We chat with author David Bell about his latest novel Try Not To Breathe, which follows an ex-cop who sets out to find her missing sister and discovers the horrifying truth about her family…
Hi, David! Welcome back! We last spoke 12 months ago. How have things been for you?
-have been going well. In November, I released my first YA suspense novel, SHE’S GONE, and to my great shock it spent two months on the New York Times bestseller list. I’m very excited for everyone to read my adult thriller, TRY NOT TO BREATHE, a book I’m very proud of.
Your latest novel, Try Not To Breathe, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Suspenseful, sisters, secrets, caves, marijuana
What can readers expect?
It’s a family story at its heart. Two half-sisters, who really don’t get along that well, are forced to work together when one of them runs away. In the process, they learn how much they really care for each other while also discovering some long-hidden secrets about their family. The surprises continue until the very last page.
Where did the inspiration for Try Not To Breathe come from?
I often write about families and family secrets. I can’t give anything away—either about the book or about my own life—but let’s just say I recently learned something suprising about my own family and used as inspiration for the book. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there…
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I certainly enjoyed writing about the two sisters, Avery and Anna. They’re very different people, united by kind of growing up in the same house. They’re both flawed and have resentments toward each other, but like a lot of families, when the chips are down, they try to prove how deep their love runs. Maybe they’re not even aware of how deep their love for each other runs until their in the most extreme moments. And this book has a few extreme moments.
Did you find any particular scenes challenging to write?
I ended up doing a lot of research into cave systems in Kentucky, labor trafficking, and marjijuana farming. All of these things end up playing a prominent role in the story, and I learned a lot while writing the book.
You’ve had books published over the last 15 years. What are some of the key lessons you have learned as a writer?
A lot, I hope. But the big one remains the same across time—the market and the publishing business are unpredictable. No one really know what will succeed or not succeed or when or why. It’s best for a writer to figure out what they want to do and then do it to the best of their ability. Enduring and surviving are the most important things in this business. And it helps to have a few lucky bounces along the way.
What draws you to the thriller genre?
I hate to be bored as a reader or a writer. I want to read and write books that grab readers and keep them turning the pages as fast as they can. I’m trying to write the kinds of books that I would pick up in a bookstore and want to read. Thrillers are one of my favorite genres…although I guess I’d say every book should be a thriller, right? Every book should grab and thrill the reader.
What’s next for you?
I’ve completed two more books—one a YA novel called THE MIDNIGHT DRIVING CLUB, the other an adult thriller called STORM WARNING. Something tells me those titles could change, but I’m excited about both of those books. I had a lot of fun writing them and can’t wait for readers to see them.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
So many great books to choose from these days. I recently read a great thriller called SIEGE OF SILENCE by AJ Quinnell. That’s a classic.
