Literary Spotlight: Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer is the author of several New York Times best-selling suspense-mystery books, as well as a comic book writer. He was the co-creator of the television series, Jack & Bobby which ran for one season on the WB television network.

Q: Your latest book, The Book of Lies has a companion soundtrack that features a mix of classical and contemporary hits as well as the newly recorded song, "The Book of Lies." No one has tried this before. Do you think this might be a new way to enhance the reading experience for the public and that it may pave the way for companion recordings in the future?

A: That's certainly the goal. Music is just so beautifully manipulative in film and TV. But when you read, I thought it'd be nice to let you feel -- and hear -- the song/mood that's playing in my head. Wow, that makes me sound crazy!

Q: On the video trailer featured on your website you say that you write in complete silence but there is no question there is a soundtrack playing inside your mind. How does your new soundtrack compete with a version of a recorded book read on CD in terms of conveying the emotions of the story?

A: I can try to make you feel a particular emotion. But I may fail. Spoken words may fail. With a song, I get the benefit of a crutch. Songs totally manipulate you. That's all I'm trying to do: to give you that feeling you get from a great score -- to help make you feel and see and experience what may not be there.

Q: You have said regarding the concept of a companion soundtrack that you thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could do this?” Do you believe that questioning - this anticipatory thinking process - is the germ of creative writing and if so why or why not?

A: The only things worth working on are the stuff you don't think you can do. If it's easy, it'll be easy. And boring. But when you challenge yourself? That's how we each find our greatness.

Q: In addition to having a writing background, you have a law degree. How has that knowledge aided your novels?

A: If I went to medical school, I'd probably write medical thrillers. But in law, I found a beautiful world. It gave me a world to write about. Plus, I'm neurotic, like most lawyers, so it gave me a PhD in neurotic lawyer characters.

Q: In 2006 you participated in a work group along with the CIA, FBI and Department of Homeland Security intelligence staff to brainstorm new ways that terrorists might attack the U.S. What was that like and how did you come to be a part of the meeting?

A: It was one of the scariest, most exciting and rewarding things I've ever done. We'd destroy whole cities in an hour. And that doesn't make you feel good. It terrifies you. But if picking my brain makes them feel that we'll somehow be safer, well, pick away.

Q: If you were to give an inspirational presentation to a group of neophyte writers hoping for that big break, what advice would you give them?

A: Never ever ever ever ever let anyone tell you "No." All it takes is one person to say yes. You just have to find that person.

Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact, Touching The Dead and Vampire Resurrection, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.