THE COLLECTOR by CAMERON CRUISE

It's been said, too many times to count, that taking a book from idea to print is like having a baby. We-ell, let's not get carried away, but I am certainly ready for CAMERON CRUISE'S, THE COLLECTOR to be out there in the world of "pick me up and give me all of your attention!"

This is a truly wonderful book and I'm so glad Cameron agreed to let me talk to her about it, then write the results for all of you:

SC: It says in your bio that you are an attorney. What made you leave the law to write?

Cameron Cruise: Who says I left the law? Did you think I was naïve enough to believe I’d make a living writing fiction? LOL. Actually, I’m going to light a candle for the Virgen de la Caridad, the patron saint of Cuba, that the gig works out! Writing is such a trip. Usually, it’s not considered a good thing to disappear into a world inside your head!
Actually, I thought I’d have a little more control over the process. The writer is godlike, right? You get to decide what happens to your characters: Torture the villain, deliver the happy ending to the good guys. That hasn’t been my experience, at all! It’s more like navigating through a maze. A lot of times, I’d make a wrong turn and need to double back to get on the right path. I’ve come to believe THE COLLECTOR existed in some alternate reality and I just needed to reach that place and channel it onto the paper.

SC: Speaking of channeling and alternate realities, THE COLLECTOR deals with the paranormal. What drew you to the idea of writing a paranormal thriller?

Cameron Cruise: The paranormal interests me specifically because I’m not sure it’s so beyond what’s "normal." What’s the difference between someone who is a concert pianist or a prima ballerina and someone who has a special acuity that enables them to see things others don’t? There are some incredibly intelligent theories out there to support a more holistic understanding of how we define reality. For example, theoretical physicist, David Bohm, proposes in his theory of "implicated order" that matter can affect consciousness and visa versa. In his universe, the past, present, and future coexist.

SC: Whoa. Implicated order? Sounds interesting ….

Cameron Cruise: Sorry! I didn’t mean to get all technical. I’m just really drawn to the "science" behind the "paranormal," if that makes any sense. But honestly, the fact remains, things we once believed impossible— cloning, nanotechnology, string theory—are now accepted as almost common place. I think it’s a bit presumptuous to believe that just because we can’t measure or quantify something like the spirit world that it can’t exist.

SC: So, tell us a little about THE COLLECTOR.

Cameron Cruise: Specifically, the book is about a serial killer targeting psychics in Little Saigon, a Vietnamese community in Orange County. Who knew there was more to the "OC" than a bunch of bored, rich kids, right? The collection in the book is actually haunted artifacts, pieces that can possess those who try to manipulate their power. Like the Hope Diamond, the artifacts are cursed—and so is the collector who brings them together.

The book really gets going when Gia Moon, a psychic artist, shows up at the police precinct claiming to have had a vision about the recent murder of a famous Vietnamese fortune-teller. Homicide detective, Seven Bushard (It’s a nickname; his real name is Stephen—seven letter; Seven. Get it?) is skeptical. But when her predictions start coming true, Seven begins to wonder if the very attractive Ms. Moon isn’t somehow involved in the killings. What else can explain her uncanny instincts?

I tried to write the kind of book I love to read: a roller coaster ride of a novel that keeps the reader turning the pages so fast, the reader almost starts skimming to find out how it all ends … only to discover how sad it is to say good bye to such wonderful characters and their adventure. I am very proud of THE COLLECTOR because I think I accomplished what I wanted, a book that reads like a Bruckheimer movie. I love that edge-of-your-seat kind of read.

SC: Who are some of your favorite writers?

Cameron Cruise: Actually, I’m inspired by the works of Stella Cameron—had to get that in! And books by Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child and Michael Crichton. And John Lescroart. I asked both you and John for a cover quote because I enjoy character-driven novels so much.

SC: Heh, heh, notice the sly way I slid that question in? So, Cameron, what’s next?

Cameron Cruise: The sequel, of course! I’m working on DARK MATTER, my next book, continuing with the story and the characters from THE COLLECTOR. I hope to make it a series, but who knows.

SC: Time to get out that crystal ball?

Cameron Cruise: Right! Or maybe get out another one of those candles for La Virgen de la Caridad! Hopefully, people will enjoy the book enough to recommend it to their friends. There is nothing like word of mouth!


Cameron