Interview with Amryn Cross

If you haven't read one of Amryn Cross' books yet, you're missing out. Her debut novel is a great read that I couldn't put down. I'm so excited to interview her about her latest project.

1. Tell us a little about Warzone.

Warzone is the first in a novella series. I've always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and the various incarnations of those stories. When you think of all that's packed into the cases, it's amazing that most of the stories are very short. I wanted to attempt something similar, and I wanted to explore the possibility of how the main characters would interact if Sherlock's personality were placed in a woman's body. Warzone teases at the answer to that question while throwing these two opposite characters into the middle of a murder investigation that operates largely outside of the police force. It's a wild ride for sure.

2. Your debut novel, Learning to Die, was traditionally published. You indie published Warzone. What made you decide to be a hybrid author?

My first novel, Learning to Die, fit into the nice neat category of Inspirational Romantic Suspense. Warzone doesn't fit into one specific genre. It's definitely a mystery, but since it leans more toward novella or serial novel than traditional novel, I thought it might be easier to test the waters if I published it myself. Though Warzone definitely has its own plot and resolution, it's also part of a much larger, overarching plot that will be continued in the next several novellas. 

3. How has indie publishing differed from traditional? Do you have a favorite?

I enjoy both indie and traditional publishing for different reasons. I loved having my first book traditionally published because it got my feet wet in the industry. It was great to have that support system and to be able to rely on other people for editing, cover art, and those sorts of things. Independent publishing gives you all the control, but you also have to do all the work and put up all the money. I was fortunate enough to have a graphic artist for a brother-in-law who worked with my on my covers. I also have a host of family and friends willing to beta read my work and catch many of the mistakes. Both indie and traditional publishing appeal to me, so it just depends on the type of book I'm writing as to which one I'll pursue.

4. What inspired the characters in Warzone?

As I mentioned, Warzone and the entire East Wind series is heavily based on Sherlock Holmes and his cases. More specifically, my Sherlock and Watson (Alex and Cade, respectively) borrow from the BBC adaptation of Sherlock, mostly because it's modernized. I wanted to explore Sherlock as a woman with all the brilliance and aloofness intact. I wanted to write a strong female character that broke the mold of typical expectations. Alex Holst certainly does that.

5. I know the next novel in your traditionally published U.S. Marshals series comes out later this year. What else do you have planned for 2015?

On top of book 2 in the US Marshals series, Between the Breaking, I'm planning to release the second book in the East Wind series, Smoke and Mirrors. And because I like to work myself to death, I'm also finishing up a young adult novel that I hope to independently publish by the end of the year as well, though I don't have a date for that one. Stay tune to amryncross.com for more details.