Interview With Author Jeff Kerr
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published my first book, Austin, Texas – Then and Now in 2004. Since then I have written two more nonfiction books and three novels. My nonfiction book Seat of Empire: The Embattled Birth of Austin, Texas, was named one of 60 essential books about Texas by the Austin American-Statesman.
Looking forward, I plan to concentrate on fiction, specifically thrillers and crime fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I published a thriller, Refuge in July 2023. The story concerns a young Salvadoran woman who was raised in the U.S., moved back to El Salvador, then flees back to the U.S. when soldiers murder her family. Once across the border, she encounters a country she no longer recognizes.
I was inspired to write this book by rising xenophobia in the U.S.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start out with a plot in my head, but the end result deviates significantly from that.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences include Elmore Leonard for his no-frills style, Craig Johnson for his insight and humor, Michael Connelly for his rich character development, Jeff Carson for his unpredictable plots, and John LeCarre for making his readers think.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently polishing Blunt Force Trauma, the first book in a planned series about a modern-day sheriff’s deputy in a small Texas town.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.jeffreykerrauthor.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Once it becomes feasible, hire a good editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be patient. Recognized that you’re in it for the long haul.
What are you reading now?
Postmortem, by Patricia Cornwell
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve finished Blunt Force Trauma, I plan to write the next book in the series, Second Death. My first draft is 60% complete.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I don’t typically enjoy reading a book more than once, so I suppose I’d want several mysteries/thrillers that I haven’t yet read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Kerr’s Social Media Links