Q: Alright, let's get it out of the way, what made you write this book?

A: Stupidity. (Laughs) I used to write suffering adolescent poetry in high school. At Franklin & Marshall College I wrote for the college newspaper and interned at Fairpress, a newspaper in CT. Even then, I threatened to write a novel. I'm just a slow starter. I guess as you get close to 40 you decide to do the things you've put off.

Q: How did you come up with the story?

A: In A Heartbeat was inspired by two personal experiences. At the request of someone I know well, I spent a week at a clinic that treated sex addicts. I knew nothing about this disease--I don't get to watch much Oprah--and I wanted to write about it and educate people. Second, my stint prosecuting cases in the District of Columbia acquainted me with a lot of hardworking police officers and some of the problems of the city. Since I love mysteries and thrillers, I combined elements of the two experiences in the book.

Q: How did you research the book?

A: I read books about sex addiction, serial killers, and investigative techniques. Even more important, I went to that sex addict treatment clinic and rode with the D.C. homicide detectives. I soaked up whatever I could. Then, I showed the manuscript to people who could give me meaningful comments.

Q: Are you happy that people are calling your book "a page turner?"

A: If they buy books, I'm thrilled. (laughs) I wanted the book to be entertaining, but it's also my hope that some readers might sit back at the end and say, "Gee, I learned something," or, "Hey this book actually had themes."

Q: Such as?

A: I'm fascinated by how people end up taking different paths. You can put two similar people in the same circumstances and they end up going in different directions. Why? I'm also interested in the line between love and lust and what makes relationships work on a deeper level.

Q: Given all the things going on in your life, how did you find time to write?

A: I was lucky to have a very understanding family who allowed me large blocks of virtually uninterrupted time to commune with my computer. I got a lot done early in the mornings, on weekends, during vacations.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing the book?

A: The day my editor told me he didn't have any more changes for me to consider. (laughs) Actually, I enjoyed the creative process, allowing the characters to develop and evolve. Even through I was in control of the process the creative side of me provided plenty of surprises. Sometimes, I even enjoyed the editing. Getting the words right is satisfying.

Q: How did you know when you were done?

A: I didn't. I would never have been completely satisfied with the words, the flow, the pacing. Finally, my wife said, "You'll never be happy. Stop editing and send it out." She was right. I quit editing and started sending out query letters.

Q: Did anyone give you particular inspiration?

A: Writers too numerous to mention. I was lucky to have some good teachers, particularly Carolyn Thorman at the Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Carolyn taught me to ruthlessly edit my draft and challenged me to draw well-rounded characters.

Q: How did your friends react to your writing efforts?

A: They were all very kind. If they [were] questioning my sanity they didn't let it show.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: More carpools. Actually, I'm hard at work on my next book, tentatively titled Too Young To Die. Although it might be considered a thriller, it's about totally different characters in a very different set of circumstances.

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