Hi Erica Spindler, thank's that you have taking the time to answer a few questions of Elements of Crime.

You write for many years very successful novels. What has changed in the period, for example in the publishing industry?

The publishing industry has changed dramatically over the years- small publisher have been bought by big ones, there are now what’s called the “big six,” many regional book distributors have become a few national distributors. Now, the e-book appears to be the next big change. Nobody knows yet how they will effect publishing in the long run. In addition, with so much available entertainment- the internet, electronic games, movies, videos, etc.- the market for books is shrinking.

And for you as a writer in particular?

These changes have had the effect of shrinking shelf space and reducing the number of titles- and authors- published each month. It doesn’t matter if I’ve written thirty novels, I have to stay at the top of my game. The competition is fierce!

Would you describe one of your novels as your "favorite" - because it so easily, or, conversely, was so terribly difficult to write it?

I have to say my latest novel, BLOOD VINES, has been one of my favorites. Alex, the main character was very interesting to me, and researching the setting (Sonoma Valley, California) was so much fun. I loved the way all the pieces of the novel- setting, theme, characters, plot- fit together so perfectly.

How long do you write average on a novel?

It takes me a full year -- from concept to completion -- to write my novels. The work begins slowly and builds up speed, until I’m literally racing towards the dramatic conclusion.

You have previously written two series. The Stacy Killian series and the Kitt Lundgren series. Still appears a third novel of the series,a trilogy?

I don’t think of those so much as “series” as books with crossover characters. I don’t currently have any plans for Kitt, or M.C., but Stacy will make an appearance in the novel I’m working on now.

The Kitt Lundgren series played in Rockford, Illinois, where you are grew up. What do you still connects with the city?

My husband’s family still lives in the area. We visited just last Christmas.

Blood Vines will appear in 2010 in the USA. When will it be published in Germany, there is already an appointment?

BLOOD VINES will be published September 2011 in Germany by Droemer.

Can you tell us something about the content?

BLOOD VINES incorporates characteristics of some of my early suspense novels--secrets and betrayals, subterfuge and gothic family dynamics with the crime scene investigation and procedure of my later books. A woman travels to Sonoma, California, to unearth her past but is soon racing to discover the connection between her terrifying visions and a string of troubling ritualistic events and unexplained deaths. I’m really happy with the resulting story and fingers are crossed my readers will be, too.