Author Interview: Cindy M. Hogan, author of Created

 Author Interview: Cindy M. Hogan, author of Created “Hogan's best work yet. Full of surprises, twists and turns. Fascinating main character. For danger, excitement, and a bit into a world most will never get the chance to try in real life, this story will take you there.” -Kathleen Brebes, reviewer
I met Cindy M. Hogan through our writer’s group: The Author’s Think Tank.  When she announced her upcoming release of Created, book three in her Watched Series, I had to interview her.  Cindy is becoming known as the queen of suspense and I hope to share her tips on creating suspense in writing.
About her: Cindy M. Hogan graduated with a secondary education teaching degree and enjoys spending time with unpredictable teenagers. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. She loves to bake, garden and be outdoors doing a myriad of activities.
The Watch series is a terrific thrill ride for readers.  What do you believe are the keys to writing a great suspense novel?
 
Cindy M. Hogan: There are five key things to remember when writing suspense besides creating a great antagonist and protagonist-someone to root for and against.
1. Keep the stakes high for the protagonist to create sympathy
2. Use time restraints so the protagonist is working against the clock
3. Create dilemmas where the protagonist must choose between what seems a lose/lose choice
4. Pile on the problems making sure the protagonist has more than he can handle
5. Be unpredictable because nothing is life is straightforward.

Besides Createdand the other Watched books, what book would you recommend every writer have on their bookshelf?  
Cindy M. Hogan:  Every writer should have "How to Save the Cat" and "On Writing" by Stephen King.

What piece of advice would you give to the novice writer?
Cindy M. Hogan:  The advice I have for a novice writer is to go to writers' conferences and have a critique group with goals that match your own.


You can find her books on: Amazon.  You can also find more information on her at: http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com