What is a fun/unusual/unexpected fact about yourself that has nothing to do with writing?
I was once locked in the gas chamber at San Quentin.
Planner, Pantser, or Plantser (in the middle)?
Full-blown plotter here. Definitely need that roadmap to keep me on course.
What is your writerly ‘crutch’ or ‘tic’?
black jelly beans…
What are five things you need in order to write (like a laptop, music, notebook and pen, coffee, etc.)?
early mornings, coffee, laptop, comfy chair, and probably more coffee
Where is your favorite place to write?
I like writing in my library space in the early mornings. Outside when the weather allows.
What is your favorite outlet for creativity outside of writing?
Walking my two Plot Hounds (they’re corgis, actually. They do give me story inspiration while we’re out for a trip around the neighborhood.
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
What fictional character (from someone else’s work) would you like to write into one of your books?
Will Trent. Karin Slaughter’s character is so rich and complex. I’d love to mix him in with my Emily Hunter character and see what happens.
What’s the weirdest thing in your writing space?
One of many weird things on my desk is a foot tall metal T-Rex statue.
Did you have any other jobs before becoming a writer?
Hostage negotiator, which as it turns out is good training for waiting out book contracts.
Which book was the biggest struggle for you to write, and why? Which book was the easiest, and why?
Each book has a struggle of its own. It doesn’t get any easier.
Did you face any rejection when you began to write?
Of course. Can you really call yourself a writer if you don’t?
How do you like to connect with readers?
In person at conferences, book clubs, and library everts is the best. But you can find me on social media Facebook (@authorjamesletoile) X (@jamesletoile) Insta (@authorjamesletoile) and Blusky (@jamesletoile.bsky.social)
Brief Bio
James L’Etoile uses twenty-nine years behind bars to influence his award-winning crime fiction. He is a former associate warden in a maximum-security prison, a hostage negotiator, and director of California’s parole system. His novels have been shortlisted or awarded the Lefty, Anthony, Silver Falchion, and the Public Safety Writers Award.
