David Bell is the author of more than half a dozen books including Since She Went Away, Somebody I Used To Know, The Forgotten Girl, Never  Come Back, The Hiding Place, Cemetery Girl and most recently Bring Her Home. In 2013 he won the prestigious Prix Polar International de Cognac for best crime novel by an international author.

Ok before we get started I have to confess David Bell was the first author Q&A I did and sent out and I’ll admit I was very very excited and went a little overboard with the questions. We have worked hard to try and make them fun and different and even tho my excitement ran away with me, Mr. Bell was great about it and answered them all.

 

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an Ohio native living in Kentucky. I teach creative writing at Western Kentucky University by day and write suspense novels on the other days.

2.What did you want to be when you grew up?

The starting shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. My lack of talent and fear of batted and thrown baseballs ended my dream.

3.Favorite food? (Other than pickles)

I do love pickles. Also pizza, toast, meatloaf, and apples

4.What is the best advice you ever received?

My dad once said, “If you want to be a writer then get your butt out of bed and write.”

5.If you could be anywhere and do anything- Discribe your ideal perfect day.

I’d love to be near the ocean with nothing to do but read and write.

6.Coffee or Tea?

Definitely tea

7.Discribe a typical day in your life.

I get up, eat, and go for a walk in the park and the cemetery near our house. If it’s a day I have to teach, then I head off to campus. If not, I head to the computer and work at home, writing or revising. In the evenings, I either read or watch something–a good movie or TV series.

8.What book first got you into reading?

When I was a kid, I loved MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL. What a great book!

9.Do you ever name characters after people you know? If so who?

Never, although I’ve been accused of doing this. There are only so many names in the world unless I want to name a character “Apple.”

10.Favorite book you’ve written? Why?

Right now, my latest, BRING HER HOME, is my favorite. But that’s only because it’s the latest. I like all of them for a variety of reasons.

11.Do your students ever recognize you?

Recognize me? Some of them don’t even know my name.

12.How do you get prepared to write? How are you most comfortable?

Usually I’m at my desk after I’ve answered all the pressing emails and have no choice but to get down to business.

13.T.V. shows you never miss and/or binge watch?

Lately…PROJECT RUNWAY, STRANGER THINGS, BROAD CITY, HANDMAID’S TALE, GRACE AND FRANKIE

14.What is your wife’s favorite thing about you? What does she complain about most?

Now this is a dangerous question. I think she likes the way I listen to her. She complains on those rare occasions when I throw recycling in the garbage.

15.What are your biggest pet peeves?

People who talk during movies. People who chew gum loudly. People who talk about themselves without asking about the other person. By the way, how are you?

16.Where is your favorite place to read?

Outside on our patio when it isn’t too hot or too cold.

17.Most memorable teaching moment in your career?

I just like the daily give and take with students in class. Their creativity always impresses me.

18.What part of the writing process is the most challenging?

Coming up with an original idea that can sustain a whole book and doesn’t repeat what I’ve already done.

19.Can you tell us about your new book?

SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER will be out in July 2018. It’s about a guy whose ex-wife shows up on his doorstep saying her daughter is missing…and he is the child’s father. Surprise!

To purchase David Bell new book Bring Her Home click Here

Another huge THANK YOU to David Bell for being a part of our author Q&A event!