too. Here, the aspiring writer can find interviews, writing tips, market updates, and inspiration, as well as writing contests.
• Book-in-a-Week: This is more of an anti-procrastination site. Writers are encouraged to write as much as they can one week out of the month. It works on the honor system and is really a great challenge for the procrastinating writer.
• Deadly Prose: Headed by Kunati founder Derek Armstrong...information for writers, author blogs, and for the truly determined, an exclusive online group dedicated to whole novel critiques, preditors and editors...this site gives a heads up to all aspiring writers in search of an agent or publisher. Gives great info on who's legit and who isn't.
• Amazon.com: Yes, you heard right! Amazon hosts novel writing contests for unpublished writers...winner gets a contract.

JB Kohl's website:

http://www.jbkohl.com/

Also read JB's interview with Mark. ◊