Character Interview: Nicholas Burr
- motownmysteries
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Updated: May 1
With the release of Rules of Desperation earlier this year, I had a request from Diana Kathryn Penn to ‘interview’ Nicholas Burr, the protagonist in that story. Here’s the result of that ‘conversation’.
I understand that you were a ghostwriter of a young adult series before the novel came out. What made you choose to write in such an opposing style for your first solo project?
It’s part of the challenge any artist takes, to stretch their talents. What’s important is to know your audience and make sure what you’re writing appeals to them. After completing each book in the young adult series, I tried my hand at writing a mainstream novel.
How does writing that series differ from writing Justifiable Homicide?
In the Skipper series, there is a sense of youth and innocence. The main characters are smart and clever. They are comfortable with each other. There’s no controversy between them.
I’ve always been drawn to mysteries. For this tale, I just dug a little deeper, getting a glimpse of the dark side. I had to get in the mindset of someone who would do whatever it took to achieve their goal.
Did you have a different approach or process? What was different about your research?
The process is the same. I let my imagination wander and put the characters in different situations. With this novel, I referred to a lot of newspaper accounts about murders and unsolved crimes. It was important that the readers could sympathize with the main character and root for him.
Did you collaborate with the other ghostwriters?
Not on this project. Just to clarify, when writing the Skipper series, I do those on my own. There have been several different ghost writers over the years. Some may have collaborated, but not with me.
Which came to you more naturally, writing for the series, or writing the novel? I’ve done several books in the series, so it’s easy for me to slip into the storyline and write. Although Skipper and Jojo aren’t my own creation, I’ve gotten to know them well over the years. I must admit to reading the series as a kid, so even though they are fictional, they’re like good old friends.
Was there a scene or character in Justifiable Homicide that, upon final edit, didn't make it into the book?
Yes, that’s not uncommon.
Why did you (or your editor) make the cut?
With Justifiable Homicide, there was some debate about whether the protagonist would get caught, or whether he would get away with it. I wrote an alternative ending where just before he disappears, ready to start his new life, the scene shifts and he’s sitting in a prison cell, replaying all the steps he took. That wasn’t satisfactory to me or the editor, so it was cut.
Is there anything about who you are, or some aspect of your lifestyle, that you would exchange to become a better/more famous writer?
The events of our lives impact our abilities to create. My life hasn’t been all sunshine, lollipops, rainbows and unicorns. Fame can be fleeting. If my next book isn’t a hit, that will just ignite my passion to write a better story. Life’s journey can fuel your efforts. A shortcut doesn’t guarantee anything. I’d rather earn the acceptance and rewards than have it handed to me.
The pressure of the trial must have weighed heavily on you. With the constant questioning (and perhaps a feeling of being gaslighted) from the police, was there ever a time during that process where you doubted your own innocence, and perhaps felt close to a confession just to make it all go away?
I am innocent. So, there was nothing to confess to. Early in their investigation, I offered to take a polygraph, so the cops could rule me out as a suspect. I was certain that once they had the results, they would move on. When it came to the trial, my attorneys assured me that the case against me was weak. They felt certain I’d be exonerated.
The prosecutor made many comparisons between the case of your missing wife to the novel you wrote. Is that simply mere coincidence, or are some elements of those characters, motivations, and locations based in real life?
(Smiles) Life imitates art. Or is it the other way around? There are some writing coaches who encourage people to write what you know.
I may have taken some liberties, using my own situations to shape the conflicts with my characters. The struggles between the husband and wife, the way the marriage was deteriorating, could be seen as a reflection of my own life. People change. Part of writing fiction is to draw from your own experiences and build on those to create an interesting story.
You've been on a whirlwind press junket to promote the new release. How have you found becoming an instant celebrity?
It’s been a little odd. I’m used to just being a guy in the background. After appearing on some of the talk shows, people have spotted me in restaurants and airports. Everyone wants a selfie or an autograph.
Are you having fun, or would you rather go back home and focus on the next book, writing in relative anonymity?
(laughs) I don’t think going back is an option. Once the initial dose of celebrity winds down, I’ll return to the shadows and get back to work.
Writing and promoting a book can be emotionally draining and stressful, although, truly, we never saw it on you. What were the worst and best parts of that adventure, and if you ever became overwhelmed, what did you do to recharge and walk out into another day in the public spotlight?
The best was that I had some time to recharge between most of the appearances. That was part of the publisher’s strategy from the onset. Flights and car services took me from the airports to the studios or television stations, so I wasn’t fumbling for rides. Each hotel I stayed in had a swimming pool, so I was able to get in a dozen laps or so. It was a great way to keep in shape and clear my head. (Laughs) The worst part was waking up in a strange hotel room each morning. It often took me a few minutes to figure out what city I was in. That was a bit unnerving.
Many writers have a playlist of specific music that they listen to while they write, others prefer silence. Which is best for you... and if you have a playlist, what are three songs from that list?
I can work in silence, but don’t prefer it. Music is essential to life. I like variety. It’s not unusual for certain songs to help set the mood or the scene. Here are three from my playlist.
The Five Browns: Rhapsody in Blue
Rickie Lee Jones: Woody & Dutch on the Slow Train to Peking
The Commitments: Mustang Sally
I don't know if your publisher is going to produce an audiobook version of Justifiable Homicide, but if they do, who would be your ideal celebrity narrator(s)?
That’s a great question. Matt Bomer would do a wonderful job on this story.
What's coming next for you?
I’ve got a couple of ideas percolating. One is about an elusive serial killer. Another possibility could be a caper, like an art or jewel heist.
We heard rumors of another manuscript, Double Cross... will that be coming out soon, or are you working on something else?
Double Cross was written before Justifiable Homicide. That’s been picked up by Corrigan Press for next year.
Will you still write for the children's series?
Yes, as long as there is interest in the series and ideas keep coming, I’ll write them.
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