I’m super-psyched to welcome author Chevy Stevens to the blog. Chevy grew up on a ranch on Vancouver Island and still calls the island home. Her first novel, STILL MISSING, was a New York Times Bestseller and was nominated for an Arthur Ellis Award and the International Thriller Award. Her second novel, NEVER KNOWING, was released Tuesday by St. Martin’s Press. You can find out more about Chevy at www.chevystevens.com
Q. Tell us about your book and what inspired you to write it.
Several years ago I was a Realtor working at an open house and a horrific thought came to me: What if I was abducted and held captive for a long time? Could I survive such a brutal experience? Can you be so hurt, so broken and so damaged that there’s no putting you back together?
In STILL MISSING I explore all of these questions as my character, Annie, struggles to come to terms with what happened to her. I’ve always been drawn to stories of survivors, of people who overcome tragic events, terrible childhoods and monstrous indignities. So many people never recover and remain locked in their pain. I wanted to know about the ones who rise above and succeed despite everything that’s been thrown at them.
Q. Did you need to do any special research for the book? If so, what’s one of the most interesting facts you discovered?
I used a lot of my own emotions and life experiences for Annie’s story. I did some research on narcissist personalities and PTSD, which I found fascinating. I also thought learning about the differences between Canadian law and American law was interesting. For example, Canadians don’t have Miranda rights. Instead, if you were arrested you’d be read your Charter of Rights.
Q. Many people are content to just be readers. How did you become a writer?
I’d always dreamed about being a writer, then one day the idea for STILL MISSING came to me and I “heard” my character’s voice in my head. Then I became consumed with writing her story.
Q. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to take nice long walks with my dog, or collapse in front of the couch with my husband, a good movie and a big bowl of popcorn.
Q. What are you reading right now?
I have a few on the go but haven’t been able to find any time to read lately. Waiting for me are Lisa Gardner’s new one, PRAY FOR SILENCE by Linda Castillo, Tana French and some classic Stephen King.
Q. If you were stranded on that proverbial deserted island, what five books would you want to have with you?
“How to get off a Deserted Island in Less Than Five Days”
“Twenty Ways to Crack a Coconut”
“Live off a Banana for Weeks!”
“Knots That Will Save Your Life”
“Building a Raft with Driftwood and Vines”
Q. What’s your favorite movie?
That’s a hard one. I have a few favorites, but if I had to pick one I’d say Rudy.
Q. What’s your favorite food?
Popcorn and peanut butter (not at the same time)!
Q. Cats or dogs?
Growing up we had many animals but I was usually seen carrying a cat under one arm and a book in the other. As an adult I found Annie, the dog of my life, and everything revolves around her. Though I still appreciate cats and all animals, Annie doesn’t want to share.
Q. Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
I’ve read both of Russell Brand’s memoirs and MOTLEY CRUE, THE DIRT.
