A Word Please

Do you like books that start right off with a scene that makes your jaw drop open, then hold you in place until the last page? If so, you’ll love While the Savage Sleeps by Andrew Kaufman. This was one of those books I didn’t want to put down. When I turned that last page, I immediately wanted more by this author. And, of course, I also had questions. I always have questions. Andrew has indulged my curiosity and joins us here today.

Andrew E. Kaufman is a freelance writer and author living in Southern California, along with his Labrador Retrievers, a horse, and a very bossy Jack Russell Terrier (who, incidentally, thinks she owns the place). After receiving his journalism and political science degrees at San Diego State University, Andrew began his writing career as an Emmy-nominated writer/producer, working at KFMB-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Diego, then at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles. For more than ten years, he produced special series and covered many nationally known cases, including the O.J. Simpson Trial.

Here’s a look at his book:

TWO STRANGERS

Cameron Dawson’s got a past he can’t seem to shake, but he’s hoping to change that. He’s moved back home to Faith, New Mexico and taken a job as assistant sheriff. What he doesn’t realize is that his newest nightmare’s about to begin. Strange things are happening. People are disappearing, and for others, it’s far worse …

DISTANCE SEPARATES THEM

Miles away in Albuquerque, Kyle Bancroft’s life is spinning out of control. She’s seeing, hearing, and dreaming things she can’t explain: Flashbacks to World War II and an eerie hospital ward with locked doors, empty gurneys, and guttural screams. To make matters worse, a ghostly green-eyed girl is complicating her visions with an urgent message: Time is running out.

A DARK SECRET CONNECTS THEM

Kyle’s otherworldly encounters are driving her straight toward Faith … and right into Cameron’s life. The body count is rising, the pressure is mounting, and the clock is ticking as they rush to uncover a dangerous secret hiding just below the surface of this all-American town—one that’s threatening to destroy Faith and everyone in it. A secret they must hunt down quickly … even if it costs them their own lives.

A VOICE FROM THE GRAVE WILL DRAW THEM TOGETHER

Want to know more? Here’s what Andrew had to say:

What prompted you to write this particular story?

I liked the idea of combining two very unlikely plot elements–the paranormal and forensic science. It’s not something that’s often done, to my knowledge. The two are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their philosophy, which I guess intrigued me. In a way, I think that helped fuel the plot. The contrasts actually played off one another well. I took a gamble on something a bit out of the ordinary, and it seems to have worked out well.

You weave in a slight paranormal theme that gives the story an intriguing twist. Do you believe in psychic abilities? Have you had experiences yourself?

I’ve always been open to the possibility that some people have a sixth sense, one that’s better developed than others. I don’t see the world as being black and white. Life is all about the shades of gray, and being as such, I’ve heard some pretty amazing stories–from credible sources– that certainly make me wonder.

As for paranormal experiences, yes, I had one while writing this book. To this day I still don’t quite understand what happened to me or how, but I do know one thing: it shook me up in a way nothing has ever done before. I don’t think it was a break with reality or anything like that. This was in fact very real. I hope to someday write about it, but at this time I’m still trying to process what happened that day and have a difficult time talking about it.

I would love to read that story!

I am a huge fan of character-driven fiction. While your book has a riveting plot, your characters are what really drew me in. You do a brilliant job of bringing each one to life, giving them a three-dimensional feel as if they could step right off the pages. What is your writing process like? Do you do character sketches and outlines prior to writing or do you jump right in and figure things out as they unfold?

First of all, thank you very much for the compliment. My characters are the most important part of my novels, so hearing you say that brings a big old smile to my face! I strongly feel that when you have well-developed, fully-realized characters, A meaningful story will follow in its path.

The process is very sacred to me because I invest emotionally in my characters–I build an emotional bridge. Their pain also becomes my pain. Their happiness becomes mine. I throw myself into my characters completely. That process can sometimes be draining, but it also creates characters that breathe and hopefully, feel real to the reader. A comment I often get is that the characters stay with them long after they’ve finished the book, that they still think about them. For me, that’s one of the nicest compliments someone can give me–it says I did my job.

Dialogue can be a tricky thing for some authors. It can often come across as phony, forced, stilted and/or dull. You, on the other hand, perfectly capture the essence of conversation, using it to move the story along and giving each character a unique voice. Is this something you have to work at? Do you hear your characters speaking as you write?

It actually took me a long time to develop my dialogue-writing ability, and trust me, it didn’t come easily. It takes a lot of practice. There are three factors that helped me do it.

The third thing goes back to character development. I know my characters as well as I know myself. I have a strong sense of how they’d react in any situation and that includes what they say and how they say it–even their physical mannerisms The goal I strive for is to create dialogue where reader would know who’s saying something even if I drop the identifier next to it. It needs to be that distinct. If the voice of a character doesn’t sound genuine or ring true to the reader, it’s going to show and you’ll lose your audience.

My house is ruled by my three four-legged babies, so I have to ask about your dogs. You have six Labrador Retrievers and a Jack Russell Terrier. Why so many and what is it that draws you to Labs in particular? (I chuckle as I ask ‘Why so many’, since I would have a dozen if I had a big enough home!)

The herd has actually thinned somewhat. At the moment I only have two yellow Labs and a Jack Russell, along with two horses. But yes, at one time I did have a total of seven. Why so many? I attribute it to extreme neurosis. What other explanation could there be?

As for the labs– I’ve always loved them. They have the most wonderful disposition and all they want to do is please. Who wouldn’t like that? They’re truly wonderful creatures and just looking at them or spending time with them can change my whole outlook on life.

I feel that way about my dogs, as well.

Do you have a favorite author and/or one who has inspired you in your own writing career?

In a way, I feel as though everyone I’ve read has had some sort of influence on me in one way or another. I believe we’re all a product of our experiences. And while I’d never want to copy or duplicate another’s work–I think they’ve all helped shape the writer I am today. As for inspiration, I’d say that Stephen King, Jonathan Kellerman, and Dennis Lehane are right up there because of their highly distinctive voices. It’s a skill that I most respect and admire –one that’s not easy to come by.

What are you working on now?

My next book may actually surprise a lot of my readers. It’s a complete departure from While the Savage Sleeps; in fact the only thing the two have in common is that I wrote them. It’s a stand-alone psychological thriller. No paranormal, no forensics, and not nearly as violent or gory–more of a mind trip than anything else. If I do it right, the intent is that the reader will question his or her own perception. I want them to finish the book and say, “Whoa! What the hell just happened here?” I hope to have it out buy the end of this year.

The second part of the Savage Series will follow–that’s already in production. It will delve into Kyle’s dark past, then leap to the present where it begins to haunt her–quite literally, if you know what I mean.

I’m looking forward to both!

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Just a sincere thanks to my readers. I’m in awe of them and deeply grateful. There are so many choices right now when it comes to reading. That so many have found my first and only novel and have responded in such a positive manner truly humbles me.

Ready to read While the Savage Sleeps? You won’t be disappointed! Here’s the book on Amazon, in both print and Kindle format:

You can also find this book in any ebook format on Smashwords.

I hope you’ll take the time to check out Andrew’s work. You can learn more about him and his writing in the following places:

Website: www.AndreweKaufman.com
Blog: www.AndreweKaufman.blogspot.com
Email: mail@andrewekaufman.com

As always, feel free to share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

Tags: Andrew Kaufman, author interviews, Great Suspense, Great Thrillers, Indie Authors on Kindle, Kindle Books Under $3, Kindle books under $5, Paranormal Experiences, Paranormal Fiction, While the Savage Sleeps