Let's Do Lunch! Interview with Jason Pinter

Jason Pinter's debut novel, The Mark, first of three in the Henry Parker series, will be released in July 2007 from MIRA Books. He is one of the co-founders of Killer Year – The Class of 2007.

JB: Wow, Jason, where do we start? You have an impressive number of irons in the fire, and I'd like to touch on all of them if we can, so you'll have to help me if I miss any ...

Let's talk first about your book. Can you give us a jacket synopsis of The Mark?

JP: My irons thank you for that kind intro. Oh man, this is tough. I'm glad we have our own copy department. Anyway, here goes ...

Henry Parker is a young newspaper reporter who's living his dream, working in the greatest city in the world, and hoping to bring some integrity back to an industry that's been rocked by scandal in recent years. His boss, Wallace Preston, editor-in-chief of the New York Gazette, sees Henry as journalism's new blood. A young man with pride, passion and integrity. A new foundation to build on.

After getting his feet wet with undemanding reportage, Henry is finally given the chance to collaborate on a real story alongside his boyhood idol, venerated newsman Jack O'Donnell. But when Henry knocks on an interviewee's door only to find two people beaten and a gun thrust in his face, a brave decision results in murder. And suddenly Henry is on the run for his life, finding he's accused of the very same crimes he swore to uncover.

In 24 hours, Henry Parker will be wanted across state lines, his only hope a bold woman who must be shielded from the truth.

In 48 hours, Henry will be hunted by two cops out for revenge, and a ruthless killer whose own motive for vengeance is more personal than anything Henry could fathom.

And in 48 hours Henry will discover a secret that could destroy a city ... or control it.

JB: You've been working for several years as an editor, first with Warner and now with Crown's Three Rivers Press. When did you decide to venture to the other side of the desk? How has your being an editor affected your writing?

JP: They were pretty exclusive, though I think being on both sides lends insight that makes both of my jobs easier (and sometimes harder). I've been writing all my life, and always aspired to publish a novel. But I also entered editorial because I loved working with authors, helping them squeeze out every last drop of talent they have, and going to bat for them in a competitive marketplace. So in truth I made the decision to venture to the writing side of the desk about 15 years ago when all my stories were Terry Brooks and Stephen King ripoffs, and fortunately as of next summer it will be a reality.

Being an editor makes me expect more from my writing, since working in publishing I know that to stand out you need to offer something different, something that will resonate. I tried to do that with The Mark, and with my character of Henry Parker. I've been a huge mystery and thriller fan for years, but it was so important to me to create a younger hero written by a younger author. I wanted to appeal to traditional thriller fans, but also to my generation who've been criminally underserved in this genre. Being a writer helps the editorial side in the sense that I can empathize with my authors, and truly understand their dreams and insecurities. I know, as an author, how I'd want my editor and publisher to treat me, and I try to show my authors the same respect and courtesy. Ideally I can balance both sides for as long as possible. Though I've had to get stronger contact lenses almost every year. That should tell you something.

JB: You recently co-founded Killer Year – The Class of 2007 with (I'm proud to say) my Literary Siblings – J.T. Ellison, Brett Battles, and Sandra Ruttan. Share with our visitors how Killer Year came about and your vision for the group's future.

JP: It was completely random, but I think all great ideas are born out of spontaneity rather than out of focus groups. I had written a post on my blog, and J.T. made a fairly innocuous comment about the "Class of 2007," referring to the debut authors of that calendar year. A few others chimed in, and the next day Sarah Weinman wrote a post on her website to that effect. And something just clicked.

Within two days we'd registered www.killeryear.com, started designing t-shirts, and soliciting members. Thankfully word spread quickly, and now we have a great group of 15 authors whose debut novels are being published in 2007. We thought Killer Year would be a great way to give a group of talented writers a platform to spread awareness of their debut novels, not to mention a whole lot of fun. Working in publishing I know how hard it is to break out and get noticed, and Killer Year is an avenue for debut novelists to form professional bonds, as well as get people talking about some great books.

JB: Your latest project is a weekly feature spot at M.J. Rose's Buzz, Balls & Hype, and you have your own blog, The Man in Black, as well as a blog launched June 19th for Killer Year. I've seen discussions on a certain listserv-that-shall-remain-nameless about whether blogs are effective as marketing tools. What's your opinion on the subject?

JP: There's indisputable proof that blogs can be valuable sales tools, but I think the most successful blogs give the audience a taste of their book and their voice and leave them wanting more. At Three Rivers Press, I just bought a trilogy of vampire thrillers from an author named David Wellington, who first got recognition by serializing a zombie novel on his website. Without that Internet audience, people wouldn't have learned about this fantastic new talent. But I also think too many writers blog about the craft and business of writing. It's valuable information and some people do it quite well, but as any writer will tell you, the craft and business of writing is quite boring.[amen, brother]

On my blog, I often talk about pop culture, sports, random observations, trying to extend my audience beyond writer's circles which are very insulated. I'm a big proponent of creating an audience for your work prior to publication, but to be an effective marketing tool you need to appeal to the masses. Blogs can either appeal to a very small niche, or cast a much wider net. I think if you look at a blog as a marketing tool, you need to cast it wide.

JB: So, we've talked about Jason the author, Jason the editor, Jason the promoter and Jason the blogger. Are there any other facets of your personality that we haven't explored? I'm sure there's Jason the red-blooded American male in there somewhere. What do you do when you're not doing all this other stuff?

JP: Actually, I sit around all day dreaming up questions I hope to be asked on an interview. So if you don't mind, Jason the editor will now interview Jason the author for a few minutes.

Jason the Editor: How are you, Jason the Author?
Jason the Author: My foot hurts.
Jason the Editor: That's too bad. Bunions?
Jason the Author: No, I think it just fell asleep.
Jason the Editor: Is that because as an author your nerve endings are more sensitive due to your great insight into the human condition?
Jason the Author: No, I just sat Indian-style for too long.
Jason the Editor: That's fascinating.
Jason the Author: Is it?

JB: Oh-kaaaay, and as if that wasn't enough insight into your psyche, let's ask some totally random questions. What's your one junk food weakness?

JP: I'm actually not a big junk food guy, and my fiancée (hi Sue!) will tell you it drives her nuts since she's got a big sweet tooth.[I like her already!] Though I've been known to kill for chocolate-covered pretzels ...

JB: How do you take your coffee?

JP: Milk and two Equals. Although the people at my neighborhood Dunkin Donuts usually interpret that as, "Half and Half and Six Splendas."

JB: What's your favorite season of the year and why?

JP: Late summer. Everything slows to a crawl. New York is beautiful, I play basketball on the weekends, I can sit outside and tan (or in my case, burn). The publishing industry is hibernating, so I have time to work, to write, to drink Margaritas and see X-Men XXIIVMIIXIM—The Last, Last (Last, Last) Stand.

JB: Thanks so much, Jason, for taking time out of your crazy busy schedule to chat with me here in the Lunch Room. Have a great time at ThrillerFest!

Jason lives in New York City and works as a book editor and writer. His first novel, The Mark, comes out in July 2007 from MIRA Books. The next two novels in the Henry Parker series will be released in 2008. Jason is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW). He hopes that being on both sides of the publishing desk will not cause him to become schizophrenic and begin referring to himself in the third person. You can visit Jason at www.jasonpinter.com.