Interview with William Bernhardt, Author of Trial by Blood

by grant

in Author Interviews, Mystery, News, Thriller

17 Dec 2019

What can you tell us about your new release, Trial by Blood?

This is the third book in my new Daniel Pike series, which is doing better than I ever dreamed. I think people are ready for a good courtroom mystery/thriller protagonist, and Dan seems to fit the bill. This time he’s dealing with a billion-dollar inheritance, a potential heir’s suspicious reappearance, and more danger than he’s ever encountered before. Can Dan dig up the secrets of the past before he’s buried six feet under?

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I knew I wanted to be writer when I was seven years old. I loved the library–my home away from home. What inspired me was all the wonderful books I read. I thought if I could play a small role in this wonderful world, that would be better than anything.

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

I’m going with the first five that jumped to mind:
Pride and Prejudice
The Great Gatsby
The Martian Chronicles
Cat’s Cradle
One Hundred Years of Solitude

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

I’d bring on Billy Collins, one of my favorite living poets. I assume the dead ones would be off limits.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

I don’t have to dress up, go anywhere, or impress a boss. The only people I have to impress are my readers.

What is a typical day like for you?

I get up early, water my plants, make coffee, light a candle, meditate, then write. And I don’t do anything else until the writing (for the day) is done.

What scene in Trial by Blood was your favorite to write?

The Epilogue. I surprised myself. I can’t talk about why–but when you read it, I think you’ll understand.

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

I take mine from Emily Dickinson: If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain…