I think my target audience is anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller and is into true crime in general. Although both my novels are fiction, I incorporated many real cases into the narratives through the protagonist’s point of view. This gave my novels a touch of realism.
Wendy Whitman 17 August 2023
The Back Flap
After the shattering conclusion of Cary’s quest for justice for the victims of a suspected serial killer in Premonition, Retribution picks up with her cohorts continuing their own investigation to hunt down the person responsible for the heinous murders. The man the media has dubbed the “Deer Killer” continues to haunt bucolic Connecticut—but now, his true agenda has been revealed. As more innocents fall victim to his prey, Detective Hank Nowak’s father enters the picture, only to become entangled in the murderer’s diabolical plot. The past informs the present as Hank, private detective Vito Loggia, and Sergeant Joseph O’Malley race against the clock to stop the killings. Who will be next? More importantly, who will come out on top in this deadly game of vengeance?
About the book
What is the book about?
Retribution is the sequel to my debut crime thriller Premonition. It picks up where the first book left off and is told mainly from the killer’s point of view. The story involves a serial killer who wreaks havoc on a small community in Connecticut, an hour train ride from New York City. In the second book we learn what is motivating him to commit these heinous acts. Det. Hank Nowak, private eye Vito Loggia, and Sgt. Joseph O’Malley race against the clock to solve the murders before any more people die. The two books comprise the “Deer Killer” series.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing Retribution in the early part of 2022, less than a year after my first novel was published.
How long did it take you to write it?
The first draft took about four months and then I worked on edits for several months before I submitted it to my publisher.
Where did you get the idea from?
When I finished writing Premonition, I knew the story had to continue and that there would need to be a sequel. It took me a few weeks to decide what direction to take the plot in and what new characters I might want to introduce. Once I made those decisions, I was able to write and complete the first draft.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
When I sat down to write Premonition, I knew in my head what I wanted to do with the book and how the story would end. Retribution was a bit more of a challenge because I instinctively knew I could take the plot in many different directions. So the main struggle I had writing the sequel was deciding how the story should unfold and ultimately conclude.
What came easily?
Writing a sequel is very different from working on the original book. So what came easily in Retribution was that most of the characters were the same as was the setting; those details had already been worked out. At this point in the story I felt I knew my characters inside and out and how they would act or react in any particular situation. So at times it almost felt as if the words were being given to me from above. If an author creates multi-dimensional, believable characters I find the book will take on a life of its own and the writing comes relatively easily.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The first piece of advice many authors get is “write what you know.” Therefore, even in the most subliminal way I believe most characters in any given novel are based on actual people or drawn from the author’s experiences in life. When my first book came out I was repeatedly asked by friends and former colleagues if they were in the book. My answer was that no single character was supposed to be one specific person I knew but rather many were composites of various people I have known. When a writer sits down and creates their characters, in my opinion there is no way they don’t automatically base them on real people, either consciously or not, because they are drawing on their life experiences.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I love to read but once I decided to write my first novel I knew I had to stop. My fear was that I would either compare myself to another author or subconsciously bring parts of their story into mine. Writing is a very personal thing and there are no hard and fast rules as to how to go about it. For me I haven’t read a book since I started writing for those reasons. In the past however, I’ve enjoyed everything from the Harry Potter books to Dan Brown and look forward once I take a break from writing, to catch up on my friends’ books.
Do you have a target reader?
I think my target audience is anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller and is into true crime in general. Although both my novels are fiction, I incorporated many real cases into the narratives through the protagonist’s point of view. This gave my novels a touch of realism.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My process mainly centered around setting a daily writing schedule and sticking to it. Once I started each book, I made sure I wrote a certain number of pages a day until the first draft was done. By doing so I was able both times to complete the initial manuscript within a four month time frame.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I never made a formal outline for either novel. I just knew in my head how I wanted the first one to unfold and to conclude. For the sequel, I spent some time working out the back story and plot details and then was able to write the book until the first draft was finished.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Editing is an ongoing process. So yes I edited as I went along. Each day when I sat down to write, I would often reread the previous couple of pages and make some changes or edits.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I need complete quiet when I write so I can concentrate. I can’t even imagine writing while listening to music.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I looked for an agent and publisher at the same time. I was fortunate to get a publisher rather quickly so I never had to formally submit my manuscript to agents.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I never decided to go Indie. I reached out to the appropriate people and found a wonderful publisher fairly quickly.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
My publisher handled the cover with my input. It was a collaborative effort and I love the way both turned out. At first I had a different idea for the cover of the sequel but when I saw what my publisher’s graphics team did with it I realized they were right.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I hired two different people to handle the publicity for Retribution. In addition, I have reached out to my contacts and have been able to book myself on many different things to promote the book. I am also working with some other authors on doing group panels and have a launch signing and other signings scheduled as well as book festivals and interviews.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My single most important piece of advice is to write about something you are passionate about. While you’re writing don’t let yourself get distracted by thoughts of finding a publisher or an agent. Just commit to the novel and worry about all the other stuff once it is completed.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a suburb of New York City.
Where do you live now?
In the New York area.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Wendy Whitman has a unique background through her decades-long work as an executive and producer for Court TV and HLN, covering almost every major high-profile murder case in America. Through her knowledge of the most detailed aspects of the crimes, Ms. Whitman has become an expert on the subject of murder in America. Before attending Boston University School of Law, Whitman worked for comedians Lily Tomlin and George Carlin. After graduating from law school, the author embarked on what turned out to be a twenty-year career in television covering crime. She spent fifteen years at Court TV and another several at HLN for the Nancy Grace show, where she appeared on air as a producer/reporter covering high-profile cases. Whitman received three Telly Awards and two GLAAD nominations during her tenure at Court TV. Since turning her attention to writing, Whitman has published two crime thriller novels: Premonition and the sequel, Retribution.
What are you working on now?
I’m taking a break from writing at the moment while I’m promoting Retribution. I did, however, start working on a potential third book of the “Deer Killer” series right after I finished the sequel. I also have some ideas for a non-fiction book so the future is a bit uncertain at this time.
End of Interview:
For more from Wendy Whitman visit her website and follow her on Instagram.
Get your copy of Retribution from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
If you haven’t yet read Premonition, the first book in the “Deer Killer” series, you might want to grab it too. You can get it from Amazon US or Amazon UK.