BooksChatter: ℚ Born To Die: Detective Al Warner [2]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author George A. Bernstein to talk about Born To Die (18 October 2015, GnD Publishing LLC, 416 pages), a Suspense novel, book two of the Detective Al Warner series.

"I was riveted, hooked, mesmerized by this book - kept me on the edge of my seat from page one!" - Richard Brumer, author.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to George Bernstein; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Born To Die?

"My wife, Dolores, often comes up with story ideas. She’s a fount! But this one just came to me: Too manty babies dying if SIDS, despite the educating of parents having minimized that tragedy. I needed a unique mystery for Detective Al Warner to occupy his time while on medical leave after the unexpected and near-deadly climax of DEATH’S ANGEL"

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Not much. I get most of the technical details from Google and two retired cop friends. When I was dealing with serial killers (DEATH’S ANGEL), I was able to download a complete FBI’s BAU symposium on that subject from the internet. I got all I need to know about SIDS the same way. And my Google research had doctor friends question me about where I got my medical training when I detailed the cause and effects of “Locked-in Syndrome” for my 1st novel, TRAPPED"

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Born To Die - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"This was my toughest cover concept of my four novels, and I got a lot in input from my critique group of 4 other published authors. The eventual use of infant tombstones seemed the best way to encapsulate the theme of the novel. I’ve remastered the covers of my first two novels to reflect my “brand.” When you see one, you’ll be able to say, “That’s a Gorge A Bernstein novel.”"

Why should we read Born To Die and the Detective Al Warner series? What sets it apart from the rest?

"“Because everyone who read either of my Warner novels gave it 5-Stars? Seriously, though, I’ve tried to create a detective who is tough but human, with a strong moral streak, but who has plenty of personal problems, which sometimes gets in the way of his investigation. Al Warner is often likened by readers to Patterson’s Alex Cross. The other reason is, I have come up with truly unique plot ideas, and everyone, even my very experienced editors, have been “blown away” by the endings. And my critique group constantly praise my abilities as a wordsmith."

Can you tell us something quirky about Born To Die, its story and characters?

"The quirky thing is Warner’s loss of memory from a glancing bullet wound off his skull at the climax of DEATH’S ANGEL. He can’t remember that final shoot-out with that deadly serial killer. The reader wonders at some of the behaviour of characters connected to him regarding that time. You’d have to read DEATH’S ANGEL to understand it, but it keeps you guessing.

Re: Names, I try to use names that are easy to read and remember, and avoid those that sound similar. I hate having to go back to see who’s who, and to have to “rename” characters with long, difficult names. Even Eastern European don’t have to have 5 syllable names. I also try to keep my cast of characters down, to avoid all of the above confusion."

Who would you recommend Born To Die to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Any lover of a good mystery or suspense. Readers of Patterson, LeCarre, Baldaccci, Koontz, etc. "

If you could / wished to turn Born To Die and the Detective Al Warner series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I don’t think about it much. No matter how apt a novel is, especially from an “unknown” author, is like spitting into the wind. But if you’re going to wish, how about Spielberg to direct, Matt Damon for Warner, and Charlize Theron for Casey?"

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I write suspense/thrillers. TRAPPED is a mainstream psychological suspense; A 3rd TIME TO DIE is a Paranormal Romantic Suspense (dealing with past lives); and the Warner series is a character-driven Detective series (NOT a procedural)."

What is your writing process?

"First I envision the plot – what’s the story about and how it’s going to end. Then I create a character list, with 4 x 6 profile cards of each character – physical and mental. Then I do a chapter by chapter outline of how I’m going to get there. Just a couple of sentences for each chapter to set the goal and tone. Then I start writing, and a magical thing takes place... the characters’ take over the action! As I get into the story, each played develops a personality and often takes the story into totally unexpected waters. I’m amazed sometimes at how different the story becomes as I write... always for the better.

I do very little editing until I finish. The first edit pass is for obvious spelling and grammar; then I search for oft repeated and cliché word and look to change plain words into active ones (“strolled” rather than “walked’” “settled” rather than “sat”). Then I review content: did I make a dangerous scene become worse, and then even worse than that, before it’s resolved. I often move chapters around to better handle pacing. I check to see I have short chapters and short paragraphs, and I go over dialog to be sure it sounds natural. Editing is a never-ending event. Eventually, the manuscript goes to a professional editor for his input, which usually requires several more rounds of work on my part. Creating a really good novel is a lot more than just writing. "

What is in store next?

"First I’ll finish the next Warner novel, tentatively titled “The Prom Dress Killer,” where a serial killer is taking young redheaded girls he apparently mistakes for someone in his past. When he discovers he’s erred, he kills them (with compassion) and “dumps” them dressed in typical Senior Prom type dresses. You’re alternately in the head of the killer, the head of Detective Warner, and the head of his lovely next victim. When that novel is finished, I’ve already written about 1/3 of the 4th of the Warner series, so that’s next on the list. And I have an outline of the 5th. I’m hoping Al Warner will become many readers’ favourite detective."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I’m an avid fly-fisherman, and a leading expert of fly-fishing for pike & musky. I have written a highly acclaimed book on the subject, “TOOTHY CRITTERS LOVE FLIES, and have recent taken my 13th IGFA World Record, a pike (27.5 pounds) on 8 lb. Test tippet. It’s the 3rd fly-rod record I’ve held for that specie."