The Kiss of Night follows a newspaper editor who retraces a decades-old secret, unraveling into an exploration of a shared past, violence, ethical compromise, and justice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My novel is based on my experience as a City News Bureau reporter. It is not autobiographical, but I did see almost everything that I describe. 

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

Given all the adversity in the world, I am always amazed by the resourcefulness and resilience of people. How people transform, how they become themselves—or not—always intrigues me. I read newspaper stories and wonder how people got to where they are in the headlines, just as I’d look out at my students and wonder where they’d be in five 10 or 20 years. 

How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing? 

Story development is key; plot twists usually are cheap tricks. I care about characters on their journeys, especially their will to survive. My novel portrays a lot of people who lose their will and give up, and it’s always a tragedy. 

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out. 

I have started a second novel, but don’t look for it anytime soon.

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