Ask the Author: Paula Bernstein
Answered Questions (11)
Paula Bernstein
I'd visit Marian Zimmer Bradley's fascinating planet Darkover and try to figure out the genetic variations that have given some of its Earth descendants such remarkable mental powers.
Paula Bernstein
I just started Assassin's Fate, book 3 of the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy by Robin Hobb, one of my favorite fantasy writers. She does an exceptional job of world building with fascinating characters. Do start with the first book of the first trilogy.
I'm also reading some non-fiction; The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston, a real life archaeological adventure story with some unfortunate medical consequences.
On my Science Fiction list is New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson.
I'm also reading some non-fiction; The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston, a real life archaeological adventure story with some unfortunate medical consequences.
On my Science Fiction list is New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson.
Paula Bernstein
My own life hasn't been very mysterious but it has been enormously varied and interesting. I've been a scientist, a physician and a writer and have traveled all over the world. I draw on all of those experiences when I plot a book. The first question I ask myself is "in what world shall I set this novel?" My novels have been set in operating rooms, academic science departments, private schools and the newest one in the world of high tech infertility. I draw on my own knowledge to create experiences for my characters, and I am fortunate to have many fascinating friends who can give me insights into their equally interesting professions and worlds.
Paula Bernstein
This was a very interesting question that required some careful thought. An answer did not spring to mind immediately as there were so many good candidates. As a mystery writer, and avid mystery reader, I follow any number of fictional couples. As I examined my library, it was clear that about three quarters of my favorite authors featured female sleuths. Some were happily single. In other series, the female character tended to retreat to a secondary role after the first book or two. To choose a favorite I needed a couple where the characters had equal weight and I liked them both. I finally decided on Elizabeth Peter's archaeologists, Amanda Peabody and her husband Emerson. I adore Amanda's witty, self confident voice and the dynamic of her relationship with her hot tempered, adoring husband.
Paula Bernstein
There will definitely be another Hannah Kline mystery. I'm about half way through writing it. It's called "In Vitro" and it is set in the world of high technology infertility treatments.
I'm also delighted to announce that my short story "On Call for Murder" has been accepted into LAst Resort, the 2017 Sister's in Crime anthology to be published in April 2017. This story features a young Hannah and her first encounter with murder during her internship year.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the first four. I had such fun writing them.
I'm also delighted to announce that my short story "On Call for Murder" has been accepted into LAst Resort, the 2017 Sister's in Crime anthology to be published in April 2017. This story features a young Hannah and her first encounter with murder during her internship year.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the first four. I had such fun writing them.
Paula Bernstein
I have two tools for that. One is boredom and the other is my subconscious mind. I've always found that boredom is the wellspring of creativity for me. If I'm in the passenger seat of a car on a long drive, and I can't read, my mind starts working on my next chapter. My subconscious does the same when I sleep. I confess that most of the complex mathematical equations in my PhD thesis were solved while I was sleeping. I just had to remember to write down the solutions in the morning.
Paula Bernstein
I love the process of discovering the story. My characters tell me what needs to happen in the next chapter and I love the "ah-ha" moment when I finally figure out who committed the murder and why. I usually don't know when I start the book. That's why it's so much fun.
Paula Bernstein
Take a writing class. Form a writer's group. Don't worry if your writing isn't perfect. Perfection is not possible. Seek out constructive criticism from fellow writers and when your first draft is done, hire a great editor.
Paula Bernstein
I've recently started a new Hannah Kline mystery set in the world of academic astronomy and the search for extra-solar planets. I've been an astronomy junkie since I was a small child. In another life I might have been an astronomer, if only I'd been more adept at physics! In this novel, Hannah and Daniel solve the murder of a famous astronomer.
Paula Bernstein
I am continuously inspired by the people, incidents and experiences I've had and filed in my brain for future reference. One of the best things about being a writer over 40 is that you have so much more material available for your stories.
Paula Bernstein
Murder in the Family was inspired by the real murder of a beloved cousin twenty years ago, and it has been through many incarnations prior to becoming a work of fiction and mystery.
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