Author Talk – Theresa Nash

Today’s interview is with Crime/Thriller author Theresa Nash. This is a genre that I’m very fond of as a reader and writer. She is going to take this opportunity to tell us about herself and her work.

DM: What is the title and genre of the book you want to tell us about?

TN: The book is The Cruelty of Love. It’s a crime, thriller

DM: Can you summarize your book in one short sentence?

TN: It’s a tale of betrayal, injustice and retribution.

DM: Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

TN: Anyone who loves a crime/thriller with a bit of romance mixed into the equation. Also I think that the book will appeal to those who have experienced a particularly painful break up.

DM: How did you come up with the title?

TN: The story itself naturally led me to the title. A romantic relationship is wonderful but it can also be cruel. When it breaks up both partners are hurt and perhaps carry emotional scars for the rest of their life.

DM: Tell me about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

TN: Jessica Bell did the cover design. We agreed on the concept together. I wanted to show the faces in an environment of captivity and/or violence. She proposed three designs and I combined two of them to come up with the final cover. I really like it.

DM: What are your biggest writing influences (another author, another book, a movie, etc.)

TN: My imagination, my past experiences and of course other authors. My favorite genre, or at least my preferred one, is crime and thrillers. However I love a well-written book in almost all genres except maybe science fiction.

DM: Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

TN: All my characters, but I would probably choose Max, Kate’s colleague, the character whose love (for Kate) is not returned.

DM: How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

TN: The least appealing – Charles – what a self-opinionated, self-centered person with such a low esteem for women!

DM: If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

TN: You know, we can probably always change things. But I told the story I wanted to tell, so I wouldn’t change anything.

DM: Give me a fun fact about your book or series:

TN: I did a lot of research into guns, drugs, US prison systems and called on some of my relatives for help or confirmation on certain elements I wanted to use in the book. In addition, no specific place is mentioned but I did have one in the back of my mind which guided the action.

DM: What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?

TN: I Don’t know. I hope my story is unique.

DM: Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

TN: I love music, dance and art. I play the violin in an orchestra here in Geneva, and love to sing.

DM: How can we find out more about you and your books?

TN: Here is my author page on Amazon

Here is my author page on Goodreads

Here is my blog

DM: What can we expect from you in the future?

TN: I’m working on a memoir about my childhood in Iowa (USA). I also have an idea or two about a crime story in Geneva involving a real event and Martha, the heroine of my first novel “Il Molo”

DM: What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

TN: Those who have or will read it can leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, and they can tell their friends about it.

DM: Do you have any advice for other writers trying to get published?

TN: Self-publishing, which is how I published my two books, is relatively easy. CreateSpace is very user-friendly and the staff are extremely helpful. Also make sure you have a couple of beta readers as well as a good proof reader.

The hard part is marketing and selling the book. It takes a lot of time and you have to be willing to spend some money to make a successful marketing campaign. Also pick your marketing channels carefully. There are a lot of promotion channels, especially for indie authors, but you have to be choosy about who you use.

DM: Can you give us an excerpt from your book?

TN: Sure

From Chapter One:

“The sharp metallic sound of steel-capped heels on black combat boots echoed through the corridor, keeping time with all the paraphernalia tapping against the guards’ thighs—keys dangling from metal chains, walkie-talkies, and black wooden Billy clubs. The stocky female escorts, a blonde and a brunette, both with hard chiseled features, were bored and uninterested. This was routine for them; another day, another prisoner.

Musty sweaty odors, mingled with those of stale food, drifted through the air. Walking along on either side of their prisoner tightly holding her upper arms, the guards escorted Kate to what would be her new home for a few years. She stared straight ahead, her peripheral vision taking in the gray cell bars, the gray walls, the gray atmosphere, and the empty cells. All the “ladies” were at lunch. She thought the city jail drab and unwelcoming. This one was slightly worse.

“Here we are, ma’am.” The blonde guard stopped in front of an empty cell. She let go of Kate’s arm while the brunette tightened her grip. The blonde picked up one of the dangling key chains and rifled through them until she found the one she wanted. The guard stepped forward and unlocked the cell door. “In here. Your roommate will be back in a few minutes. Lunch’s almost over. In the meantime, make yourself at home.” Both guards laughed.”

About Theresa Nash

The second of seven children, Theresa Nash was born in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1950. Her father was a well-known doctor, and her mother was active in many community organizations. Nash grew up to earn her BA in economics and an MBA in finance. She moved to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1975 and has lived there ever since.

Although the world of finance has always dominated her professional career, she exhibits her artistic side by playing the violin in a local orchestra, singing in choirs and as a solo vocalist, and acting in plays and musicals. The Cruelty of Love is Nash’s second work. Il Molo is her previously published novel.

Nash is married to a famous Swiss artist. Her daughter is currently pursuing a master’s degree in marketing and management.