Nancy Bush

Nancy Bush
"ELECTRIC BLUE"

Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
May 16, 2007

Q.    Who is Nancy Bush?

A.    I'm a Pacific Northwest author who began writing novels in 1981. My first published novel, DARE TO LOVE, was a young-adult romance which debuted in November 1982. Since then I've written adult romance novels, chick-lit, romantic suspense and now mystery. I also spent a stint of time in 2002 and 2003 in New York writing for the daytime serial ALL MY CHILDREN.



Q.    How did you come about the idea to write ELECTRIC BLUE?

A.    I've always loved the idea of the "crazy, wealthy family". Lots of secrets. Lots of drama. And maybe a thread of underlying humor in the midst of death and danger.



Q.    How did you come about Jane Kelly’s character?

A.    Jane is an amalgam of myself, my sister (fellow writer Lisa Jackson) and my daughter, Kelly, among others. I wanted a character who was self-aware and whose "take" on life was similar to mine. Jane totally knows herself and her limitations, and she really doesn't care if she's someone else's cup of tea or not. She's not a pleaser, or an enabler. She's not a courageous fighter, either, but she has a strong sense of justice which propels her into danger. She seems to have hit a positive nerve with my readers. The most constant comment I receive from readers is: I want more JANE!



Q.    How did you come about Dwayne’s character?

A.    Dwayne started out as Jane's boss and mentor. Originally, I envisioned him as someone older, nearing retirement, ready to hand over the reins of his private investigation business to her. But then he developed into this slow-talking, one-step-ahead kind of guy. All of a sudden he was younger, attractive, and just dangerous enough to worry Jane. Jane and Dwayne work well together, but they keep circling each other romantically. So far, they both consider themselves too smart to spoil their working relationship with a sexual one. So far. . .



Q.    Why did Nana list Logan as the only heir in her will?

A.    Nana's never really trusted any of the Purcell heirs much. Logan is her much beloved grandson, whether he deserves his grandmother's unconditional love or not.



Q.    How long have you been writing?

A.    I started in 1981 and haven't really stopped since!



Q.    How many books have you written?

A.    Forty-plus novels.



Q.    Do you write in any other genres besides murder/mystery?

A.    Currently, I'm writing both murder/mystery and romantic suspense. I'm working on several co-authored books with my sister, Lisa Jackson, as well as continuing the Jane Kelly Mystery Series.



Q.    Do you write under a pseudonym or is Nancy Bush your real name?

A.    Nancy Bush is my real name. I have written under various pseudonyms over the years, as well. A complete list is on my website at www.nancybush.net



Q.    Are you currently working on another novel?

A.    The next Jane Kelly Mystery, ULTRAVIOLET, will be on the stands October 2007.