Interview with Lillian Melendez, author of 'Dismantling Vindictiveness'
ABOUT LILLIAN MELENDEZ
Lillian R. Melendez received a B.A. degree in English with a minor in Psychology from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America. She lives in South Orange, NJ.
Author’s website: http://lillianrmelendez.com
Purchase this book through: Amazon
Q: Thank you
for this interview, Lillian. Can you tell us what your latest book, Dismantling Vindictiveness, is all
about?
A:
Christopher
Parker is finding it hard to believe that his architect firm is being affected
by the recession. His firm’s overall budget is decreasing in a rapid pace, employees
are complaining that their funds are being tampered with, and the unforeseen
attacks on top employees outside of his firm and murder, has Christopher’s
heart racing.
Witnessing his own company’s
downward spiral, Christopher holds suspicions, but does not accurately know who
is responsible for the sabotage. Through newspaper articles published by the
Disclosure Daily Tribune, he is getting closer and closer to the suspect. At
the same time, Christopher’s health is declining and he is trying to make peace
with those he hurt in the past.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your main and
supporting characters?
A:
Christopher Parker is a CEO of an architect firm. He was once a selfish individual
and now tries to correct his behavior as his conscious burdens him. Several
supporting characters despises him and finds themselves making a choice on whether
to help Christopher or let him drown in his misery.
Q: Do you tend
to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your
imagination?
A:
Art reflects life. My characters are created from my imagination, but their personalities
are based on actual people in this world.
Q: Are you consciously aware of
the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write?
A: I have a good sense of what the
plot will be before I write. Several aspect on the plot changes as I write. The
idea becomes more concrete in my mind as I outline.
Q: Your book
is set in Philadelphia, PA. Can you tell
us why you chose this city in particular?
A: Philadelphia is known for the saying “brotherly
love.” I chose this setting to remind readers how we must care for each other.
We can empower ourselves by forgiving others who have wronged us. We cannot give them power by our anger and
frustration for their corrupt ways. Brotherly love is a symbol of how
forgiveness can be the best medicine. People who commit wrongful
actions will deal with the consequences sooner or later.
Q: Does the
setting play a major part in the development of your story?
A:
The setting plays an important part, because of the state and its popular
symbol. There are also architect firms in Philadelphia, which architecture is
the occupation among several of the characters.
Q: Open the
book to page 69. What is happening?
A:
Carla goes into George’s shoe repair shop and tells him the killer may attack
his brother next.
Q: Can you
give us one of your best excerpts?
CHAPTER 7
“My past,
which is the past by the way, does not affect
what is occurring today,”
Christopher said slowly and in a
deeper tone of voice.
“All
right, let's put the past aside, forget I even mentioned
it. What if someone could be
using this recessionary period to
mess with your budget and
employees’ funds? They can just
say that the recession is what's
making you lose money.”
“Sorry to
interrupt you two,” Oscar injected.
“But do
you mean to suggest that his architect firm is not being adversely affected by the recession but by
someone inside his own firm messing
with his business?”
“Through
sources connected with journalists working here,
I've come to believe that
something else than the recession is
happening,” Samuel replied, and
then looked at Christopher.
“What’s
going on?” Christopher asked.
“That’s
all I know for now. The paper explains it; it is better
read than said,” Samuel
responded.
“So you
know nothing!” Christopher's voice rose slightly,
and he started to breathe in and
out.
“Did you
come here for information or to tell me to do my
job your way?” Samuel said
calmly.
“I came
to tell you to stop the nonsense, which is ruining
my reputation.”
Samuel collected several papers
in his hands from his
cluttered desk.
“I think
that is all I have to say to you. Just like you, I have
to get back to work.”
“Well, I
cannot stop you from writing what you hope to
find, but a lot of parts in your
articles are false.”
Christopher again started to
breathe in and out so deeply
that Samuel looked at him with
concern.
“Are you
alright?”
“Does it
look like I’m alright?” Christopher said in
frustration.
“Why be
in denial, just read and keep an open mind,”
Samuel said.
“Sounds
reasonable,” Oscar said as he turned his head to
Christopher.
“My
health is perfect; just fine,” Christopher said.
He calmed his breathing and
lowered his voice. He turned
towards the door.
“Mr.
Parker,” Samuel said.
Christopher turned back, and
stood by the door.
“Yes,”
Christopher said in a low voice.
“Just
don’t stand in your own way,” Samuel said...
Q: Thank you
so much for this interview, Lillian. We
wish you much success!
A:
Thank you for choosing to do an interview with me. I hope readers enjoy Dismantling Vindictiveness.
ABOUT DISMANTLING VINDICTIVENESS
Christopher Parker is finding it hard to believe that his architect firm is being affected by the recession. His firm’s overall budget is decreasing in a rapid pace, employees are complaining that their funds are being tampered with, and the unforeseen attacks on top employees outside of his firm and murder, has Christopher’s heart racing.
Witnessing his own company’s downward spiral, Christopher holds suspicions, but does not accurately know who is responsible for the sabotage. Through newspaper articles published by the Disclosure Daily Tribune, he is getting closer and closer to the suspect. At the same time, Christopher’s health is declining and he is trying to make peace with those he hurt in the past before it’s too late. To his surprise, help comes from the unlikeliest of sources.
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