Welcome to FAR, Lori. Lori Derby Bingley is the author of A Sister’s Secret, Lorelei, The Night She Came Home, and One Eye in the Darkness.

A Sister’s Secret delves into the webs family weave. Was Brooke the inspiration for A Sister’s Secret? Or did the deceptions create Brooke?

The idea for A Sister’s Secret came from watching Days of Our Lives one afternoon when a character was standing on the famous ‘pier’ (for those of us who have watched this show for years, the docks play an important role). I imagined a book beginning the same way; only it was a female teacher meeting a mysterious man to find out information on a missing student. The character of Brooke was created to investigate this woman’s death and, in doing so, discovers things about herself as a guardian to her nephew Jeremy, and as the sister who should have paid more attention. She goes head to head with her nephew’s teacher, Matthew, who believes Jeremy’s actions are due to drug use. The truth is harder to swallow than that, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what that is! lol.

Did Prince Edward Island inspire Lorelei? How did her story of betrayal and redemption enter your life?

I’ve always wanted to write a story like Lorelei, to talk about what happens when a person you love dies. Someone you’ve had to watch suffer in life, wondering if they ever find the peace that is promised with the escape of death. I set it on Prince Edward Island not only because it’s where I’ve grown up and still reside today, but because this is a beautiful and magical place. A place where I was lucky enough to have the answer to that question by the sweet smell of a single rose blooming in the middle of winter. The funny thing is I had the title picked out because Lorelei is a nickname my siblings used to call me, but then a friend of mine told me about the legend of a woman betrayed by love, bringing death to others in revenge – and I knew it was the perfect way to bring Amanda’s story to the surface.

How does Lorelei differ from your suspense novels? How is it similar?

Well, I don’t murder anyone in Lorelei. lol. I’ve often been teased about being the ‘murderer’ of the bunch, so in this book you’ll see a softer side of me. I took many of my own experiences and added them to this book. You will see more of ‘me’ in this story than in any other that I’ve written. Although the story is fiction, many of the events young Amanda faces are some I’ve gone through myself. I would say that it’s similar because I can’t resist throwing in a bit of mystery, something I love to do in all my books.

The Night She Came Home explores how a spouse’s deceit endangers his family. How did Jesse’s story come about? Was it inspired by the news, an event, or a word?

I have to say that this book was ‘born’ from the title. I had it pop in my head one night while watching television (can’t say what I was watching, I can’t remember), and wrote the prologue that night. I began with a woman coming home from work, unable to find her house key, and once retrieving the spare finds her husband inside, murdered. Jesse’s life is turned upside down as she is asked to represent Kyle Whitman in a murder trial – and it just so happens it’s the murder of her husband! Unable to tell him who she really is, yet feeling pressured from police to keep an eye on him, Jesse has to fight her attraction to this man as she discovers she never really knew her husband.

How does One Eye in the Darkness differ from your previous suspense novels? Which event started the story’s progress? Cassie’s son’s kidnapping or her ex’s murder?

One Eye in the Darkness, as some of the others, began with the title. I was driving home from my parents’ house one night and met a car with one headlight. I thought it would make a great story, to have someone run off the road by a car with one headlight, but couldn’t think of a title. I mentioned it to my husband, who in turn came up with the title. I then had Michael Richardson lose his life (or did he?) when he was run off the road while searching for his missing son. Cassie joins forces with Michael’s partner, Jordan Callaghan, as they face a kidnapper whose sole purpose in life is to make Cassie’s life miserable. This story is different for me because I was able to put myself in Cassie’s place, being a mother and imagining what it would be like should something happen to one of my kids. I would never rest until I found them, no matter the outcome.

Do you ever feel like your characters are trying to take over your mind?

I’m sure most of my readers will say “Not by the killers, I hope.” lol . But yes, they take over my mind and I can hear them ‘speak’ to me, telling me which way the story should go. I think up a plot, choose a setting, then create the characters and allow them to write the story. I don’t outline, nor do I follow a set storyline. I’ve always been the type to be open to change. If I find a character that has lost their usefulness, I’ll kill them off … right, Joyce? (My editor). I, like my readers, never know who the killer is until the end of the book. I change my mind so many times it wouldn’t be worth plotting it all out. I find writing the books is just like reading them… not even I know what’s going to happen when I turn the page. And of course there are characters who stay with you, like Amanda from Lorelei. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

Did your books come from your dreams, sudden inspirations, what ifs or all?

Yes to all the above. My ideas can come from anywhere. I’ve written some from my own life, some from dreams, and many from what ifs. I love to lose myself in a story and have that control over a character’s life. In Lorelei I enjoyed writing the scenes with Amanda and her grandmothers, having taken many of those experiences from my own life. And there have been times when I’ve chosen a plot at the first, thinking there’s no way I can explain this at the end, only to have it all work out. I love bouncing ideas off my husband. He may not read any of my books, but he’s helped plot most of them out with me. Or at least nodded in response to my ideas……..lol.

Are there any other genres you would like to explore?

I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing for children. I worked in daycare for over nine years, and being a mother of five, I feel I have a certain insight into the minds of children. For adult books, I plan to try writing a romantic comedy. Could be hard for me, though, not being able to kill anyone off!! lol

Is there anything else you would like to share about your books?

My book, A Sister’s Secret has just been re-released as a special edition trade paperback. With a new cover to celebrate this event, but the same story inside, I’m very excited about it. I have two books due out in 2006 with Champagne Books: Fraternity in February, and The Confession in October, both romantic suspense. I pray I’m lucky enough to continue doing this for the rest of my life.

Is there any music that inspires your writing?

