Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
Book Title: Hanging Softly in the Night
Released: 11/08/20
Genre: Detective Novel/Suspense
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Hanging Softly in the Night?
Alonso-Sierra: One thing inspired me to write Hanging Softly: a photograph, posted on social media. It was from a young person I knew, and the expression on the face made me think of how we display ourselves at the most vulnerable moments on social media. And that is exactly the motive for the murders in the novel.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Alonso-Sierra: I've always liked the name Nick Larson. It was the name given to an outrageous anime character, which I totally loved. The name of Laura is also a favorite of mine, not only because it is lovely, but it is the name of my cousin. The name of Tish Ramos came from a Patricia who won a sweepstakes I created, where her prize was to use her name in the novel. The others come randomly. I also search, depending on ethnicity, which names are the most common for those characters.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Alonso-Sierra: What I want readers to know is that this is a gritty detective novel. I have police family members, as well as lawyers, and I wanted to present, not the glitz of Hollywood or other fiction writers with their stories, but a real-life representation of the life of a detective, and what has to be done in order to solve a crime. It took me a while to research, but it was a great ride.
If "Hanging Softly in the Night" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Alonso-Sierra: Oh, my. I have a clear visual of my characters when I create them, but I never think of a movie star first and then use that as my descriptor to the character. The actors would have to be character actors. One or two come to mind: Jake Gyllenhaal, or Christian Bale. These two can tackle the acting job for the character. Laura Howard is a bit difficult to place. Maybe Anne Hathaway or Amy Adams. It could be Rachel Weisz, too.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Alonso-Sierra: I go for a swim. Rearrange the house. Go out to dinner. Read a book. Write something completely different. Or watch ballet videos.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Alonso-Sierra: Persevere. Persevere. Persevere. And learn as much about the craft as you can.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Alonso-Sierra: My favorite genre has varied through time, but I have always come back to mystery/suspense/thriller. And there are so many novels out there that have a special place in my heart. I love Ruth Rendell, Dick Francis, Agatha Christie, Jo Nesbo, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, and many, many more.
What are you working on next?
Alonso-Sierra: Right now, I'm researching a crime for the second novel of Nick Larson, and writing a cozy mystery, based on a ballerina. The latter is close to my heart, dedicated to my mother who was a prima ballerina and choreographer. It's in her honor.
Learn More About the Author and Hanging Softly in the Night here:
Website: https://mariaelenawrites.com
Blog: https://mariaelenawrites.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaElenaAlonsoSierraWrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MariaElenaWrite
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7093896.Maria_Elena_Alonso_Sierra
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/elena8094
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/115354673489678943074
Instagram: https://instagram.com/MariaElenaWrites.author
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-alonso-sierra-a81b1265
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maria-elena-alonso-sierra
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