Interview with Dea Poirier, Author of Beneath the Ashes

What can you tell us about your new release, Beneath the Ashes?

Beneath the Ashes is the continuation of the Calderwood Cases series. The series follows a deeply damaged female detective as she struggles with her past and works to solve crimes in her home-state of Maine. In my first book, NEXT GIRL TO DIE my main character struggles to solve a murder that’s nearly identical to her sister’s unsolved case. She must face her past as she works to hunt down a serial killer. In Beneath the Ashes, Claire is back hunting a new serial killer that leaves a strange calling card, he covers his victims in ashes. Claire and her investigative journalist boyfriend Noah must work together to uncover the truth before everything goes up in flames.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My favorite author Chuck Palahniuk and he constantly inspires me. His book, Diary, is by far my favorite and drives me to be a better author.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Oh wow, this is really difficult. But if I have to choose: Diary by Chuck Palahniuk, The Queen’s Fool by Philipa Gregory, YOU by Caroline Kepnes, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, and A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

I’d want to have Marisha Pessl on so I could ask her literally everything about Night Film. This book fascinates me and I just cannot get it out of my head.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite part is planning. During planning it feels like there are so many possibilities. I put a lot of effort into my drafts and outlines so I know exactly where a story is going. I love all the planning before the story really starts to take place.

What is a typical day like for you?

I don’t really have a typical writing day. My writing is fit into pockets of time in my life. I work full time as a marketing executive, I’m a single mom, so my life is pretty full. But while I’m drafting I try to carve out an hour or two each day.

What scene in Beneath the Ashes was your favorite to write?

Honestly, the first scene. The first murder really sets the tone for the entire novel. I love writing those first opening scenes, bringing the characters to life again, and throwing them into a completely new scenario.

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

One word at a time — I actually have this tattooed on my left wrist as a constant reminder.

Dea Poirier is the author of the new book Beneath the Ashes.

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