Please welcome one of my most cherished author friends, the talented Joylene Butler, author of Dead Witness.
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1. When you were writing this book, what part(s) made you want to tear your hair out? Why?
Generally, middles are my problem. First the middle is too big, then it’s too brief, then it’s vague, and then I stick in too much information. I probably did 6 drafts of just the middle.
2. What parts were especially easy and/or fun to write?
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but when Valerie became empowered, I felt very cheeky. “You go, Girl” She’s a sweet, kind lady, yet she still stood up to the FBI and the Cartel. Very gutsy.
3. Tell us how and when this idea came to you.
My brother was visiting from Whitehorse, he’s a PI, and while he was on the phone with his people, this question popped into my head: Is something happened to me and there was no body, would he have the resources to determine whether I really was dead?
4. Ten years ago, would you have believed that you’d be the author of a book such as this one? Why or why not?
I started this book in 1991 and finished it in 1997. I then took a hiatus before self-publishing the hardcopy in 2008. Ten years ago I was beginning to think it would never get published.
5. What did you do while writing this book that you will never do again (this doesn’t necessarily have to be writing-related! 
)?
I raised 5 boys, three of them teenagers at the time. I also worked nights at the post office. No wonder it took me so long to finish the book. These days my only distraction is the lake and our grandchildren.
Out of all the characters you’ve written, who do you think would be:
Most likely to get a movie deal from Hollywood? Why?
Good question. I think it would be Ed because he’ll need the money when he gets out of prison.
Most willing to streak naked across a parking lot for money? How much money and why?
Surprisingly, I’d have to say none of my protagonists or major characters would do this. They’re all serious folk who believe their dignity is pretty much all they’ve got. And Mateo, well, he’s too full of himself. And Vincente has more money than he knows what to do with now.
Least willing to use someone else’s toothbrush, even in a dire dental emergency? Why?
Prissy Chrissy would never use someone else’s toothbrush, except maybe her mother’s. To suggest she use one of her sisters…? “OMG, you’ve got to be kidding. Who knows what kind of icky germs are on that thing. I’d rather suffer, thank you very much!” (See what I mean?)
Least likely to win the Nobel Peace prize? Why?
Vincente is one hot guy, but definitely one bushel short of a load. Just goes to prove that looks count for a lot in some cultures.
The best person to have around when a woman goes into labor unexpectedly? Why?
Aiden, Valerie’s brother. Or Canaday, the Special Agent in Charge. Both men have training. Valerie would probably pick Canaday because he’s not her brother, and Aiden is. Course, in a pinch… Oh, and both men would be calm and clear-headed.
So, what’s Dead Witness about?
Joylene Nowell Butler, Metis, began writing in 1984 after the death of her father. Her first novel Dead Witness, published in 2008 is distributed across Canada by Sandhill Books. Her current WIPs include a political thriller, a children’s book, a suspense thriller, and the sequel to Broken But Not Dead. Joylene, her husband, six stray cats, three of them live in the shop, reside in Cluculz Lake in central BC. In her spare time, she practises T’chi and yoga. MuseItUp Publishing published Dead Witness in ebook form November 4th, 2011.
Thanks for hosting me today, Adriana. It’s wonderful being here. Oh, I baked cookies; where would you like me to put them?
Yes, some very interesting questions, good to hear more about Joylene’s writing process. Thanks.
Hi Carole. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’re cozy warm over there in good ole England. Best to your mother.
Thank you for stopping by, Carole! Joylene is fascinating, isn’t she?
What very fun questions! Great job, Adriana, and you, too, Joylene, for seeing the humor in what can be a humorless business.
I particularly liked: “One bushel short of a load.” That’s a keeper.
I love that quote too!
Thank you for coming by, Martha!
Martha, I have a son who’s been known to reply, “The guy’s not playing with a full deck.” Another one will say, “Not the brightest star in the galaxy, that’s for sure.” I love this one too: “The day they were handing out brains, he thought they meant trains, and decided to take the plane.”
