Reading and Writing Addiction was able to catch up with Chris Birdy, Author of The Girl in Black Pajamas for an interview. We are excited to share this interesting interview today with our readers.
RAWA: Chris, please tell us about your latest novel.
CB: In this story someone shoots an R&B Investigations employee in the back. After that, the R&B computer system comes under siege. Bogie McGruder returns to Boston to work on the server. Although the Boston Police are investigating the shooting, Bogie and his partner, Rose Jones, don’t want the cops involved in the computer attacks because Bogie is a hacker. Unaware of the danger that awaits them, Bogie reluctantly brings Isabella with him. While they are in Boston, Isabella continues her search for someone to teach her the 5 point exploding heart technique that she watched in Kill Bill II. Bogie’s daughter and son-in-law unwittingly become involved in a sex scandal that is sure to rock the PBSO to the core.
RAWA: Where did the idea come from to write this novel?
CB: After 9/11, I became a “newsie” fearing that I would miss some morsel of news. I check through the news as soon as I get up every day. In following my daily news sources I kept coming across stories of hackers breaking into secure sights, publishing protected information or stealing people’s identities and credit card information. Suddenly, I felt compelled to write about this. Once an idea sticks in my head, it won’t leave until I write it through. What followed was months of research.
The secondary story of Palm Beach deputy sheriffs making and selling porn on the internet was based on a true story.
RAWA: Give us an insight into your main character. Why is he/she such an important part of the story?
CB: The stories revolve around Bogie McGruder and how he deals with situations. Bogie follows his own set of rules. Isabella is a small clone of her father. She is extremely intelligent with a penchant for violence.
RAWA: Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting for the novel?
CB: The story takes place in Boston and Palm Beach. Two places I know very well since I’ve lived and worked in both for many years.
RAWA: What was the hardest thing about writing this novel?
CB: The hardest thing about writing this novel was the amount of research that was required just to have a good understanding of computer systems. I did not grow up in the computer generation so information I got was gained through long, tedious hours reading up on computer systems and hacking. But I did come away with an understanding of what a serious problem we have in this country with hackers.
RAWA: Is this book part of a series? If so, tell us a little about the series. If not, would you consider creating a series from this novel and what are your thoughts on writing a series?
CB: The Girl in Black Pajamas is the second book in the “Pajama” series. The series features Bogie McGruder and his family. Although Isabella manages to insert herself in adult situations, her role is limited because she is, after all, a child.
RAWA: If this book were made into a movie which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character (s).
CB: If this book were made into a movie I could definitely see Daniel Craig playing the part of Bogie McGruder. Bogie McGruder has Ukrainian roots. Although Daniel Craig is British he looks Russian or Ukrainian to me. Bailey should be played by an actress who looks like a young Rhonda Fleming where Rose Jones could be played by Halle Berry.
Thanks Chris for stopping by and giving us more information about your exciting new novel.
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