Christopher Null

If you’re reading the blog today, I’m excited to welcome you to a new feature on the site, which I hope will introduce you to a range of new writers who work in the thriller and mystery space like me. This won’t be your typical “tell me about your new book” interview series but rather a quirkier look at the psyche of each author I profile. To that end, I’m borrowing and adapting Marcel Proust’s famous 35 questions which he used to better understand his colleagues and their character. (James Lipton also famously used a version of them on Inside the Actors Studio.) I’ve trimmed them down and added a few of my own. And I hope you like reading their answers as much as I have.

First up is Melinda Di Lorenzo, one of my colleagues at Tule Mystery, who has a massive catalog under her belt. I should have also asked: How do you keep track of all your books? Let’s get to know her.

Who are you, and what do you write about?

I’m Melinda Di Lorenzo, writer of books and teacher of children. I’m a wife, a mom, a runner, and an avid reader. At the moment, I primarily write two things: thriller/suspense and YA short, high-interest novels. In the past, I have also written romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and women’s fiction. Since 2010, I’ve penned 40 novels.

What is your favorite word?

I have two! Loaf and fallopian. (Not to be used together.)

What is your least favorite word?

Nickelback. Sorry not sorry.

What is the trait you most like about yourself?

My bad attitude. No, wait. My sarcasm? Okay, possibly my compassion combined with my willingness to fight to the death for things I believe in.

What is the trait you least like about yourself?

I overthink everything. Ev.er.y.thing. I’m overthinking this answer, RIGHT NOW.

What is your greatest fear?

I have an anxiety disorder, so my list of fears is long. So, I will stick with my fear of the zombie apocalypse, followed closely by the fear that I will be wrongfully accused of a crime.

How do other people describe you?

Funny (unless you are my husband, in which case, I am not funny. Allegedly.) Stubborn. Compassionate.

What talent would you most like to have?

Gah. I wish I could sing. Also, I wish I was tidy.

If you weren’t working as a writer, what would you be doing?

My second job—teaching! And recently, I’ve had a hankering to be a librarian.

How would you like to die?

If I don’t die in my sleep, they will have to drag me kicking and screaming from this world because I intend to live until I’m 150 years old.

If you were to die and then come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

Hmm. Maybe a well-loved kitten?

When and where were you happiest?

I love my life, in general. I’m happiest when all of my family is home. I’d like to start a cult and invite them all to live with me.

What is your greatest regret?

I try to live without regret. Not because everything is perfect, but because I think dwelling on what could have been is detrimental to what will be.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I was a better housekeeper!

Who is your fictional hero?

I don’t know if I have one.

Who are your favorite writers?

I’m an English nerd, so I love Jane Austen. I will also buy anything Gillian McAllister writes. I enjoy Loreth Anne White and Simone St. James.

What have you been working on lately?

I’m currently finishing up a thriller for Tule. It’s called Immersion. It features former cop battling her personal tragedy while a shadowy figure posts live videos, counting down to an innocent (and unsuspecting) woman’s death.

You can find Melinda on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok — and please check out her new book on Amazon here.

Want to be the next thriller writer profiled on the blog? Email me here!