Intro
Step into the compelling world of T. M. Dunn’s latest literary creation, “Her Father’s Daughter.” This riveting masterpiece intricately weaves domestic suspense, a relentless police investigation, a captivating love affair, and the haunting presence of a serial killer. As acclaimed author T. M. Dunn unveils this raw and edgy hero’s journey into a family’s twisted secrets, readers are in for an enthralling experience reminiscent of Oyinkan Braithwaite and Karen Dionne’s works.
Follow the footsteps of twenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan, a dedicated worker at Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in the heart of New York City. On a day marked by the anniversary of her mother’s passing, Linda embarks on a solo mission to a Park Avenue residence, only to stumble upon a macabre crime scene. The discovery of an elderly resident, partially consumed by rats, not only casts shadows on the Donovans’ extermination services but also suggests sinister foul play.
As Linda grapples with the aftermath, her father Anthony, the proprietor of their business, disappears, leaving her to navigate a maze of uncertainty. Join us in this captivating interview as T. M. Dunn delves into the layers of her gripping narrative, offering insights into her creative process and the intricate depths of “Her Father’s Daughter.” Discover how this Italian-American, Bronx-raised storyteller draws inspiration from her world travels and imparts her wisdom through writing workshops and podcast co-hosting, all while crafting her next literary gem alongside her loyal rescue puppy, Blanqui, in Stamford, Connecticut.
Writing a thriller novel requires crafting complex characters, intricate plotlines, and maintaining a sense of suspense throughout the narrative. What aspects of this writing process do you find most challenging and rewarding as a thriller writer?
My biggest challenge as a writer, thriller or otherwise, is getting into the chair and starting to write. I will find every excuse not to write. The theme of my newsletter used to be “how not to write.” I shared the many ways I avoided writing. My favorite distraction was when I needed to rid my plants of gnats, and I microwaved ten pounds of dirt. Once I’m in a story, I’m in that chair every day for more hours than is probably healthy. All of the craft elements you mentioned are essential to a thriller novel. I always start with a character. I will study a character and learn everything I can about them. What is the first dream they remember, what is the story of their name, what are their fears, motivations, and what physical tics do they have – the list goes on. The more I know about my characters the better they can lead me into their stories. When one of my characters takes me in a direction I didn’t expect, I know I’m on the right path. This I find very rewarding.
As an author, what drew you to the thriller genre and specifically to writing “Her Father’s Daughter: A Novel”? Are there any personal experiences or inspirations that influenced your decision to delve into this particular type of storytelling?
I didn’t choose the thriller genre, it chose me. I had this voice in my head, a man’s voice, and the more I listened, the more this man, this character turned out to be a loving father. Really, at the heart of the story is a father-daughter relationship, and the father is a serial killer.
I think the initial inspiration for this story was the summer I turned twelve, David Berkowitz, aka the Son of Sam, killed my friend’s cousin and her boyfriend around the corner from my apartment. Women were cutting and dying their hair to not fit what was believed to be his target victim. Let’s just say, the summer David Berkowitz, aka the Son of Sam, terrorized my neighborhood was the summer I went through puberty.
If you could have dinner with any of the characters you created in ‘Her Father’s Daughter: A Novel’ who would you choose, and why?
Jack the doorman. I never feel like I’ve spent enough time with my secondary characters. I would love to get to know Jack better. I have a feeling he has one heck of a story.
What techniques or strategies do you employ to keep readers on the edge of their seats and maintain a sense of suspense and unpredictability throughout the novel ‘Her Father’s Daughter’?
I lean into the dual points of view. I play them off of each other. While the father shares the details of his many horrific acts, the daughter is desperately trying to find him and prove his innocence.
Linda Donovan, your protagonist, discovers the body of an elderly resident and faces the challenge of locating her missing father while avoiding a murder charge. How did you approach crafting Linda’s character to make her engaging for readers?
I approached her character like I would any of my characters. I gave her wants, and then put many obstacles in her way to keep her from getting what she wants. Voila! Conflict.
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