Introducing the Lovely and Talented Hank Phillippi Ryan with her Double RITA Nominated book - PRIME TIME!
(Remember, to win a free copy of Hank's book PRIME TIME, just comment on the interview and you will be included in the drawing:) Happy Reading, everyone!
How did you get started in the publishing business?
Really really started? When I was 19, I worked as a proofreader for a publishing company. My colleague and I read the entire Indiana Code of Laws OUT LOUD, including punctuation and capitalization. Then we made the index for the whole set of books, using—index cards.
Fast forward through 30 years of being a TV reporter—and then one day, I had a great idea for a mystery. I can remember the moment I thought—secret messages in computer spam? It still gives me goosebumps. And that was the beginning of this amazing journey.
Now book three in the Charlotte McNally Mysteries, Air Time, will be published by MIRA next year, and then Drive Time. Very very exciting. And now I’m doing my own proofreading!
Any surprises? Biggest challenge so far?
Everything is a surprise. It has been a long time since I was the new kid at anything. So—writing a book? Writing a whole book? Getting an agent? A publisher? Writing a mystery series? It was all a challenge, and all a surprise. But I must say—one of the loveliest surprises was how wonderful all my new book world friends are—generous, patient, kind and gracious.
What is the best part of being a novelist?
Getting to say I’m a novelist! And seeing my book in a bookstore. No—here’s the real answer. I was in the post office the other say, and a woman came up to me and said—are you Hank Phillippi Ryan? I’m kind of used to being recognized, since I’ve been on TV here for so long, so I said yes, sure, hi. And she said—I love your books! And pulled a copy of Prime Time out of her purse. It just doesn’t get better than that. (Winning the Agatha for Best First Novel was also astonishing.)
What’s the average day in the writer’s life look like for you? Are you scheduled and organized or are you more the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” type?
My average day is coming to work at Channel 7. Working a full day as the investigative reporter. Then dashing home, and ducking into my study to write. (My husband has eaten a lot of pizza over the past few years, and has done a lot of laundry. He’s really learned some survival skills!) I am extremely and totally organized. Have to be. Lists upon lists. I even have a chart of how many words I day I have to write. Most often, I’m behind. But at least I know how behind I am. It’s such a pleasure though, to create Charlie McNally’s world—the time just disappears.
What are your inspirations for your stories? Any tips and tricks for someone who is stuck?
I forget who said—Somerset Maugham maybe? I only write when I’m inspired. And I make sure I’m inspired every morning at 9am.
That’s kind of how it goes for me. I’ve spent so many years as a reporter, when you absolutely can’t miss a deadline, that I just have learned to power through times when it’s not working. I say to myself—just GO ON. Just write something. And then, I make it better later.
Tips? It’s all there in your brain. Just don’t be afraid to let it come out. I have a quotation on my bulletin board: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”
Have you had a mentor, critique group or teacher that has helped you get where you are today? Have you been a mentor to someone else?
Hmm. I was halfway through Prime Time when I finally took my first course in how to write a mystery. Hallie Ephron was the teacher, and she’s become a wonderful friend and mentor. Katherine Hall Page shepherded me a great deal, and Sisters in Crime has been an endlessly wonderful resource. I’m a mentor at for the debut authors at Thriller Writers, and that’s fantastic.
Critique group? Forgive me, but no. I’m just not the critique group type. Until my brilliant and amazing editor gets my manuscript, I guess I think I know best. I do adore editing other people’s work—but beware. I’m incredibly tough.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for a RITA award? How did you feel when you got the call? And what do you think the RITA means for the romance novel genre?
I’m laughing. I was in the midst of work chaos when I got the call, and had no idea it was RITA day. After the person said “I’m calling from the RITAs, and congratulations”…I fear I didn’t hear much after that.
I do remember asking, in disbelief and with apprehension about getting too excited—you mean—I’m a finalist? Nominated? Or just in a group where you’re still choosing the nominees? And the person said: Honey, this is the Oscars. You can put this on our tombstone!” That’s when I knew it was real. But I still smile whenever I think about it. When the second phone call came, for a nomination in the Romantic Suspense category, I was still floating. That caller certainly has no eardrums left.
Last Christmas, I gave my agent a first edition Nancy Drew, and a silver picture frame. I said—maybe we’ll put our RITA photo in it. That was a…well… Not a joke. But certainly a dream. I am full of joy and wonder to be on the list with such incredibly talented people.
What are you wearing to the RITA Awards Ceremony in San Francisco? (LOL) Do you have the dress picked out? Any stories?
Oh, the tension. No, I Don’t have my dress yet. Last year, the glam Michelle Buonfiglio wore the same ultra-slinky red dress that’s on the cover of Prime Time—I couldn’t believe it when I saw her! I’ll have to do some fast shopping—another RITA perk.
Are you preparing a speech in case you win?
No. Yes. No. Yes. Maybe. Am I superstitious? Or prepared? Hmm.
Congratulations on your RITA nomination. Any last thoughts?
You, too! And I wish we could all win. In fact, I think we already have. I’m so grateful. And so inspired. And I can’t wait to meet you all.
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