Interview H. L. Chandler

by

Celia Cooper

1. Your novel, The Keepers, tells of a family torn apart by an insidious force intent on using each member for its own evil purpose. Can you give us a little bit more of a teaser?

Sure. The following is a quick sketch that gives some insight into the Nolan family. "Jessie Nolan has troubles enough. Most of the time her mild psychic ability keeps her slightly off base. Her daughter has a teenage attitude. Her young son, Andy, has a powerful dose of Jessie's clairvoyance, and it terrifies him. Her husband, Stan, is out of work and tempers are flaring. Then, an ancient, evil Group picks Stan as their next inductee. In 1865 in London, The Group selected Robert Milton. His family paid the price. Now, it is the Nolans turn to fight for their lives and their souls as well." As you can see, the Nolans aren't a normal family in the best of circumstances. When, because of Stan's greed, they are put in a life or death situation, Jessie finds out she never knew what real trouble meant!

2. Most writers are also voracious readers. Who are some of your own favorite writers?

I read a wide range of authors. Anyone from Eudora Welty to Stephen King! Books by James Patterson, Bill Pronzini, and D. W. Buffa are currently in my reading pile. I've read most all of James Lee Burke's novels. Whoever the writer, I like a good story. Wendell Berry is great for 'down home' southern writing. Actually, nearly any story coming out of the south attracts me.

3. Has writing always been a passion for you?

I don't know that I'd say--passion. It is more like an intrinsic part of me, such as the color of my eyes or the shape of my nose. It is just there.

4. Is writing your main vocation?

No. I've never managed to earn money writing, so it is more an avocation!

5. If it isn’t, how do you work your writing into the rest of your life?

With great difficulty!!

6. Do you have a writing routine?

Sometimes I have an established schedule. For four years, I wrote from 3:30 AM to 6:30 AM. Before going to a regular job. That was a life changing experience! Then, for a few years I had a 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM writing schedule. Mostly I grab a few hours whenever real life allows.

7. Probably the most asked question of a writer is where they get their story ideas. What is the most unusual place you have had a story idea pop into your head? (Keep it clean!)

I can't say--because there is usually a story line popping up no matter where I am.

8. Is fiction writing the only type of writing you do?

Yes.

9. Will we be seeing more of your work soon?

I have a new novel coming out in March of 2006. Wings will be publishing Evil Intent. Here is a small preview of that story. "Gary married for money. When the money ran out, it was time to collect Janet's life insurance. Yet, something at the mountain cabin where Janet takes refuge has other plans."

10. Where would you like to see yourself, as an author, in 5 years?

As an author with five more published novels!