It’s such a thrill to have author J.L. Campbell visit. I recently spoke with her about Murder by the Book.
Tell me about your latest book.
Picture a mega-popular author who hires a stable of writers to pen her books. She’s a generous employer, but runs her studio like a drill sergeant. Addison Comstock rose to prominence on the backs of other writers, and one of her employees uses the plot of her latest thriller as a blueprint for revenge. Murder by the Book explores the publishing world and what happens when those in a position to protect choose to take advantage instead.
Why did you decide to write it?
Stories come to me in a variety of ways, but this one was sparked when I interacted with another writer and left the conversation feeling aggravated. My mind traveled to “what if” land and all that might happen in certain situations, including those where people are treated unfairly. I conjured up the worst-case scenario, which, for a writer, would be having their work stolen. The ideas continued to flow into a plot I thought would make an interesting story. It turned out I was right.
How did you come up with the book’s title?
Addison Comstock, the owner of the studio, is a mystery writer. Her team uses a story bible for each novel. One of them uses the plot points to commit the murders described in the story. Murder by the Book seemed to be a fitting title given the storyline.
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you?
There have been so many kind words over the years, but the simplicity of someone saying that my storytelling never disappoints them means so much. With each book, I tell myself it’s my best effort. I put everything into the book I’m writing—my emotions, the skills I’ve learned over the years, the development of each character into a rounded person, all of it. Each manuscript brings a different experience, but it’s my hope that wherever a reader enters my catalog, they find something to keep them coming back.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was in grade eight at high school when I started writing “romance novels.” These stories were handwritten in exercise books that my classmates read and passed around. By that time, I’d been reading Mills & Boon and Silhouette romances for years. I took on the challenge of telling stories that reflected my people, since all the story characters I’d ever met were Caucasian.
However, it wasn’t until twenty years ago that I decided I wanted to write something beyond meeting minutes. I wrote articles, then short stories, so novels were the next logical step. When I completed my first suspense novel—a mash-up of action-adventure and romance—and a publisher accepted it for publication, I knew I’d be on this road for a long time.
What author would you love to meet?
There are so many, but if you allow me, I’ll mention two. Jeffrey Archer is one, simply because I’ve been reading his books for many years. He writes in simple, clear sentences, yet his plots are clever and filled with unexpected twists. That’s something special, yet it seems effortless in his stories.
S.A. Cosby is the other because of his gift for writing well-plotted, fast-paced stories built on complex characters with action that sucks you in from the get-go and doesn’t ease up. All of this comes together from the pen of a writer who knows how to craft a compelling story each time.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I’m not reading as much as I want to because of my writing and the editing I do for others, but my reading is eclectic, so I’ve enjoyed Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce, And The Ancestors Sing by Radha Lin Chaddah, and so far, I’m loving A Hard Habit To Break by Siera London.
What books are at the top of your to-be-read pile?
Since I always read more than one book at a time, I have Shakir Rashaan’s ARC of Revenge Interrupted at the top of my list. There’s also Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Monica Garner’s Summer on Cape May.
What’s next for you?
I write in several genres, so I’ve been working on an inspirational story for an anthology that releases in September. I’m also writing an inspirational story for a holiday series. Aside from that, I’m still promoting Murder by the Book and gathering ideas for a secret project.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
My journey as a writer has been meaningful mainly because of the human element. I’m grateful for the readers I’ve met who have followed my stories, no matter the genre, and I write in a fair number of them. Their support and encouragement mean the world to me.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate to purchase your copy of Murder by the Book by J.L.Campbell.
To learn more about J.L. Campbell, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: jlcampbellwrites.com
Social Media: https://sociatap.com/JL_Campbell