Write, even if you feel uninspired: Kathy Reichs

Dubai - Dr Kathy Reichs dramatic work experiences as a forensic anthropologist has led her to write her mesmerising thrillers.

It was Déjà Dead, Dr Kathy Reichs' first novel that brought her to the limelight when it became a New York Times bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Dr Reichs is also a producer of the hit Fox TV series, Bones, which is based on her work and novels. Her books and television series are popular with hundreds of Dubai residents who were present on an early Friday morning to hear her speak at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature taking place at the Intercontinental Hotel at Dubai Festival City. Dr Reichs says that she is thrilled to be included with some fantastic authors at the Festival.
With a PhD in bioarchaeology, she has years of experience working with ancient skeletons. Dr Reichs has taught FBI agents how to recover human remains and collect information within a context. She uses her experience writing scripts for the TV series Bones and offers suggestions in adapting her books for the big screen. She says, "I work with the writers for Bones. They come to me with questions. I read every script, and speak up if I see something unrealistic. It's television, so there has to be a good story, and every story has to have a resolution, which doesn't always happen in real life.  I've written a few Bones episodes as well."
She remembers the first story she read and the impact it had on her life. "Growing up, I was a Nancy Drew fanatic. It'd surprise no one who knew me then that I'm a mystery writer today. I love unlocking a 'whodunit'."
Her advice to budding writers, "Write no matter what. Write every day. Even if you are feeling uninspired, write anyway. Don't accept the writer's block."
Dr Reichs has just finished writing a new novel, Two Nights. The plot is brand new, without the protagonist Temperance Brennan, with a new character, setting and premise. Two Nights hits shelves this July.
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai