Interview with Nike Chillemi
Why do you write the kind of books you do? Well, my passion is crime fiction. I love to read suspense novels, murder mysteries, detective novels and also write them. I'm intrigued with the struggle between good and evil that presents itself in most novels in this genre.
Tell us about the book. Here's a short rundown on BURNING HEARTS…
Can a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor, while trying to decide if she can trust the dashing war hero who’s ridden into town on his Harley—who some say is the murderer?
Erica Brogna’s parents doted on her and taught her to think for herself. Many boys she grew up with have fallen in the war, shaking her childhood faith. In rides a handsome stranger, at the hour of her most desperate need. A woman who is her best friend and mentor is trapped in a burning house. After making an unsuccessful rescue attempt, Erica stands by as this man rushes into the inferno and carries her friend’s lifeless body out.
Lorne Kincade can’t out run his past on his Harley Davidson WLA, the civilian model of the motorcycle he rode in the war. He’s tried. He’s been a vagabond biker in the year since the war ended. His Uncle Ivar bequeathed him a ramshackle cottage in Sanctuary Point, on the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY and now he’d like to hope for a future again, repair the miniscule place, and settle down. The only problem is, a young woman with hair the color of mink is starting to get under his skin and that’s the last thing he needs.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? Oh, that would be my wedding day. In fact we're coming up on our 25th wedding anniversary in a few months. Somehow it doesn't seem that long.
How has being published changed your life? I'm so newly published that I really don't know yet how it's changed things. I know I'm a lot busier.
What is your current work in progress? I'm finishing the sequel to BURNING HEARTS. The second in the Sanctuary Point series is GOODBYE NOEL. It's a suspense set during the 1947 Christmas/New Year season. My research revealed how Christmas celebrations and symbols were part of the warp and woof of American life in that time period.
What would be your dream vacation? Driving down the West Coast Highway (runs along the coastline of Washington, Oregon, and California) alternating Christian rock and country western blaring on the car radio - window open. It takes about three days. I've done it and it was great. The Pacific Ocean is incredible, not to mention the beautiful redwoods.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I chose settings that I know. I know the south shore of Long Island and relish the time I've spent there. I created the fictitious village of Sanctuary Point for this series. All the other towns and landmarks mentioned in the novel are real locations on Long Island, NY.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? I guess it would be Laura Bush. I've always admired her quiet grace. I think the country benefitted from the work she's done on behalf of literacy in America.
What three things about you would surprise readers? 1. I'm a lot more ditzy than people think I am. 2) I was an independent animal rescuer for a good number of years. I've rescued about 40 dogs and cats and found them homes. 3) My idea spot on earth would be in the tropics under a cabana with a good book as the surf comes in and goes out.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? Cooking and eating. I'm a foodie. I'm constantly searching the Food Network site for recipes. I'm also enthusiastic about container planting every summer. This year I put in beefsteak tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, yellow summer squash, basil, and strawberries. I also love the rose bushes I planted last year in our backyard.
What are you reading right now? REVENGE by Mark Young. This is a book with tons of twists and turns.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Don't expect the contract to come overnight. Just about every contracted author I know wrote seriously for three to five years before selling a book. If a free online writing course is available, take it. I took the Harlequin free online course and it was invaluable. I've taken two Romance Writers of America (RWA) workshops since then geared toward mystery writers that were not free. Join a writers group. American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) is perhaps the largest and offers the most to the new Christian fiction writer. If the new writer feels his/her writing might be gritty or seat of the pants, join Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). There are many local and regional groups as well. Mostly, get active in these groups and take full advantage of what they offer.
What do you want readers to take away from the book?
Is there anything interesting about this book that you want us to know? There's quite a bit of humor in it.
What one question would you like us to ask your readers? Of the four, which is your favorite, murder mysteries, detective novels, thrillers, or romantic suspense? And why?
about the book:
BURNING HEARTS by Nike Chillemi (arson/murder, action, and romance in equal measure)
Can a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor, while trying to decide if she can trust the dashing war hero who’s ridden into town on his Harley—who some say is the murderer?
Erica Brogna’s parents doted on her and taught her to think for herself. Many boys she grew up with have fallen in the war, shaking her childhood faith. In rides a handsome stranger, at the hour of her most desperate need. A woman who is her best friend and mentor is trapped in a burning house. After making an unsuccessful rescue attempt, Erica stands by as this man rushes into the inferno and carries her friend’s lifeless body out.
Lorne Kincade can’t out run his past on his Harley Davidson WLA, the civilian model of the motorcycle he rode in the war. He’s tried. He’s been a vagabond biker in the year since the war ended. His Uncle Ivar bequeathed him a ramshackle cottage in Sanctuary Point, on the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY and now he’d like to hope for a future again, repair the miniscule place, and settle down. The only problem is, a young woman with hair the color of mink is starting to get under his skin and that’s the last thing he needs.
Nike Chillemi has been called a crime fictionista due to her passion for crime fiction. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes monthly book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. BURNING HEARTS is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze.
2 comments:
Thx so much. I luv your blog. A great look.
I enjoyed the interview soooo much.
Great interview and great book. I've read it and loved it. You can't go wrong with Burning Hearts.
Blessings, BJ
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