Who are you?
Hello I’m Fiona Gavelle, I narrate the death of a Cook County judge and his probate case in Judge vs Nuts.
Where do you live?
I live in one of the most beautiful cities, Chicago, Illinois. We have a stunning lakefront to Lake Michigan, magnificent architecture, a wide range of cultural venues, and unfortunately politics and corruption. If you read the book, you will get a guided part of my favorite parts of the city.
Aren’t there a lot of books about corruption in Chicago?
There are plenty of non-fiction books about corruption in Chicago, but Judge vs Nuts is a cozy, a humorcide, that looks at another form of corruption. The non-fiction books will give you a headache; our book will make you laugh.
What is your problem in the story?
The police think that my dead client, Judge Laslo King was murdered. Really, there are a lot of ways it could have been a terrible accident.
Dead client?
Technically, I represent the executor of his estate, so not the dead person. That isn’t allowed even in Cook County.
Do you run from conflict?
Early and often, I must have watched too much television as a child and thought life could be relatively simple. That way of thinking leaves my head in the clouds much of the time. When I left my first job, I did it in the middle of the night. When I moved out of the apartment I shared with my husband, it was while he was at work. Now when it comes to clients, I want to believe I relentlessly protect their rights.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Una made me vulnerable and naive, but she also put Aunt Tess and Judge Adam Curie in to protect me when I’m not looking. Their advice is so subtle; they think I’m not listening.
Do you have any special strengths?
I can write loopholes and spot them immediately. Then I redraft, edit, spot another loophole and repeat. It takes a long time to write a simple sentence when you are getting paid hourly.
What, if anything, haunts you?
Going to divorce court alone. My ears were ringing and I had trouble telling how to get home.
How do you envision your future?
In the next book, Judge vs Lake Michigan I will tell you a little more about my background. My future at the law firm of Cartofle and Cebula is pretty tenuous right now and I may be practicing law out of the law library with my friend Steve Vorce.
***
Bio: Una Tiers (pen name) is an attorney practicing law in Chicago, Illinois. She is an avid reader. After a particularly bad day in court, she wrote a story making the curse of her day the victim. With a smile, additional victims were added as necessary. The result was Judge vs Nuts, a look at murder, corruption and the Chicago judiciary.
Judge vs Nuts is available in ebook, launching 2-29-12. http://www.amazon.com/DP/B007BSD4RU
For a sample of Judge vs Nuts visit unatiers.com
For the book book trailer, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55XqIbk0VY4
Pat Bertram Introduces . . . 
February 29, 2012 at 10:33 am
Thank you Pat Bertram for graciously inviting me to your blog and patiently waiting until the release. The interview is great, and my book cover matches with your website colors.
Una Tiers
February 29, 2012 at 11:18 am
I’m glad to do what I can, Una. Best of luck with your book!
February 29, 2012 at 11:10 am
A great interview!
February 29, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Thanks so much Eleanor thanks for stopping by. You are amazing to do so many book reviews.
February 29, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Another fascinating interview. Thanks.
February 29, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Hi and thanks Sheila, how do bloggers do this on a regular basis?
March 2, 2012 at 9:31 am
Clever and entertaining interview of the novel’s main character who, not surprisingly, stays in character. Readers will find Fiona’s witty observations blended throughout “Judge vs Nuts.” Author Una Tiers manages to entertain, educate and advocate in a casual easy-to-read writing style, and succeeds in helping readers experience Cook County politics and legalities from both sides of the judicial bench. As a bonus, intended or not, readers benefit by learning (within the storytelling structure) the importance and intricacies of the estate planning and probate process–and still be entertained.
March 4, 2012 at 9:18 am
Thank you so much Tom, I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and the book so far.
Una Tiers
March 3, 2012 at 6:31 am
How do you decide to visit a blog, by topic, or friendship?
Una Tiers
March 3, 2012 at 2:20 pm
I generally go by what catches my eye, and then by friendship as time permits.
March 5, 2012 at 6:36 am
Pat Thank YOU for inviting me. It was a good way to learn a little more about my character and make new contacts.
Best
Una Tiers