Interview with A. Gavazzoni, author of BEHIND THE DOOR

What is your book about?

My novel is about Hidden Motives, what leads people to behave the way they do. It’s a psychological and erotic thriller.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

I believe every character has traces of its creator. Sometimes it’s the way they behave, sometimes it’s their profession. Carl is a lawyer; so am I. Simone is a strong and independent woman; so am I. Peter has a great sense of humor; I love a good laugh. And Lara loves to dance, and I do too!

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it? (searching Internet, magazines, other books, etc.)

I have to research a lot, as I talk about psychology and crimes. I usually buy texts from universities or do my research on the subject (psychology) using books. For the criminal part, I have a wonderful consultant—a former FBI agent—and I send him questions about criminal behavior, penalties, and the way the FBI and police work.

What is your goal for the book, ie: what do you want people to take with them after they finish reading the story?

I would like people to understand nobody can be judged because you really don’t know their deep traumas and dramas. Strange behavior, a character flaw, or even a homicide can be the result of a hidden story, a buried memory, or deep suffering. No one has the right to judge without knowing the motives

Do you have any rituals you follow before sitting down to write?

Yes, I brew myself a strong cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and only then am I ready to write.

Do you prefer to write at a particular time of day?

I love to write in the morning, when my brain is fresh and my ideas are clear, but I write whenever I can because I’m usually very busy in the morning.

What are you working on right now?

I’ve just finished the sequel of Behind The Door, Lara’s Journal, Part I. I intend to do some research and to start Lara’s Journal, Part II in the beginning of January.

Are you writing to reach a particular kind of reader?

My novels are not pure erotica, but I can say 10% of it is erotic, so my target readers are adults. But I really would like to reach men and women as it’s a psychological thriller, and I would like to send the message of not judging to everyone.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Since I read my first book.

Have you ever had difficulty “killing off” a character in your story because she or he was so intriguing and full of possibility for you, his or her creator?

Yes. As she was one of my favorite and most complex characters, it was hard to eliminate her.

What, in your opinion, are the essential qualities of a good story?

Unpredictability—that’s the reason I’m always changing the course of my characters and presenting unexpected turns in the story.

What words would you like to leave the world when you are gone?

Life is short; enjoy it!

Where do you get the names for your characters?

Sometimes from friends I would like to honor, sometimes from a movie character I particularly loved… For instance, when I was a teenager, I saw Dr. Zhivago, and ever since then, I loved the name Lara. Other times, t I just go online and search for a list of the best baby names.

What one word describes how you feel when you write?

Happiness.

What is a talent you have that nobody knows?

I’m an amateur astrologer.

Where can we find out more about you and your books?

My novel can be find at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4LR2HL/
And I can be found at https://www.facebook.com/A-Gavazzoni-513404948849469/), at agavazzoni.com, or on my blog www.agavazzoni.com/blog