A Family of Strangers

It’s my pleasure today to welcome USA Today bestselling author Emilie Richards to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her new dynamic family drama releasing this month, A FAMILY OF STRANGERS (MIRA Books; June 25; $15.99 U.S).

Perfect for fans of Brenda Novak and Diane Chamberlain, A FAMILY OF STRANGERS presents a suspenseful, emotionally complex story about the dark shadows of sisterhood, and needing to work together with your family when you hardly know them at all. Emilie, renowned for her “intricate, seductive” storytelling (Publishers Weekly) and her realistic, yet unforgettable characters, tests the boundaries of family as a crime reporter tries to clear her estranged sister’s name of murder.

Wendy and Ryan are sisters, 17 years apart, Ryan living all her life in Wendy's shadow. Now, as adults even Ryan’s successful career as a crime reporter pales in comparison to Wendy’s picture-perfect life. But when Wendy randomly reaches out to Ryan to plead for her help after being accused of murder, Ryan steps in only to realize that Wendy is not who she seems to be.  Is Wendy, who always seemed so perfect, just a perfect liar—or worse?

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Emilie, who stopped by to answer some questions for us. Welcome, Emilie.

The age-old question, what inspired this story?

Emilie:

This idea began to percolate years ago after reading a news story about a young woman convicted of murder. She was an exemplary student in high school, from a respected family, and there seemed to be no signs she would later murder somebody "just for fun." I began to wonder how well we ever know the people we love. Do we discount signs they might not be what they seem? Is loyalty the virtue that keeps families together? Do we take what our loved ones tell us at face value or do we dig deeper, keeping an open mind? And is an open mind possible under those circumstances? I wanted to examine those questions and did in A Family of Strangers.

Do you have a ritual that you follow when you are writing - certain place to write, certain time, drink, music, etc.?

Emilie:

I am happiest writing at my desk in the quietest room in my house. I start early and finish around five, but, of course, these days lots of that time is spent on promotion, research, and staying in touch with readers. I've learned that what I write on days when I'm not in the mood is as good as what I write when I am. So, I stay and I work whether I feel like it or not, but I've been known to bribe myself with peanut M&Ms.

What was the most difficult aspect of writing this story and what was the easiest?

Emilie:

Great question. The relationship between sisters Ryan and Wendy and their mother, Arlie, is highly nuanced and in many ways unusual. Showing why it was complicated as well as revealing secrets long held took a lot of planning and editing. So that was the most difficult part. The easiest part was the premise. How well do we know the people we love? Can we be loyal to them and still keep an open mind?

What question do you wish readers would ask that they never have?

Emilie:

I've been at this for a while, so honestly, I think I've been asked everything. I do love it, though, when readers start any questions with "This was such a fabulous book, can you tell me...?"

Are you currently working on any new projects?

Emilie:

I'm working on the idea for my next Mira, which includes doing research. Last week I spent a day in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where I plan to set the book. As I watched a diver demonstrate searching for sponges wearing the same historic diving suit used for much of the twentieth century, I decided that writing is similar. We dive deep, and we weed through a multitude of useless ideas until we find the one with value. That's me right now, sorting trash from treasure.

Author Emilie Richards

Emilie, thanks so much for answering my questions. Relationships can be trying in any family. As for your thoughts on diving, I must agree. I think writing is similar to diving. You never know what you’ll come up with.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Emilie, here’s a bit of background on her.

Emilie Richards’ many novels feature intricate characterizations and in-depth explorations of social issues, a result of her training and experience as a family counselor, which contributes to her fascination with relationships of all kinds.

Thanks for stopping by today. What are your thoughts on the complex relationship between sisters and daughters and their mother?