ℚ Student Bodies: Delilah Price [2] - Susan Israel

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Susan Israel to talk about Student Bodies (31 May 2016, Fiction Studio Books, 183 pages), a Mystery, book two of Delilah Price series.

“With a powerful sense of place, a compelling and twist-fueled plot, and characters of surprising depth, Student Bodies is as good a mystery as those written by modern-day masters. Susan Israel's second novel confirms for me that she is one of crime fiction's most talented new voices.” – Douglas Corleone, author of Gone Cold

“A well written, delightful, interesting and fun read. Looking forward to book two!” - Hotchpotch on OVER MY LIVE BODY

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

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A very warm welcome to Susan Israel; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Student Bodies?

"A lot of my story ideas are inspired by news items, but then take on a life of their own.

Choosing a seventh grade class to focus on in Student Bodies was more of a direct result of having been bullied when I was in seventh grade; it’s not a new phenomenon.  School can be a rough place.  Add a sexual context and it can be explosive."

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

"I’d say I’m very much like Delilah except that she is younger and taller.  She feels she is very good at one thing – sculpting- and she sets high standards for herself and when she feels she doesn’t measure up to her standards in other aspects of her life- her starving-artist jobs- she feels less than adequate and sells herself short.

She is a better teacher than she gives herself credit for being and I think it’s a near universal trait, to sometimes feel you don’t measure up."

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

"The cover, designed by Barbara Aronica-Buck, in my opinion perfectly depicts the energy of the students whose bodies are all bustling, blurred movement, often dashing into trouble."

Why should we read Student Bodies and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"In addition to being about crimes, my series also encompasses friendship, loyalty, lifestyle choices, relationships and the challenges of big city living.

Delilah is not an amateur sleuth nor a PI nor a police officer (though she is on-and-off involved with one) but she does get herself involved- sometimes over her head- in circumstances requiring police involvement and her artistic talent is a bonus to ensuing investigations.  She can do a mean police sketch."

Can you tell us something quirky about Student Bodies, its story and characters?

"I actually saw people- in passing, in the library, in cafes- who inspired characters in Student Bodies.  A girl with a purple streak in her hair strutting through the library sparked the idea for the character Violet Velez.  A tall lithe woman in impossibly high heels became the prototype for Freddie Shaw."

Who would you recommend Student Bodies to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"My books do include R-rated language, a couple of sex scenes, some graphic violence.  It’s safe to make it clear that this is not a cozy."

If you could / wished to turn Student Bodies and the Delilah Price series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I can easily see Jennifer Lawrence playing Delilah.  She had me at her trip up the stairs to claim her Oscar; she has the same adorably klutzy aura.

I could also see Lupita Nyong’o as Freddie and perhaps Scott Eastwood as Quick, though I think that role would require a large casting call."

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 was a crime victim twice- fortunately not physically harmed but it turned me to a life of crime- that is, crime-writing. I t’s a swift way of obtaining justice.

I like to read it as well as write it.  My classic favorites are Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler."

What is your writing process?

"My writing process when I hit my stride is to write at least one good page every day.  Sometimes more, but at least a page.  I took a wonderful course in college that required this and it became my comfort zone.  For me, novel writing became an extension of Daily Themes."

What is in store next?

"My third novel in the series, Foreign Bodies, starts with a dead body washing ashore during the annual New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge on Coney Island and veers further down the boardwalk to Brighton Beach where members of the Russian émigré community involve Delilah in a world of deceit and intrigue."

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?

"This is my beloved dog, Kingston.  I dedicated Student Bodies to him (and to his beloved predecessor Max as well)."

Hello Kingston! I have seen lots of pictures of you, gorgeous boy :-) Lots of head scratches to you!

Thank you sharing Kingston with us, and we hope you have a great tour! :-)

Student Bodies
Available NOW!

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