Interview with Erica Hilary, Author of Blindsided

by grant

in Author Interviews, Mystery, News, Thriller

08 Dec 2020

What can you tell us about your new release, Blindsided?

‘Blindsided’ is an exploration into the how deeply someone can fall in love when there’s a void and a seemingly made-just-for-me person comes along. And how that kind of passionate love can blur the red flags that would be clear to anyone less blindly devoted. Once in the clutches of a narcissist with sordid secrets and a devious agenda, getting out is more than tricky. It could cost you your life.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

As a broadcaster, I enjoy having a verbal creative outlet and long harbored a desire to write a psychological suspense novel. I minored in abnormal psychology in college so for me, it began and ended with the human psyche. It’s not your typical thriller – rather, it’s through the prism of how people’s minds and hearts can be manipulated. When I was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago, I decided it was time to pull out the half-done manuscript and live in an alternate universe with these characters during treatment as a distraction.

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

Well, since it’s all about the human condition for me…books that make me feel.

My first ‘moving’ read – ‘Ordinary People’ – Judith Guest

‘Everything I never told you’ – Celeste Ng

‘The Dinner’ – Herman Koch

‘The Woman Inside’ – EG Scott

‘Never Let You Go’ – Chevy Stevens

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

Having hosted talk shows for many years, my dream guests would be a panel of BA Paris, Shari LaPena, Gillian Flynn and (the late) Sue Grafton to see what induces the psychological twists they all employ so effectively.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

During Covid, I’ve been able to commit several hours a day to writing. By far, my favorite (and my least favorite) thing about writing is what an insular process it is. It’s amazing to get absolutely lost in the world you’re creating, the mind of the person you’re inhabiting – right until it’s not great, and you’re teetering at that get-me-out-of-here point. It’s quite visceral and overtakes all other thoughts.

What scene from Blindsided was your favorite to write?

I most enjoyed (although it was painful) writing the scene when Reilly recovers the recording device she placed in Rick’s vehicle. While she hopes against common-sense-hope that it will reveal nothing, it may be one of the most agonizing, soul-scorching things imaginable for a wife not to just have proof that her husband has someone else – but to be forced to be a party to it.

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

The words I think about often: Talk to yourself the way you speak to those you love deeply, compassionately and unconditionally. And of course: When someone shows you who they are, believe them the 1^st time.