Did you ever want to get to know the author behind these amazing books we read? Well, look no further! On today’s Author Chit Chat, it’s my honor to introduce A.J. Banner. You guys might know her from her previous books, The Twilight Wife and The Good Neighbors.
Her recent release, After Nightfall, has been receiving positive reviews and I can’t wait to read it myself! Everything from the cover to the summary sounds like a delicious treat! Let’s all give Anjali a warm welcome…
1) Congrats on your release! What inspired you to write After Nightfall?
“Lauren is flirting with my fiancé over the dinner I spent hours preparing.” The first line dropped from the sky, and I knew someone had to die by the end of the evening. The story unfolded from there, expanding into a psychological thriller wrapped in a whodunit. When I figured out that Lauren would die from a cliff fall, I did some research, which further inspired me to write particular scenes. Did you know that if you fall from a height, even if you try to remain upright, you will probably sustain a head injury? This is because the head is heavier than the rest of the body. Eventually, you will tip over and fall head first. I know it’s a morbid thought, but it helped me to make the story more vivid and realistic. Thank you for the congratulations, by the way!
2) When you first saw the cover for After Nightfall, what were your initial thoughts?
My first thought was, wow!! My eyes almost popped out of my head. But seriously, I loved the color scheme, the moodiness, and the evocative scarf on the beach, which is important to the story. I absolutely adore the cover! The letters are embossed on the hardcover edition, giving the book a wonderful texture.
3) If you could re-name your book title, what would you choose?
I wouldn’t rename the book! “After Nightfall” is haunting and has multiple meanings. The characters sneak around after nightfall, and the death occurs in the night—from a cliff fall. My publisher came up with the title, and I think it’s absolutely perfect for this book!
4) Did you always want to be a writer, or did you have other aspirations as well?
I wanted to be a writer from the time I could pick up a crayon, but when I grew up, I explored various other professions, which gave me valuable life experience. I majored in psychology and anthropology in college, worked for a veterinarian (I love animals), analyzed stock trades, and I even volunteered for Jane Goodall’s ChimpanZoo program, observing chimpanzees in captivity with a goal of improving their habitats. I also studied classical piano for several years.
5) Name one quirky thing about yourself that not many people know about.
Every time I eat spicy food, which I love (I’m vegetarian), I get the hiccups! Never fails.
6) Last but not least, do you have anything you’d like to say to your current and future readers?
Thank you for giving my books a chance, for taking time out of your busy lives to read my work. I appreciate you so much. I love hearing from readers, so please drop me a line on Instagram, Facebook, or through my website. I’ve found, to my delight, that readers are incredibly generous and supportive and many of them have become my dear friends!
THANK YOU ANJALI FOR THIS GREAT INTERVIEW!
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For more info on A.J. Banner, visit her sites:
La Femme Readers 