Interview with Annette Masters, Author of The Hennessy Lie

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Hennessy Lie?

I’ve always had a passion for writing about history and genealogy, but when I transitioned into writing YA thrillers, I couldn’t leave the past behind. I wanted to incorporate elements of my award-winning historical fiction, Citrus Green, into a contemporary thriller, but I didn’t know how. Until—personal plot twist—I received a certified letter asserting that my absent father had died, and I should relinquish all claims to his estate. Like any good writer, instead of processing this news, I had an idea. … What if I sent some of the most intriguing and dangerous historical elements of Citrus Green to its modern descendants via a certified letter? To an unsuspecting protagonist, I could deliver grave information that would alter her life forever. I imagined dark family secrets, cryptic clues, hunts for an inheritance, and a long-buried lie that would emerge with deadly consequences. As an ominous plot for The Hennessy Lie began to unfold, I tried integrating the heart-felt themes of belonging, found family, self-identity, trusting one’s intuition, swoony romance, and best friendships into a page-turning thriller. I hope readers enjoy the novel.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Hennessy Lie, what would they be?

“Bad Blood” and “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love reading a great story in any genre, but my favorite books are often thrillers, historical fiction, or historical biographies. I’m drawn to thrillers that integrate history, antiquities, or old abandoned estates in the middle of nowhere. I’ll buy any book with a crow on the cover, and I lean toward YA thrillers with an ivy league or boarding school trope.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

It’s really tall. I always feel bad for the books who linger near the bottom. Top of the TBR: “Heiress Takes All” by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka, “Jackie” by Dawn Tripp, “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” by Kirsten Miller, “First Lie Wins” by Ashely Elston, and “The Midnight Feast” by Lucy Foley. I just finished “One Perfect Couple” by Ruth Ware and “The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan. I’m currently reading “The Summer She Went Missing” by Chelsea Ichaso. I will listen to any book narrated by Imogene Church.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It’s hard to answer this question without spoilers, so I’ll just whisper, “Chapter twenty-four.” It’s only a couple of pages, but there’s nothing better than writing a scene in which a young woman begins to know herself, trust herself, and stand in her power. I also loved writing the hospital scene because Bernice turned out to be one of my favorite characters. It’s funny how a flat, tertiary character can come to life as you write her. I hope she shows up in my next book.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Yes, but don’t tell anyone. I cannot have any distractions when I write, no music, no TV, no tick-tick-ticking ceiling fan, so I wear noise-cancelling headphones and listen to thunderstorms. No matter the mood of the scene I’m writing, thunderstorms drown out the real world so I can sink into my manuscript. I also have three dachshunds who sleep at my feet and a yellow lab who brings me slobbery toys. I usually take a break when she brings me my sneakers.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The Hennessy Lie has some great philosophies to live by: Be yourself, follow your dreams, and most importantly, trust your intuition. Always trust your gut; that little voice in your head is seldom wrong.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

It’s okay to ask for help. Everyone needs support, and it’s important to surround yourself with the kind of people you wish to become. “The more support you have around you, the more courage you have within you.” –Piper Covington, The Hennessy Lie (And never date a guy like Topher. I know that’s two things to remember, but it’s really important to never date a guy like Topher.)

Annette Masters is the author of the new book The Hennessy Lie

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