LOL Love these!
I loved this novel. And since none of the characters will do it, I might be interested in that streaking gig. How much does it pay, how cold will it be, and will the payoff be decreased if there’s giggling and/or laughing from spectators?
You’re on, Keith! LOL. I’ll be standing out front with my eyes closed.
Yay! Cookies! How about you just hand ‘em over to me? I’ll, uh, take care of them… *looks innocent*
Oh, I spotted a typo. At the top it says, “last of the Bs”. It should probably be “Last of the BSs” (more innocent looks)
Lmao!
I really connect with the what did you do while writing this book that you’ll never do again. Joylene raised five boys, three of them teenagers and worked a night job. I raised three kids through the teen years, worked for an attorney who wrote “average” letters of ten or twelve pages in length and “average” legal documents of a hundred pages plus. The thing writers have most in common? We write. Through anything. Not a good idea to tell a writer, “I could write a book, but I just don’t have time.” Honey, we’ll sic Joylene Butler on ‘em!
Haha. Of course, I was younger then. Now when I think to complain about the lack of time to write, and the fact that my Dear-retired-husband interrupts a lot… I think back to those days when the house truly was “full”. No complaints these days.
Thanks for visiting, Gail.
Haha well said, Gail!
Gail said it…we write no matter what else is happening in our lives…just as you did Joylene.
Adriana, incredible questions. If I could give an award for interview ingenuity, you would win it hands down.
Joylene, I spent a good portion of my adult life surrounded by AIC types and the onyl way not to lose yourself beneath their egos is to take control back and say “no way in Hades am I going to let you continue pushing me around.” I’m not sure if they’re well meaning or just determiend to add to their successful conviction rate.
From what you wrote here, I have this feeling you did a spot-on, to quote some of my Bristish friends, job of portraying the elite US law enforcement agencies.
Well done ladies.
Thanks, Lin. You’re one of those ladies that continue to inspire me.
Thank you for stopping by, and for the compliment, Lin! I agree – Joylene’s research seems to be air tight, doesn’t it?? I so admire that in writers.
Adriana
Just stopping by to say hi, Joylene.
Middles are a problem for me, too. And beginnings. And endings. But middles especially. By that time I know where the story started and how I want it to end, just don’t know how to get there.
Hi Pat! I can attest to the fact that you definitely worked it out. “Daughter Am I” had an awesome middle. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the voice, and especially the respect in which you treated your ‘older’ characters.
Oh Pat, I feel your pain! I wish there was an automatic middle-filler when it came to novels. That way we could stick to writing the most fun parts.
Adriana
Sounds like a great book. On my to be read list, which grows longer every day.
Thanks, Roseanne! I loved writing Dead Witness, but it’s the generosity of people like Adriana that make the marketing experience fun, an experience that is seldom “fun”.
Joylene, it was my pleasure! I can’t wait to get my little paws on Dead Witness. Buying it on Tuesday.
Wonderful interview, Adriana and Joylene. Loved the questions. As Joylene knows, my mom and I absolutely loved this novel.
I can’t thank you enough for reiterating that, Laura! Merci!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview. It’s easy to make things entertaining when you have an author like Joylene on the receiving end!
Great choice in brothers! I’ll bet he gets sick of being interrogated by sis.
That is an intriguing question you asked. Good for getting a whole book out of it.
Thanks, Marva. Looking back to that moment, it even amazes me that I came up with a whole novel based on one question.
Thanks for visiting.
I think it’s so cool how a writer’s mind constantly asks what-if questions that lead to awesome books. I think as writers we just think differently from other people. Every event is a possible story. Joylene is certainly a shining example of that!
Ah, thanks, Adriana!
Great interview, Adriana and Joylene. Adriana, loved your questions…and Joylene, your answers have really drawn me in. I must read this one!
Laurel, thanks. If you do read it, I’d love to hear what you think. Have a great day.
Yes, I usually have to muddle through the middle too. Why is it so hard to hook my fantastic hook in the beginning with my climactic, brillant ending?? Glad to know I am not alone with that problem. What a resource having a PI brother. Can I borrow him??? Best wishes!
