Hi Patricia, I just wanted to ask about the setting of your book and where most of the action takes place – have you used a setting that you are familiar with?

In this novel, yes. The prologue takes place at Kalian Downs, a fictional racetrack. I've taken my visuals from Arlington Park Race Track in illinois, but you probably won't recognize it.

The barn scenes take place in the barn where I keep my horse, Jackson. CJ Ranch in Indiana. It provides the perfect backdrop.

The restaurant scene was based on a neat little inn on the shores of Lake Michigan not too far from the Illinois border.

I can see from your websites as well as your writing that you care very much for horses, was this what prompted you to write about them?

Yes. I've always wanted to own a horse since I was a child. When I was grown and out on my own, I finally was able to own one.

The seed was planted years ago.

When the candy heiress Helen Brach disappeared a scandal erupted in the horse show world. Valuable horses were being murdered for insurance money. I was shocked at the time. Unfortunately, now I know it happens more frequently than I'd ever imagined. . It took me about fifteen years to write about it. You won't recognize any of the sleazy characters that were indicted and/or prosecuted back then, but you might recognize some of the types.

What do you think is the most difficult element of the mystery/thriller genre for a writer?

Probably the build-up of suspense to a climax, and making the characters real enough so they could be your next door neighbors. That's very pain-staking work.

How did you manage to weave the separate elements of murder, mystery and romance?

I think they all intertwine. The murder (and lack of closure) leads to the mystery (who"dun" it) and then to the romance--hero thinks heroine has something to do with murder and is intent on exposing her, but falls in love with her instead.

In romantic suspense, I think the romance and mystery has to go hand and hand.
One can't be taken out and have the book survive.

Do you ever get stuck with some scenes and if so, how do you resolve it?

Lots and lots of times.

Sometimes I discover the scene doesn't belong there. Or it needs to be re-written. I either delete it or put it some other place. Sometimes the scene needs to be seen from the eyes of another character and that gives it a whole new lift.

Sometimes I need to take a good long walk with my dogs, or a ride on Jackson or take a hot bath. It may or may not come. If it doesn't it goes. (or I save it for another book)

Thank you Patricia

AUTHOR BIO
Patricia A. Guthrie is a resident of Park Forest, Illinois. A recently retired music teacher from the Chicago Public Schools (May Community Academy and Chicago Vocational Community Academy) and former opera singer, Author Patricia A. Guthrie is now an avid horse owner, dog obedience trainer and writer. Ms. Guthrie lives with three feisty collies who act as “ghost writers” and help her write at every given opportunity.
This story is dedicated to those horses lost to man’s greed and inhumanity and to those humanitarians whose mission is to save and protect them.
In the Arms of the Enemy By Patricia A. Guthrie
www.paguthrie.blogspot.com
www.patriciaanneguthrie.com
www.myspace.com/paguthrie

Patricia A. Guthrie
"In the Arms of the Enemy." (Light Sword Publishing)
Dedicated to those horses lost to man's inhumanity and greed
and to those humanitarians who's mission is to save and protect them.
www.paguthrie.blogspot.com,
www.patriciaanneguthrie.com

Originally posted on http://fictionwise.blogspot.com/