Featured Interview: Thomas Collins

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Thomas Collins author of Crimeline Hollywood.

View the Official Review

View Kindle edition on Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited)

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1. Can you tell us about your very first writing attempt?

I wrote my first book at age ten and called it The Adventures of Tom and Rom. As I recall it was liberally illustrated with cartoons. I made several copies using carbon paper and attempted to sell it to some of my classmates.

2. What authors have been influential in your writing?

William Goldman was very big, mainly due to Marathon Man. Goldman taught me how to write narrative using a conversational style instead of the traditional/formal style. From there I developed Dash's voice and found it easy and comfortable to use. Scott Fitzgerald also influenced me, especially the last chapter of Gatsby. I patterned my own last chapter after it, not so much in style as the rhythm of it. I think Fitzgerald's last chapter in that book is one of the most beautiful in all American literature.

3. Let's discuss your book Crimeline Hollywood. Where did you come up with the idea for the story?

I'm not exactly sure but from a young age I always liked the Superman scenario where the hero has two identities. For Dash it required not only some change in appearance but two separate locations far apart. With Dash and Morty, I was able to create some great irony, especially when Ruthann falls for the volunteer fireman thinking him to be the one who is the brave hero.

4. Why did you choose Dash as the narrator?

Dash is right in the middle of the action and the perfect guy to see and describe events with both a serious and humorous tone. Dash is sort of a stand-in for me. He sees the world the way I do. I am able to write in the third person but I am not nearly as comfortable.

5. Dash and Rebecca seem to be good together. Why do they make such a good investigative team?

I had to have an original name and one that suggested a man of action. Someone named Dash couldn't be nerdy or quiet. He suggests a good action hero.

6. Who is your audience? Is it a good beach read?

I like to think of it as a wide one. The book is a mix of mystery, suspense, humor and even romance. Not terribly heavy but not an over-the-top action novel. Yes, it is an excellent beach read for all the reasons stated above. In fact, before I wrote this, I walked down to the beach from the cottage where my family is staying and went for a walk with my grandkids. After about a hundred yards we passed a guy in a lawn chair reading a book. The color of the cover looked familiar. It was MY BOOK. Yes, it definitely is a beach read.

7. The reviewer mentions the chapters being quite short. Why did you decide to write the book this way?

Personally as a reader, I don't like long chapters. There are several good reasons to make chapters short. First, it gives a cinematic effect, cutting from one scene to the next. It also makes the reader feel that he or she is reading at a fast clip as the plot gets thicker and thicker and the characters become more developed. Finally it gives the reader a good place to stop and then come back to. I get some criticism that the short chapters make the book choppy. Better choppy than chunky!

8. What's on your agenda next?

Next will be a sequel. I like many of the main characters too much to leave them. A sequel will allow me to use them again plus come up with some new quirky ones.

I like to end with fun questions.

9. What's your go to snack?

My go-to snack is humus or honey spread on a whole wheat cracker. It is both yummy and healthy.

10. Who's your favorite sleuth?

The clumsy Inspector Clouseau in Pink Panther. Hercule Poirot is a good serious one.

11. What animal are you most afraid of?

Probably a snake. As a boy at camp, I was running full tilt down a path in the woods and turned a corner only to see a coral snake. Right in front of me. I kept going and leaped over it. Probably not a good move since I was miles from the nearest hospital.

12. Would you rather have to live in a tent or a shanty the rest of your life?

A shanty. I have spent too many nights in a tent during a rain storm.

[Alarict surt]

Gives a different perspective and alternative to how it is

[Azeezah Alao]

The reader supposed to be heartfelt when reading a book.
It makes them to be mindful of the key lessons in the book

[vishal mohil]

nice book everyone must give it a try

[JessicaAaron]

Nice book.

[David Awunor]

I like that you used a conversational style; that's what caught my attention.

[Anushka Surve]

Concise yet insightful, offering a clear perspective that really captured the essence. Well done!

[Shivam Rajak 2]

Excellent book
Full of mystery and suspense

[Elendu Divine Ugochi]

Brief but incisive, providing a distinct viewpoint that effectively encapsulated the substance. Excellent work!

[Ammirati Michael]

Concise yet insightful, offering a unique perspective that perfectly captured the essence. Well done!

[Kigen Valarie]

I love both long and short chapters too but if I were to choose, I'd select short one's too. Giving this book a shot. Also, I don't really like snakes. One of the things I terribly fear.

[Alarict surt]

Fascinating, it is coherent with the information, full of suspense and intrigue

[Maria Jose 9]

Great and interesting i will love to read

[Dexter Nyangoloma]

Nice book looking forward to read more

[Atifdesigner786]

This interview provides a very enjoyable insight into the author's process and creative decisions. From his early efforts at writing to heroes such as William Goldman, it is evident that he prized a conversational style above all. *Crimeline Hollywood* merges mystery, wit, and romance with Dash, a likable narrator. Short chapters produce a fast-moving, cinematic feel to this—perfect beach reading. With a sequel in the wings, it becomes apparent just how much the author is in love with his characters.