Ellen Block
Novelist
The Definition of Wind
Interview With the Author
You've released three, well-received books to date, so why the name change?
I’ve always been a mystery lover and my previous works each had a suspenseful, dramatic feel. While The Definition of Wind has a tragic premise and suspense too, the story and characters are distinctively lighter, quirkier and funnier, which as my friends and family point out is much more “me.” I guess they’re saying I’m quirky! Because this novel is geared specifically toward women, unlike my past thriller, I thought this would be the perfect time to embark on a new avenue that would allow me to express both sides of my writing personality.
What did you learn about yourself as a author by shifting your genre?
A lot! Creating complex good guys and bad guys is no easy feat. However, crafting relatable characters that are as dynamic as they are realistic is also a challenge. Take Ruth Kepshaw, for example. Making her funny yet tender was far tougher than aptly portraying the maniacal killer in my last book. Real people have a multitude of dimensions. To bring that to the page, I had to rely more heavily on what the characters said than what they did. That really flexed my “dialogue muscle” and gave it a workout. I’m a better writer for it, I believe.
Why did you choose this particular location as the book’s setting?
As a kid, I’d spent a couple summer vacations on one of the islands in the Outer Banks, and Chapel Isle is loosely based on that particular place. Anyone familiar with the area will probably be able to guess which island it is. That said, the locale was only a jumping off point and I wouldn’t want any genuine residents to take offense. Another reason I chose an island was because it’s an ideal metaphor for what Abigail Harker experiences in the wake of the misfortune that befalls her. She feels isolated, alone, an island unto herself. What’s amazing about islanders and island life is the sense of togetherness, unification by circumstances, and that’s what Abigail needs in order to heal.
Any special memories from the real island or the fictional one?
The second time I visited the actual island, I won a fishing trip playing Bingo, so I couldn't resist putting the game into the story. I’d never won anything before in my life! As for the imaginary isle, I have fond memories of “meeting” my characters there. Although I had a general sense of how some of them would materialize, they truly surprised me. I didn’t know Merle Braithwaite would be as witty as he was, that Denny Meloch would wind up as clever or that Nat Rhone would actually be fun to hate. I hope readers will enjoy getting to know all of the characters as much as I did!
You've released three, well-received books to date, so why the name change?
I’ve always been a mystery lover and my previous works each had a suspenseful, dramatic feel. While The Definition of Wind has a tragic premise and suspense too, the story and characters are distinctively lighter, quirkier and funnier, which as my friends and family point out is much more “me.” I guess they’re saying I’m quirky! Because this novel is geared specifically toward women, unlike my past thriller, I thought this would be the perfect time to embark on a new avenue that would allow me to express both sides of my writing personality.
What did you learn about yourself as a author by shifting your genre?
A lot! Creating complex good guys and bad guys is no easy feat. However, crafting relatable characters that are as dynamic as they are realistic is also a challenge. Take Ruth Kepshaw, for example. Making her funny yet tender was far tougher than aptly portraying the maniacal killer in my last book. Real people have a multitude of dimensions. To bring that to the page, I had to rely more heavily on what the characters said than what they did. That really flexed my “dialogue muscle” and gave it a workout. I’m a better writer for it, I believe.
Why did you choose this particular location as the book’s setting?
As a kid, I’d spent a couple summer vacations on one of the islands in the Outer Banks, and Chapel Isle is loosely based on that particular place. Anyone familiar with the area will probably be able to guess which island it is. That said, the locale was only a jumping off point and I wouldn’t want any genuine residents to take offense. Another reason I chose an island was because it’s an ideal metaphor for what Abigail Harker experiences in the wake of the misfortune that befalls her. She feels isolated, alone, an island unto herself. What’s amazing about islanders and island life is the sense of togetherness, unification by circumstances, and that’s what Abigail needs in order to heal.
Any special memories from the real island or the fictional one?
The second time I visited the actual island, I won a fishing trip playing Bingo, so I couldn't resist putting the game into the story. I’d never won anything before in my life! As for the imaginary isle, I have fond memories of “meeting” my characters there. Although I had a general sense of how some of them would materialize, they truly surprised me. I didn’t know Merle Braithwaite would be as witty as he was, that Denny Meloch would wind up as clever or that Nat Rhone would actually be fun to hate. I hope readers will enjoy getting to know all of the characters as much as I did!
