This week I’m writing for Penguin USA’s blog. Today’s post is about the heroine of my new novel, Jo Beckett.
People ask me what my new novel’s about. It’s a thriller set in San Francisco, I tell them. The heroine’s Jo Beckett, a forensic psychiatrist. It’s The Dirty Secrets Club.
These people then give me a look. Dirty secrets, they say - how much do you know about that? Those years you lived near San Francisco, what kind of crazy things did you get up to?
I can’t talk them out of the look, no matter how many times I explain that novels are fiction. They nod, and say: Of course you invented the club. For the book. Sure you did.
Then, with the same expression of disbelief, they say: a forensic psychiatrist. Did you make that one up? Does the job actually exist?
Absolutely.
Read the rest of the post here.
11 responses so far ↓
Phil // June 9, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I’m really excited to have you blogging with us, Meg–I run the Penguin Blog from here in the NYC office, and it’s a kick to be posting your stuff instead of simply reading it!
Meg // June 9, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Hey, Phil — how is it possible that I have not known this? I’ve seen your comments here, and read your blog, but never knew that you were the power behind the scenes at Penguin! You’re an NYC man of mystery.
daveg // June 9, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Can’ t wait for the novel. I work in a similar area (forensic, but not psychiatry) and do something like the psychological autopsies you mention, but my clients are still breathing. I’m going to bring the phrase “high index of suspicion” into everyday use from now on. It really captures the feeling you get when carrying out lengthy interviews and assessments with people who are in a lot of cases habitual offenders. I hated thinking that I was getting cynical, as it IS vital to retain some level of compassion and humanity for even some of the worst offenders, but you have to keep on your toes. If you don’t, for one you’ll get things wrong, and two, you may put yourself and others in danger. “High index of suspicion” just nailed it for me. Thanks.
susan // June 10, 2008 at 11:29 am
Well folks, The Dirty Secrets Club just zings! The pacing never quits and the stakes just keep escalating. And it’s a rare pleasure to read a book where the flashback element is equally gripping, in both action and emotion.
It’s a sizzler, Meg.
susan // June 10, 2008 at 11:42 am
Incidentally, I had fun exploring the Stockton Tunnel scene with Google Earth.
C.D. Reimer // June 10, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Deadshrinker… How many pints does it take to make up that word?!
Patti // June 11, 2008 at 12:55 am
Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! That’s the call of a frustrated Canadian who did NOT come up with “Deforest” and sees only listings for audiobooks on Chapters.ca and a vague “July 2008″ on Amazon.ca. I want the book (physical object with pages to turn, dustjacket, and proper book smell). I want it in June. This might be divine retribution for having access to the Evan/Jesse books when those south of the border didn’t. Maybe it’s NAFTA. Yeah, perhaps a conspiracy.
Meg // June 11, 2008 at 1:25 am
Easy, girl… there will be more contests. Perhaps soon. Perhaps, if you keep up the racket, very soon.
susan // June 11, 2008 at 2:55 pm
But Patti, look at it this way: you have that pleasure ahead of you. I have no unread Meg Gardiner books in my life.
And you will STILL have that pleasure awaiting you when all Meg’s US fans have gobbled it up in one sitting.
Okay, okay, I wouldn’t swallow that consolation either.
Patti // June 11, 2008 at 3:17 pm
A world where a tantrum might actually achieve something? Wow. Best not let my boy know about this strange parallel universe.
Sorry for the outburst. Lowering the decibel level: is there a reason that the audiobook seems to be preceding the print version in Canada and the UK? Is it part of a campaign to de-literate us? I’m all for audiobooks as entertainment on long drives, but for the “crawl in and stay awhile” books, print is essential.
Patti // June 11, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Excellent effort, Susan, but I’m still sucking my thumb and pouting.
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