Tom Threadgill Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. My wife and I currently live outside of Dallas after a lifetime of moving around the Southeast US. I grew up in west Tennessee and still have the accent that goes with that. I’m semi-, sorta, sometimes retired which means I’m busier than I’ve ever been.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I’m assuming that will happen sometime soon. I always say I can walk away from the craft, but then an idea starts swirling around and I need to get it on paper. It’s kinda weird. I like being a writer, but I don’t necessarily like writing. Does that make sense? The process can be tedious or thrilling, mundane or extraordinary. How’s that for a non-answer?

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. I’d say my “break” came when I was writing my first book and signed a deal with my agent, the wonderful Linda S. Glaz. At the time, I knew so little about the process of publication, and she guided me step-by-step with constant encouragement. We’ve done five books together so far, all of which have been published.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, Network of Deceit?
A: Network of Deceit is the sequel to Collision of Lies, the first book in the Amara Alvarez series. In this story, Amara gets transferred to the San Antonio Homicide Division and has to tackle the death of a teenager at a waterpark. Of course, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Amara quickly finds herself sorting through clues and suspects trying to figure out why, if the teenager’s death really was a murder, anyone would kill him at a packed resort area.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Network of Deceit?
A: The setting comes from a road trip several years back. I don’t remember where we were headed, but we passed an old waterpark that was shut down for the winter. The cold, gray skies and dormant landscape made it seem like the perfect place to hide a body. Or two. Anyway, that setting transitioned to this story, minus the harsh winter but plus tons of San Antonio sun and crowds of possible witnesses.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: I write to entertain. My main hope is that readers enjoy the novel enough to share it with friends. That said, I really enjoy books and movies with a strong female protagonist. Amara is not (and never will be) an action hero, but she’s strong, independent, and trying to figure out life. I want readers to not only relate to her struggles, but also root for her to keep going.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. Certainly not the paycheck. ? It’s that little itch of an idea that pops up and tells me to write the first chapter. That’s all. Just get the beginning fleshed out so I can stop thinking about the story. From there, the characters start to come to life and take over the story. Problem is, some days those characters don’t want to talk to me. That’s when the writing becomes problematic and I have to figure out where things went wrong between us.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. The chaos of 2020 pushed my writing schedule to the background a bit. I do have a couple of ideas I’m working on. Obviously, a third book in the Amara Alvarez series is a strong possibility. She’s got a lot more story to share. I’m also developing an entirely new series . . . one that I’ve wanted to write for a long time. Time and demand will dictate which way I go.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. I got into woodworking a few years ago and really enjoy making things. Vacations have been sparse the last several years but spending time in the mountains is our favorite getaway. I love to watch WWII documentaries and a lot of true crime stuff too.