Thank you, JQ. And of course I’d lend you my brother. I think he also does windows. Happy Monday. And thanks for stopping by!
Wow! Your book sounds great. The stuff great Hollywood movies are made of
Middles are my problem, too. I’m workiing on the middle of my newest MS and I’m having such a rough time. First, it’s a genre I’ve never written before so I’m second guessing everything I write/think. And second, my Muse seems to have taken a vacation.
Good luck with your book. It sounds fantastic.
Michelle
Author of Concilium, available July 2012
Concilium: The Departure, November 2012
http://www.Michelle-Pickett.com
http://www.Conciliumbooks.com
From your lips to God’s ears, Michelle. LOL. Seriously! Thanks for stopping by. I’m checking out your links today. Blessings.
Michelle, I clicked enter before I meant to. There are a few things to help you with middles. To name just a few: do a complete chapter outline. Borrow a copy of Donald Maass’ Writing the Breakout Novel. There’s also a great book called, Beginnings, Middles and Ends. Hope one of those help.
Joylene, thanks for sharing those! I’ve heard great things about Maas’ book, but haven’t heard the other one. I’m going to check it out. I also like James Bell’s Write Great Fiction – Plot and Structure. http://amzn.to/sVebr1
Nancy Kress wrote Beginnings, Middles and Ends. There are also Scene and Structure by Bickham. Very good book.
This was very awesome! And it also mean that when I have you over at my place, Joylene, I’m going to have to come up with some very unusual questions…not a problem.
I loved the part about your brother visiting and the body bit. I watched a commercial…I think it’s one of the new Iphones where you can tell it you killed someone and it actually gives you some ideas of a place to hide body. Is that freaky of what?
As for toothbrushes…hmm there is the DNA thing. It’s probably not a good ideat that my mother brushed our hairs when we were babies with her toothbrush.
Have a great day.
Oh my gosh, Laila, are you serious about that commercial?? Creepy! Although, I must admit, it appeals a little bit to the freaky part of me that likes that morbid stuff. I wonder what they suggest. LOL.
Very versatile mother, Laila. Hmm. I once used the dog’s brush on my youngest. He wasn’t impressed.
Fun interview and the book sounds like a great read. Even though it took awhile to finish and get out there, sounds like it’s worth the wait.
Congrats on your release
Thank you, Christine. Have a great day.
Sounds awesome, Joylene! I love stories set in Seattle. My next one is, too.
Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!
I’ve never been to Seattle, but I have a friend who’s from there, and she swears it’s the best thing – rain and all!
I love Seattle. Thanks for stopping by, Nancy. It’s great seeing you. Happy Monday.
Shish. I keep clicking enter before I’m ready. I wanted to say that I ended up creating a make-believe marina on Lake Union because too many years went by since I’d been there. And the setting had to adapt to fit the changes I made in the ms. So, warning, Nancy, if you ever read Dead Witness, my “marina” doesn’t exist.
Wow, you fooled me!
Wow, Dead Witness sounds like a super read and is definitely on my TBR list. I’ve visited Seattle and a relative lives there so look forward to your dynamite plot in a beautiful city. And, er, I’m reaching for one of those cookies!
Thanks, Kittie. On your TBR list is music to my ears. Happy Tuesday.
I just bought it last night (11/29) and I have been reading it almost non-stop – it. is. AWESOME.
Wonderful Interview! Great questions and answers. Joylene’s not only a great writer, but a great person. Good luck with your next writing journey.
Wow, that is so nice of you to say, Cher. Thanks. (ps. your cheque’s in the mail). Have a super week!
Thank you, Cher – I’m so glad you came by.
Wow, quite an interesting interview. A few questions I’ve not seen other interviewers ask before. Enjoyed learning more about Joylene and her writing.
Hi Susanne. Thanks. And congrats on finishing NaNo. What an accomplishment!
Thank you for stopping by, Susanne!