Interview with Suspense Author Nichole Giles

Nichole Giles has lived in various states in the Midwest. Her future aspirations include adding a tropical island to her growing list of locations. For now, she plans to travel to as many tropical locations as possible, scouting for her future home in paradise. Her early career plans was to become a rock star, but she decided to have a family instead and then become a writer, in that order.

Nichole, please tell us about your new book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife.

When Mel Petersen leaves for work on the morning of February 7, he has no idea what awaits him. A few miles from his house, Mel picks up a pair of young men who appear to be college students, hoping to prevent them from having to walk in the cold. What Mel doesn’t know is that the men are actually convicts on the run from the law who are desperate to get away by any means necessary.

When one of his passengers holds a knife to Mel’s throat, he has no choice but to submit to the demands of the criminals. Mel hopes he has what it takes to talk his captors into letting him live so he can return to his wife and children, but fears they will kill him before he has the chance.

Your book sounds intense. I understand that your story is based on a true event. Please tell us what inspired you to write this story.

You're right. It is a true story based on an experience my grandpa had in 1958. One year for Christmas, my grandma gave all the grandkids a booklet about my grandpa's life history, and there was a short two page entry about this event. When I read about it, it sparked an interest and lead me to do more research into the whole thing. I thought I'd write an article, and ended up with a book.

Oh my gosh! This really happened to your grandfather? So this story is personal, then. Wow! A reviewer wrote, "Author, Nichole Giles, weaves a gripping story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, wishing you could read in super speed so you can find out what happens next.” Is it difficult or does it come natural to pull your reader in with this kind of suspense?

Um, yes, it's difficult. Definitely doesn't come natural. Ironically, effortless reading is the hardest kind of writing. As far as the review goes, I think I should thank that reviewer. (And probably pay whatever I promised to pay. Kidding!)

All kidding aside, what does your family think about your writing?

You know, I'm not sure. You'd be better off asking them than me. I'd imagine they think it takes way too much of my time, but then the result turns out to be pretty cool. But that could also be wishful thinking on my part.

Hey, aren’t all authors wishful thinkers? Okay, tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Writing is my passion, but I also love to travel, spend time with my family, drive in the rain with my convertible top down, and play my music at full volume while I sing along.

Okay…now we know the real you! If I ever pass a woman singing to her heart’s content in a convertible with the top down while it’s raining, I’ll definitely know it’s you. The singing author!

For those interested, Nichole's book is available as an e-book for only $6.95 at LDS Bookstore.