Photo: Author Kim Cresswell: Crafting Thrilling Narratives That Captivate Readers and Viewers Alike
From Romantic Suspense to Paranormal Thrillers Her Stories Redefine Genre
Kim Cresswell blends suspense and romance, captivates readers with authentic characters, explores conspiracies, and transitions into television, expanding her storytelling horizons.
Kim Cresswell stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience in the literary world, crafting thrilling narratives that captivate the hearts and minds of readers across the globe. This award-winning author from London, Ontario, has made an indelible mark with her action-packed Whitney Steel romantic suspense series, pushing the boundaries of genre through her dynamic storytelling. Cresswell’s versatility as a multi-genre writer is evident, with her works prominently featured in esteemed platforms like USA Today and Publishers Weekly, a testament to her craft’s depth and appeal.
Her venture into the realm of television with “The Assassin Chronicles” is nothing short of remarkable, adapting her gripping paranormal thrillers, Deadly Shadow and its sequel, Invisible Truth, for the screen. This expansion underscores Kim’s natural ability to weave edge-of-your-seat suspense with unforgettable characters, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting each chapter, whether on the page or screen.
In this issue of Reader’s House magazine, we delve into the mind of a literary maestro who not only delivers heart-pounding fiction but does so with a passion that inspires both her readers and those lucky enough to witness her craft. Her stories, rich with high stakes and intricate conspiracies, are more than mere fiction—they are explorations of human psychology and motivation, a dance of ambition and ethics that leaves an indelible impact on all who encounter them.
Beyond her professional accolades, Kim is also a dedicated mother and grandmother, finding joy in films, PC gaming, and true crime exploration. It is this multifaceted life experience that enriches her narratives, bringing authenticity and depth to her work. Join us as we uncover the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs of Kim Cresswell, celebrating a remarkable journey that continues to redefine the essence of suspense and thrill in contemporary literature.
What inspired you to create the Whitney Steel romantic suspense series?
It all started with a 2002 news article about Clonaid a company linked to the mysterious Raelian sect, that believes life on Earth was created by extraterrestrials who claimed to have produced the first human clone, a seven-pound baby named Eve. At the time, human cloning was unregulated in 160 countries, raising ethical and moral questions.
“What if human cloning wasn’t just a possibility but a secret reality and got into the wrong hands?” – Kim Cresswell
That real-world intrigue became the foundation for Reflection, the first book in the Whitney Steel series. What if human cloning wasn’t just a possibility but a secret reality and got into the wrong hands? What if the key to exposing the truth lay in the hands of an investigative reporter willing to risk everything to uncover it?
Can you share your experience transitioning your book Deadly Shadow into The Assassin Chronicles TV series?
Adapting Deadly Shadow into The Assassin Chronicles TV series was exciting and daunting since I hadn’t even finished writing the book when the opportunity arose. On top of that, I had never written a TV script before. Trust me, I constantly questioned whether I could pull it off. Determined to get it right, I dove headfirst into studying scriptwriting techniques. The biggest hurdle? Crafting the perfect opening scene that would immediately hook viewers. I only had one shot to make it count.
I was on a tight deadline to submit to producer Joel Eisenberg at Council Tree Productions. I pushed myself harder than ever, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There were plenty of sleepless nights, countless revisions, and moments of doubt. I kept going. The entire process was intense, but I loved the challenge. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone proving that taking risks can lead to something amazing.
Signing a development deal with Council Tree Productions was a dream come true. It led to numerous phone calls with Joel Eisenberg and a conversation with film producer/director Gilbert Adler, who produced Superman Returns, Valkyrie, and Constantine, as well as worked alongside filmmakers Richard Donner, Brian De Palma, Walter Hill, Todd Phillips, and Bryan Singer.
It’s still surreal to think about.
How do you balance action, suspense, and romance in your storytelling?
I’m a plotter, so for me, it’s about finding the right balance through plotting and pacing. I want my action scenes to be high stakes while building the suspense with uncertainty, twists, and unanswered questions. Romance is a bit different. I let it develop naturally in quiet moments, usually between the more intense scenes. I think it’s more about timing and intuition, like a dance, where everything falls into place when the characters are ready for it.
What challenges did you face while portraying a strong investigative reporter like Whitney Steel?
The main challenge was making Whitney’s role as an investigative reporter feel authentic. I needed to understand how reporters gathered and verified information and how they navigated ethical dilemmas when dealing with sensitive issues. I researched everything about investigative journalism, which helped to make Whitney’s skills more believable. Her ability to balance a demanding career, personal relationships, and self-doubt added complexity to her character without making her seem overly conflicted.
Your books involve intricate conspiracies and high stakes. How do you approach researching and building such detailed narratives?
I read about real-life scandals and corporate cover-ups to understand how secrets are kept, and conspiracies unfold. A crucial part of crafting these intricate narratives is exploring human psychology by digging into motivations like manipulation, loyalty, ambition, and guilt. I focused on understanding why people got caught up in conspiracies in the first place. Not everyone involved is inherently evil, and not everyone opposing it is a hero. Sometimes, characters do the right thing for the wrong reasons. Ultimately, it all comes down to character and motivation.
What is the most memorable feedback you’ve received from your readers?
Early in my career, one reader shared how much my books helped her through a tough time. She told me that my character’s resilience had given her hope during her medical treatment. Her words have stayed with me ever since, reminding me daily of how stories can impact lives.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to write in the suspense or thriller genre?
Read. Read. And read some more. Study the books of your favorite thriller authors, paying close attention to how they build tension, develop characters, and craft unpredictable twists. From the very first page, a great thriller grabs hold, pulling readers into a world where the danger feels real and every decision matters. The most unforgettable suspense novels make readers feel as if they’re always a step behind, racing to piece things together, only to be blindsided by something they never saw coming.
