KRIS: The writing itself is never just business to me. I experience a myriad of emotions during the process -- I laugh when my characters laugh, cry when they cry; I feel their frustrations. But the process itself grounds me. And nothing provides the satisfaction I derive when I feel I've had just a decent day of writing. Those days when I think I've managed something exceptional -- those are my highs. Nothing is as great.
SUITE: What type of book promotion do you feel has worked best for you?
KRIS: Before I was published at novel-length, a book publicist spoke at my Sisters in Crime chapter. She said it's hard to measure the effectiveness of promotional activities because p.r. doesn't always work immediately, or in the intended ways, but sometimes ripples out in unexpected ways at some future time. I've found that to be true for me, so I try not to judge the various things I've tried. I do think book reviews are more effective than anything I can do to promote my books, and since my publisher handles that, it's out of my control except to suggest new review outlets to them. I also think I'm a pretty good writing teacher, so I look for conferences and groups where I can speak on various aspects of writing and publishing, since I tend to sell a lot of books at those events. Beyond that, though, I try not to judge what works and what doesn't.
SUITE: Can you ever see yourself not writing anymore?
KRIS: Not if I'm breathing. I can see myself taking breaks, at some time in the future. I have a fantasy in which I buy an old house and take some time to fix it up, doing a lot of the work myself. I do find that physical effort helps me rest and recharge the batteries that the mental effort of writing saps. But I can't imagine myself not writing.
SUITE: Pets? Types and names, please.
KRIS: Currently, we share our lives with three fur-people. Our oldest dog is an Old English-Gordon Setter mix called Jake. Jake's over thirteen now, and arthritic and deaf, but he's a great old friend. Our dog Amanda is an eleven-year-old Husky/Malemute/Wolf mix. She's a wonderful, wild dog who drags my poor husband through the streets as if he were a snow sled when they go out for their runs. Our newest addition is Philly, a year-old Maine Coon
