Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Natalie Symon
Book Title: Lies in Bone
Released: 01/31/21
Genre: Dark mystery/suspense
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Lies in Bone”?
Symon: “The lonesome cry of Bruce’s harmonica grows like vines around everything I long for.” I wrote that sentence on my bedroom wall when I was sixteen. Many, many years later it became Lies in Bone.
I grew up in a rust belt city in the 1980’s listening to Bruce Springsteen songs on my Walkman. Bethlehem Steel’s idled blast furnaces were a constant reminder of what once was, and of hardship and long-lost dreams. I wanted to write an 80's coming-of-age novel with a murder mystery at the core. I love writing family dramas with off-beat characters, and also, I’m a big mystery fan, so I set out to write the book I wanted to read.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Symon: Frank, short for Frances, is named after my dad’s mother, who died before I was born. They called her Frank. Ironically my great, great grandmother on my mother’s side was also called Frank. Frank’s sister Megan took on the nickname “Boots” after I added the character quirk about the electric-blue moonboots she never removes. This was not pre-planned, but it just felt right. Ray is named after (but not based on) one of my friends from my early college years at Boston University.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Symon: I’m a playwright, and before that I was an actor, so I approach writing fiction from a character-driven lens. I love plotting, and language, and creating settings that are not just ‘place’ but also have a pulse that serves as the heartbeat of the story. But I’d have to say that developing complex characters who are conflicted, messy, vulnerable, and flawed is my favorite part of the writing process.
If "Lies in Bone" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Symon: I spent my career in the theatre, so I love casting. And believe me, whether you’re watching in your living room or in a theatre, casting is 90 percent of what can make or break an audience’s experience.
I have a few versions of this, but here’s my ideal cast list.
Frank: Millie Bobby Brown
Chuck: Andrew Garfield. I’m so impressed by his depth as an actor.
Ruth: Ann Dowd. I can’t think of an actress in Hollywood who has more ability to show the pain and nuance in hard-bitten characters that could easily be played as a villain.
Ray: Asante Blackk
Elma: Michelle Williams
Stu: J.K. Simmons
Henry: Tom Holland
Valdez: Oscar Isaac
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Symon: I seem to have the opposite of writer’s block. I have writer’s overload. Too many ideas for a story can get you bogged down in the choices of which direction to take the story.
Now I’m using index cards to record the story’s plot points and character arcs. When I was writing LIES IN BONE, I had notes and maps and pictures taped to the walls. I’m still trying to figure out a system.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Symon: Give yourself permission to write a bad book, or bad play or bad short story. Just write badly. By that, I mean write your first draft for you and only you. Then dig into the second draft and maybe let someone you trust look at the “readable draft.” Then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, and rewrite it again. Finally, have someone read the manuscript out loud to you. When you hear it, you can hear the rhythm and flow and see where the holes are. But that’s just my approach. Obviously, everyone has a different process.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Symon: My favorite genre is literary suspense. Gillian Flynn has had an enormous influence on me. As a writer and as a reader. Her first two books are great examples of character-driven, emotionally compelling mysteries. And who doesn’t love GONE GIRL? Dennis Lehane, the grandfather of literary suspense, can do no wrong in my eyes. MYSTIC RIVER is one of my favorite books. Donna Tartt is my current idol. THE SECRET HISTORY is a masterpiece.
What are you working on next?
Symon: Right now, I’m working with an IP scout on getting the LIES IN BONE pitch ready for production companies to see if we can get it optioned for a limited TV series. I’m also working on my second novel, another literary mystery. And I’ll be co-writing a play in the fall with the delightfully talented Matthew McGee—a comedic thriller (something we don’t see much of in the theatre) featuring a predominantly female cast. Kind of a DEATH TRAP meets NOISES OFF.
Learn More About the Author and Lies in Bone here:
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