The Mind Behind Midnight

An Interview with Vivian Zabel, author of Midnight Hours

 

How did the book, Midnight Hours, come about? How long has it been in the works?

I have an online friend, who “adopted” me as her mom, yet she continued to be extremely secretive. I had no idea where she lived, except a general area. I couldn’t contact her. Other people I knew who “knew” her wondered why she was so mysterious. With my vivid imagination, I took her need to hide and developed Midnight, an online predator who targets disabled men. In fact, the friend helped with details and ideas developed in the novel.

And, no, the friend is not anyone dangerous, just a single woman who needed to protect her identity for valid reasons.

The Mind Behind Midnight

I worked on Midnight Hours for over three years.

They say "write what you know," but this seems a stretch - computers, police procedure, murder - did Midnight Hours require a lot of research? Where did you start? Who and what were your most useful resources?

Ah, you know my limitations concerning computers, etc., rather lack thereof.

I do have some knowledge of murder and police investigation and procedure since one of my nieces was murdered, and I followed that case very closely. In fact I'll write about that case some day, either as non-fiction or fiction, haven't decided.

However, a sergeant of the Oklahoma City Police Department helped with information. A friend who is the administrator of a jail in Tennessee, and who trained to be a dispatcher, answered many questions and gave suggestions and information. The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department answered questions. I researched on the Internet. Google is our friend, so is Yahoo search.

The young woman who was the "model" for Midnight, although never a  criminal or a predator, actually helped me with many points and ideas.
I took all the information, mixed well with my exceptional imagination, and Midnight was born.

Do you think that a hint of romance and a dash of sexual tension add to a mystery or thriller? Why?

I think a hint of romance and just at least at small dash of sexual tension adds some spice to a mystery or thriller. A sub-plot that includes the relationship between a man and woman gives readers another bit of interest. Straight mystery, thriller, suspense needs some leveling from time to time.

Do you foresee a sequel for any of these characters?

A sequel for any of these characters? Why of course, the title will be Darkest before Dawn. Any one who has read Midnight Hours understands the title.

Between running a publishing business, promoting your existing books and those of other 4RV Publishing authors - how do you find time to write?

Perhaps a better question would be, how do you find time to sleep?

Seriously, I do most of my "writing" in my head. I carry a tablet with me everywhere. While in the doctor's waiting room, I write. While waiting in the car for Robert to do whatever, I write. When ideas pop in my head, even if I'm in bed, I go to the computer and write.

Do you have any "writing rituals"? Anything that gets you into the writing mindset and helps you to be more productive?

I "daydream." I start thinking about a simmering plot or characters and weave a story. Then all I have to do is put the words on the screen or on paper.

Do you write to silence or music? If to music, what kind of music inspires you? Does it vary, depending on the genre?

From the day after Thanksgiving until after Christmas, I write to Christmas carols and songs, whether with singers or just instruments. The rest of the year, I write to silence, or maybe the TV in the background.