Not necessarily. I enjoy all different types of music. I will say, however, that my first book (The Night She Came Home) was written to the tune of “Barbie Girl” by Aqua, and I will remember that forever. Sad, I know. Otherwise I usually just set the satellite to a channel with nonstop music and go from there. It can be dangerous, though, if you’re tired. I’ve found myself writing the lyrics in the middle of a chapter…

Do you have a specific routine before you write? Do you write in one area only or everywhere?

My routine is to have the children in bed before I get any work done. My husband spoils me rotten, I have to say. I get settled in my lazy boy, blanket thrown over my legs with my laptop on my knees (and many times my cat sleeping on my legs), and he brings me in coffee and snacks. He takes great care of me and I’m lucky to have him. It’s rare when I write anywhere else, unless I take the laptop upstairs to bed, but then I get too tired and can’t think. Not a good thing when you’re plotting a murder. lol

As the mother of five children and an author, when do you sleep? How have your children inspired your writing?

Sleep? What is that again? Oh! When I close my eyes and drift off for an hour or two. lol. I have to confess that when people ask me when I get time to write, I just point to the bags under my eyes. I never write in the daylight hours, unless the kids happen to be at their grandparents’ or my sister’s house. I have never, and will never, take time away from the kids to work. They have always come first, and I truly believe there are few years when they want us around and I plan to take advantage of that. Once they’re on their own, then it will be ‘my’ time. And I have no regrets……save the bag under my eyes! lol. My children have inspired me to do my best to follow my dreams, to show them that it doesn’t take money to be successful.

What is more difficult to write, short stories or novels, humor or action, and why?

Many would say it would be impossible for me to write a short story, because 2000 words is like a conversation to me. lol. I’ve written a few, and have enjoyed it, but hated that I couldn’t elaborate on the character’s life a little more. So, for me, I find the shorter stories difficult because I enjoy taking readers on a rollercoaster ride, not knowing who is going to die next!!

Who/What inspired you to write?

I have always loved to read, even as a young child. I can’t remember a time when books weren’t part of my life. I devoured everything I could get my hands on, even the ones that made my mother stay up nights worrying about my sanity. lol. The writing began then as well, but it was my grade four teacher (thank you, Miss Longmoore) who first made me feel as though I was a great writer. She encouraged me to write short stories and then a book that later made its way into the school library. I have to give credit to many teachers who continued that tradition of support (thanks to Mr. May and Mr. Wynne as well). My family is amazing, my parents especially. My mother has risked many friendships by helping to sell my books to everyone she knows. My brother Paul and his wife Sandra have also supported my by buying the books in bulk and giving them as gifts.

If you could work with any author, who would it be and why?

Oh, I would absolutely love to work with Heather Graham because I’ve read everything she’s ever written and I love her work. Although Mary Higgins Clark would be a great writer for me to ‘pick’ her mind. It would be a hard choice between the two. Either lady would be wonderful because they’re not just successful in their work, but both mothers as well.

You’re on the front page of the newspaper. What’s the headline?

Actually, I’ve been lucky enough to BE on the front page of our local paper, and the headline read “Mystery Mom”, which is why I’ve used the same headline for my website. The second time they wrote an article on me, they said “Mystery Mom Writes Again”. I love it – and it describes me to a tee. I am an author, yes, but a mom first and foremost.

If you could learn any language, what would it be and why?

Spanish. I love the sound of it. Plus it would be nice to know just what “Dora” is saying as my 18mth-old watches it over and over all day long. Or would this be a bad thing? lol. I took French in school, along with German and Irish. I love learning new languages and wish I had the opportunity to use them a little more.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

The first author to grab my attention in the romance world was Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. “Ashes in the Wind” is still up there with one of my favorite books of all time. I’ve gone from her to Johanna Lindsay, Elizabeth Lowell, and Heather Graham. In the mystery/suspense genre my favorites are Mary Higgins Clark, Sidney Sheldon, and Phillip Margolin.

Who do you think is the greatest literary personality ever?

Wow. What a great question. I have a hard time answering this, because I’ve enjoyed so many authors! I love the classics, like Jane Austen, but I’ve loved so many more since then. I will have to go with Mary Higgins Clark. I love her mysteries and buy her books just because her name is on them. I truly hope I have the same fan base myself one day.

Is there a way other than your website for fans to keep updated?

Yes, readers can catch up with me, along with all the other Champagne authors, at our yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/achampagnetoast/ . We will be hosting events there, with special offers, excerpts, and contests. Also check out the front page of Champagne Books website at www.champagnebooks.com to check out the forums, as well as read about our upcoming convention in Calgary, Canada, next April.

What final advice would you offer to writers who are seeking publication?

Don’t go into this thinking you’re going to be rich. lol. It’s an old saying, but never give up. Just remember that not everyone is going to like your work, but don’t let that stop you from following your dream. Research your market, know what you’re writing about and who you’re writing for. Don’t query a publisher until you’re certain what you’ve written is right for them, and follow the guidelines they’ve given you. Have some fun with it. Life is too short to be doing something that causes you nothing but stress.

Finally, any last thoughts.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak with you. Your site has been fabulous to read and review my books, and I appreciate it. Any readers who want to contact me, feel free to do so at lbingley72@yahoo.ca. I’d love to hear from you! If anyone is in the area on Saturday, October 29th, I’ll be at the Confederation Centre Library here in Charlottetown for the launch of my book, Lorelei. I’ll have all four books on hand at the time, and would love to see you!! Take care and thanks again!

Thank you Lori for taking the time to answer my questions and give us a glimpse into your life and world. For more information about Lori Derby Bingley and her books, visit her website at: http://www.loriderbybingley.com/index.htm.

Interviewed by: Dena