Bestselling thriller book author Elise Hart Kipness chatted about her new book “Close Call,” which will be released on August 19th.
What inspired you to write your book “Close Call”?
The U.S. Open was one of my favorite sporting events to cover so I really wanted to write a book that took place there.
Not only did I report on the U.S. Open, but I grew up going to the tennis tournament.
The atmosphere at the National Tennis Center in Queens is always electric and there’s so much glamour and buzz at the event.
Was it a cathartic process for you to write this book?
So far there has been something cathartic about writing each book. For “Close Call,” it was exploring the pressures of being a solo player.
In my first two books, the sports I wrote about were team sports and that posed an interesting dynamic with teammates.
For tennis, the athlete competes alone. Add to that the fact that the tournament is single elimination.
I really related to that situation as an on-air TV reporter, because even though I’d have colleagues, like a photographer, producer, and there was a lot of pressure focused on me.
There’s a saying in television that you are only as good as your last live shot…and that saying was in my mind as I created the characters in “Close Call.”
What did this book teach you about yourself?
A lot of people say the second book an author writes is the hardest. For me, “Close Call” was the most difficult. I tried something new in this book—a kidnapping in real time.
It took me a few false starts before I was able to figure out the pacing. But I feel really proud of it now that it’s complete.
How does it feel to be an author in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
One big positive about social media is that it helps authors connect with fans.
It’s amazing to get messages from readers saying that they enjoyed my books and that they’re excited to read the next ones.
I also think technology helps even the playing field a bit. Many authors who would not have gotten their books out there otherwise, are getting discovered.
What do your plans for the future include?
I’m super excited that the Kate Green thrillers have been optioned for a television series to Universal Television with Mary J. Blige’s production company, Blue Butterfly.
There are some very cool attachments that are part of the deal—including Debra Martin Chase (“The Equalizer”) executive producing and Liz Friedlander (“The Rookie”).
As for writing—I’m back in my writing cave working on a new thriller series. Still a reporter, but a different kind.
Were there any moments in your career or life that have helped define you?
One of those instances happened at the U.S. Open Golf Tournament in 1999 when Payne Stewart won. The publicist definitely took issue with female reporters and did everything he could to keep me from interviewing Payne Stewart.
He literately had his hand on Payne Stewart’s arm and was pulling him out of the locker rooms so I couldn’t do the interview.
I called after them, Payne stopped and came back to speak to me even though the publicist was still trying to lead him away. It showed me the two sides of the sport—the ugly and the generous.
It also taught me that I needed to stick up for myself and fight for my stories in a way I hadn’t expected that I’d need to.
What does the word success mean to you? (or have your thoughts on that changed since Dangerous Play?)
I believe the last time we talked I defined success as knowing that readers are enjoying my books. My idea of success remains the same.
I’m beyond grateful to know that I’m creating something that appeals to others.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Close Call”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
In “Close Call,” I tried to focus a lens on the complicated dynamics that exist between star athletes and their family members.
These relationships are often fraught with expectations, pressure, resentment, and ambition.
My hope is that readers come away with an intimate view of these relationships and the emotional cost that stardom can exact on a family.
“Close Call” is available for pre-order on Amazon by clicking here.
To learn more about bestselling author Elise Hart Kipness, follow her on Instagram.
