Author Interview with Harlow Coban (CBLS Promotions)

CBLS Promotions Presents:
Mystery Writer, Harlow Coban
About Harlow:

Author Harlow Coban was born in Kansas City, MO, but grew up in Denver, CO. She relocated to North Carolina five years ago with her husband, two dogs, and 16-year old twins.

She shares a birthday with the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. In keeping with his legacy, she is currently working on taking over the world. Harlow’s positive attitude and fresh take on life are her tools and conquest is certain.

She spends her free time writing, dancing, traveling and defending mailboxes from her 16-year-old twins’ driving.

Her debut novel, LIFE IN DEATH (February 2012), is a murder mystery which pulls from real-life situations from her own family history. She felt compelled to share her story with the world while offering a thrilling, entertaining, and amusing escape for readers.

In keeping with her commitment to improving the lives of children, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her book will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club in her home state of North Carolina.

Twitter: @HarlowCoban
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Harlow-Coban/174596219285270
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5345608.Harlow_Coban
Blog: http://www.harlowcoban.com/?page_id=53

Author Interview:

Where do you find writing inspiration?

It comes from the need to tell a story. In a lot of ways, I’m exercising some of my personal demons when I tell a story. Writing is very cathartic experience for me.

When did you write your first book?

About three years ago, but I never finished it. Technically, Life in Death, is my second book. I may use elements of my first book in the second book in this series which I’ve already entitled, Apparition in Death.

What do you think makes a good story?

Action – I’m a firm believer that something has to happen to the character that causes a change in each chapter.

Does your family (and/or close friends) know that you write and are a published author of mystery fiction? If so, are they supportive of your efforts?

Yes, I dedicated my book to one of my best friends who is my biggest fan and pushed me to finish the book when I wanted to quit several times.

Is there another sub-genre aside from your primary sub-genre that you would like to write for and why?

Romance – I used to be an avid reader of romances and am a romantic at heart. I may give it a go after I finish the Kari Marchant murder mystery series.

Aside from mysteries, are there any other types of fiction/literature that you enjoy reading?

Yes, action-adventure, horror, and romance.

How important is reader feedback, good or bad, to you?

It’s critically important. I want to get better and better with each book. Reader feedback, good or bad, will help me do that.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I absolutely can’t live without my Zumba classes. I love reading, watching movies, listening to music, and playing in the backyard with the dogs.

Life in Death (Kari Marchant Series, Book 1)
Dark Romantic Mystery by Harlow Coban

Blurb:
When a girl that social worker Kari Marchant places in foster care is brutally murdered, she’s compelled to learn why. Her quest for the truth pits her against friends and coworkers. As Kari works to solve the horrific plot, more people die. How far should she go to learn the truth—even if it threatens her life?

When homicide detective Rance Nicolet meets Kari, his attraction to her is powerful—and the feeling is mutual. But things between them go terribly wrong when Kari’s old lover is found murdered with a letter from her in his pocket. The evidence against Kari is damning. Rance’s personal and professional lives collide. Does he blindly believe the woman he’s falling in love with or follow the evidence no matter where it leads?

Excerpt:
"Where is she?" Luke Dolo, Patience’s father, pounded a fist on the table. His face had contorted into an ugly mask. His smooth, dark skin had a reddish tinge to it, either from alcohol, anger or both.

For the first time ever, Kari thought about alerting security. She weighed her options.

“Mr. Dolo, please calm down. As I said before, you need to speak to the police.” She slid Detective Nicolet’s card over to him.

He stared at it, eyes dull.

“Just tell me what happened to her?” The veins in his neck bulged and pulsed.

She didn’t respond. She couldn’t respond. It wasn’t her place to tell him his daughter was dead.

He leaped across the table, hands closing around Kari’s throat like a vise. She struggled against his strength and they tumbled to the ground. He landed on top of her. The weight of his body coupled with the fall knocked the breath out of her, but she continued to struggle. She scratched and clawed at him to get free. His fetid breath nauseated her as she fought to take a gulp of air. Soon dots danced in front of her eyes and she felt dizzy.

Detective Cobb had Luke on his stomach with his knee pressed into his back as he handcuffed him. “Looks like I showed up just in time.”

Available at:
Amazon

Click here for remainder of tour schedule
and a chance to win a copy of LIFE IN DEATH!