I am so happy to host author, Constance Gillam today. Constance writes in a variety of genres. Her latest romantic suspense novel, Under Cover of Night (Book 3 of the Lakota series), releases on March 30th. It is available for pre-order now. Let’s get started with the interview. And be sure to check out her exclusive excerpt at the end of the interview.
Can you share a bit about your background?
I grew up in Indiana amid ice and snow. Both my parents worked, and I baby sat for a hoard of rebellious and rambunctious siblings—this was particularly hard during the summers when I was responsible for them all day.
As soon as my mother returned from work, I’d grab a book and disappear into my current hiding place. I lived in the stories I read. Stories of fairy princesses who always got their happily ever after, and women who traveled across the plains of 19th century America to find a home in the west.
This love of reading morphed into a love of storytelling. My best friend and I would make up stories on the walk to school and leave those stories on a cliff hanger. We’d finish the story on the way home.
What is your writing process like?
Because I write constantly, I’ve developed inflammation in my wrists and fingers. I’ve started dictating my scenes using the Microsoft dictation program. There are pros and cons to this process. Big con: the computer doesn’t always recognize the word so it will give you a facsimile. A 1200-word scene of facsimiles is a daunting task to correct.
Pro: dictation allows a stream of consciousness that allows the words to flow. I come up with more emotion and a deeper look into the character’s consciousness.
My goal is to write at least one scene per day. I’m a slow writer and because of this I write seven days a week.
If the words are not flowing, sometimes it takes me all day to write that scene. If I’m hung up too long, I set a timer for thirty minutes. I write without stopping for those thirty minutes. It doesn’t matter if I’m off topic. I just write. Usually by the ten- or fifteen-minute mark I’m producing good material. When the timer goes off, I keep writing.
What genres do you write?
I write mystery, suspense and women’s fiction. I’ve written one young adult paranormal. I’ll write another young adult novel, but it will not be paranormal.
I’ve also ventured into romantic comedy. I have a romcom, The Hookup Dilemma, coming out late summer 2021 with Entangled Published.
I think delving into your character’s psyche allows the reader to experience the character’s emotion. Reading is all about the emotional content (my opinion).
What are you reading?
I just finished a novel by Barbara Samuel, In the Midnight Rain. Glendy Vanderah, Where the Forest Meets the Stars. Judges’ Girls by Sharina Harris.
I’ve never read To Kill a Mockingbird nor seen the movie.
What books do you return to?
- The Last Child by John Hart
- Rangoon by Christine Monson
- Scribe by Elizabeth Hunter
Three very different books. John Hart’s book is a police procedural. Christine Monson’s book is a historical romance, and Elizabeth Hunter’s book is a paranormal romance.
Tell us about your latest release, Under Cover of Night
My most recent book, Under Cover of Night, is the third book in the Lakota series. Lakota Dreaming is the first in the series, followed by Lakota Blood Moon.
The main characters in the series are Zora Hughes, a corporate executive and John Iron Hawk, a tribal police officer in the Sioux nation.
The series combines police procedural, love story and mystery/suspense.
In the first book Zora arrives on the reservation determined to solve the mystery of an ancestor’s death. She meets and runs afoul of John Iron Hawk. Sparks fly and a romance develops between the two.
Under Cover of Night continues their love story but finds John fighting for his job when his sister finds his political rival murdered.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
- Learn the craft.
- Write everyday whether you feel like it or not.
- If you’re serious about becoming a writer, don’t give up.
- Read, read, read. Never let the writing stop you from reading.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
- Find a critique group.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Constance!
About Under Cover of Night
A courageous law officer fighting corruption. Can he hunt down an assassin on the reservation… or will he be permanently silenced?
Little River Reservation. Police Captain John Iron Hawk serves his people with pride. With a crucial election on the horizon, the strong and silent commander refuses to let criminals undermine his community’s leadership. But when his sister discovers his rival has been murdered, Iron Hawk is determined to catch the killer before he loses his job.
After his sibling quickly becomes the prime suspect, Iron Hawk is outraged when the FBI pulls him off the case. Working unofficially on the case, he uncovers conspiracies that reach far beyond the homicide. Protecting his homeland from ruthless enemies could cost this police chief his life.
Can Iron Hawk expose the deadly secrets before he’s buried in an unmarked grave?
Under Cover of Night is the third book in the thrilling Lakota romantic suspense series. If you like rich portrayals of Native American society, daring heroes, and edge-of-your-seat tension, then you’ll love Constance Gillam’s evocative tale.
Buy Under Cover of Night to unearth the mysteries of this reservation today!
It is now available for pre-order at the following retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Scribd.
About Constance Gillam
Excerpt from Under Cover of Night
Pre-order your copy of Under Cover of Night on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Scribd today.
Good interview! This book will grab you. If you haven’t read the other books in the series you should.
Thank you for visiting and recommending, Mary!
UNDER COVER OF NIGHT was a stunning read. It was a constant page turner. I loved reading more about Iron Hawk and his strong detective skills. But the ending will grab you. Definitely not what I expected!! So read the series. Wonderful writing!! Loved it!!