Greta Boris is the author of the Seven Deadly Sins mystery series. Ordinary women. Unexpected Evil. A series of standalone novels of psychological suspense that exposes the dark side of sunny Southern California.
She’s a popular conference speaker and the Amazon Kindle bestselling nonfiction author of The Wine and Chocolate Workout – Sip, Savor, and Strengthen for a Healthier Life. And co-author with Megan Haskell of PUBLISH: Take Charge of Your Author Career.
What motivated you to take the plunge and become a published author?
I’d been writing for magazines and had the opportunity to interview a couple of fiction authors for an article. What they were doing sounded like so much fun, I decided to try my hand at fiction. Then, I got addicted.
Why did you choose to write crime fiction/thrillers?
Because that’s primarily what I read!
Where did the inspiration for your protagonist come from?
In my Seven Deadly Sins series, I decided to write loosely connected standalone novels. These books are psychological suspense. Psychological suspense typically features an every-man or woman character, not a detective, FBI agent, or Navy Seal, so each book has a different protagonist. I couldn’t very well have a real estate agent (the main character in the first book) bumping into serial killers every other month. In this series, it’s the world that connects the books. Many of my characters appear in more than one story even if they only get to star in one.
However, my new series that will be launching with the DEAD boxed set, I got a fun idea for a protagonist who will reappear in every book. In the Mortician Mystery Series, Imogene Lynch, a twenty-six year old, rockabilly hair stylist, gets a request to do the hair and makeup for a client’s funeral. When she arrives at the mortuary, she discovers the client’s death just like her hair color wasn’t as natural as everyone thought. At the end of book one she decides to become a mortician.
Where did the inspiration for your antagonist come from?
I have many bad guys and girls in my books. Most have come from true crimes stories I’ve read either in the news, or on a history website. I’m fascinated by what goes through the head of a person who commits crimes, particularly murder.
How do you arrive at the vision needed to create your stories?
I think. I read. I do a lot of research, and gradually the stories come.
Every author has other authors they draw inspiration from. Which authors have inspired you in your writing and storytelling career?
So many, it’s hard to say.The Seven Deadly Sins have been inspired by authors like Ruth Ware, Shari Lapena, and Lisa Scottoline’s stand alone thrillers. They’re based on things that have either happened or could happen and very focused on the psychological implications of crime.
The Mortician Series is a little darker and a little more humorous at the same time. There is a supernatural element to the books that isn’t present in my psychological suspense. Think Janet Evanovich meets Charlaine Harris with a touch of Agatha Christy thrown in.
Some authors find inspiration from specific films or music. If this is the case for you, please share which films have inspired you? Which songs or musicians?
My Seven Deadly Sins are each influenced by a thriller film: Pacific Heights, Rear Window, and Strangers on a Train are a few.
What aspects of storytelling do you find the most challenging?
I tend to dread the middle of every book. I love the openings and the big battle scenes at the end. It’s getting from here to there, keeping it taut, and planting all the foreshadowing needed that tweaks my brain.
What do you find to be the most enjoyable or satisfying aspect of being an author?
I am absolutely thrilled when a reader contacts me and lets me know they loved one of my books. The idea that someone is sitting up nights with the story that was knocking around in my brain for months, and now that story is knocking around in their brain is amazing. It’s the closest thing to a Vulcan mind-meld there is.
What advice would you offer to any would be authors working up the courage to publish their first book or story?
Get lots and lots of feedback. My first series is traditionally published. I had to go through the pitch/rejection process. As painful as it was, it made me a better writer. Now, with seven books and two novellas out, I feel ready to tackle the indie process. I’m not saying every writer needs to traditionally publish, but I am saying you need other eyes on your work before you put it out for general consumption. Get in a good critique group. Have lots of people beta read for you. The revision process will bring you confidence.
The Seven Deadly Sins: A Margin of Lust
The Seven Deadly Sins: The Sanctity of Sloth
You must be logged in to post a comment.