This morning I have the privilege of speaking to Laura Griffin. Hello Laura and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews. Please come in and grab a cozy chair, and share some conversation with us.

Thanks so much for inviting me, Linda!

Good morning Laura, how is the weather today in Austin?

It's a bit cloudy, but I went jogging in shorts today so I'm not complaining. I used to live in Chicago where it took forever to get to spring.

I love the title of your coming soon release, Whisper of Warning. Why not give the readers a sneak peak into this book?

The heart of this book is the main character, Courtney. She's fun and resourceful and delightfully uninhibited. The book opens with Courtney nearly getting killed, and her day goes down hill from there. She isn't your typical law enforcement heroine, so it's fun to see her try and dig her way out of all the trouble she lands in as the story progresses.

Laura, since you started your career in journalism, do you think this helps you better with your writing by enhancing your manuscript for editors?

I absolutely think reporting is great training for fiction writers. For one thing, I'm not shy about interviewing people or going out to do research when there's something I need for a story. Also, the deadlines can be pretty aggressive, but I'm accustomed to that from working in a newsroom.

Of all the genres do you prefer writing romantic suspense over anything else?

I love to read romantic suspense, so writing it seems like a good fit for me. A love story plus a mystery... my favorite combination.

Can you tell the readers about your next romantic suspense novel you are working on?

The next book features two of my favorite characters: homicide detective Nathan Devereaux (THREAD OF FEAR, WHISPER OF WARNING) and PI Alex Lovell (WHISPER OF WARNING). The next book, UNTRACEABLE, is the start of a new series that focuses on a cutting-edge forensics lab where scientists and detectives team up to solve violent crimes. UNTRACEABLE comes out in Fall 09.

For someone who has published articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as garnished many awards, what advice would you give to the beginning writer?

Hang in there. Keep writing. Don't give up. This is a tough business, and if you want to break in, you have to develop a thick skin.

What book have you read that left a strong impression you will never forget?

Oh, there are so many! I read GONE WITH THE WIND at a young age, and that might have given me an affinity for love stories. In terms of contemporary books, I remember reading my first Kay Scarpetta novel and being so wowed by this strong, smart heroine who really came to life right there on the page.

When you start to write, do you outline, or just go with the flow?

I do both. I write a detailed outline, then veer off course.

Does it take you very long to finish a book once you get it started?

For me, getting started is the toughest part. I think it's the whole blank canvass thing. I have to get into the characters and then the story unfolds from there.

Can you give us your websites, as well as the links that we can find out about your books?

Sure, just visit www.lauragriffin.com. All the books and new releases are detailed there, along with excerpts, and I have ongoing contests and book giveaways.

You just found out your edits to your next book are due tomorrow morning and you have to bake 80 cupcakes, and one cake, for the school bake sale and have them delivered by 9 a.m. Do you panic? Or take everything in stride?

This sounds like my last Valentine's Day. I would pour my best energy into the book and then I'd be up at four in the morning making cupcakes from a Betty Crocker mix. I'm a terrible baker. I always get distracted and forget to add eggs or something.

You just won a day of pampering, anything you desire to eat, any place to visit, or whatever your heart desires. What would your day consist of?

My ideal day is jogging along Town Lake in Austin (which happens to be the scene of the first murder in WHISPER OF WARNING), then heading over to my favorite Mexican restaurant for migas and coffee, then hanging out with family and friends.

Announcements have been sent out about your specific book signing day but when you arrive at the book store, you are shocked to learn the store has booked you and Nora Roberts at the same time. Do you gracefully bow out and change yours to another day, or do you keep yours and share the day with her?

I was in this situation once with a different author and it turned out to be so much fun! It's always great to meet other book lovers.

Thank you so much for sharing time with us, Laura. It has been a pleasure and I wish you success with your writing.

Interviewed by: Linda L.