Sibella Giorello

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A: I spent ten wonderful years as a newspaper reporter, then happily became a stay-at-home mom. But while being a mom was fantastic, some part of my mind still itched for writing. I started playing around with a story—a mystery novel because that’s my favorite book to read—and soon after, a forensic geologist named Raleigh Harmon appeared.
That was twelve books ago. And I’m still excited to see what Raleigh will do next.

Q: What does your writing space look like?
A: For several years, I had an office. But it started to feel like a jail cell.
Now I write everywhere—in the front seat of my SUV (heated seats and solitude!), the kitchen counter with the dog perched on the next stool. Or in bed.
Obviously, this mobility is made possible by a laptop. But I like it more than an office. It’s like I’m still reporting on the world.

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A: Names. Sometimes I can’t recall a person’s name—a real person, someone I know fairly well—because too many characters are living inside my head. There have been some moments that would be embarrassing if I didn’t have a healthy sense of humor.
On the other hand, this problem works out great for readers. They constantly send me notes: “I feel like these characters are real.” Yeah, so do I!

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release The Wind Will Howl?
A: It’s the third book in the Raleigh Harmon P.I. mysteries, and the 12th book overall with Raleigh. The story begins with an early morning rowing session with her fiancé, and the discovery of a shocking mystery under Seattle’s Lake Union. The resulting murder investigation threatens to destroy everything Raleigh’s worked for—her job, her professional reputation, even her recent engagement. To add salt to the wound, her mom is being released from the state mental asylum and Raleigh has to find her a place to live.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A: I love seeing the world through Raleigh’s eyes, and listening to what she says. But this book also had some really romantic scenes with her fiance, and those were fun to write. Raleigh and Jack have an authentic chemistry. They’re soul-mates.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A:. Are we alone in the world?

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. The next P.I. mystery in the Raleigh Harmon series. It’s set in Seattle with some interesting geology. And, of course, Jack. 🙂

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
A. My grandmothers. I miss them every single day. Both Alaska pioneers, they lived really interesting lives. As I was growing up, they were my best friends.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. Running. And maybe writing letters-to-the-editor in my head.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. Surrendering to God’s will, not mine.