Bestselling author Summer Augustine is a master of the law, and all things thrilling, which is evident in both her bestselling books. “White Jr’s Trial” and “A Brush with Love, A Brush the Law”, both roared onto the bestseller list, delivering a knockout punch of mystery, passion and the law in books which turn up the thrills on each and every page.
Summer Augustine is an amazingly talented writer, who after establishing a successful career as a prosecuting attorney, and then a civil litigator, turned her attention towards writing and the world is a much more interesting and hotter place because she did. Each one of her books is a delicious read – they are intelligent, full of passion and give readers an insider’s view of the legal world. We were wondering what is next for this brilliant and prolific writer, and recently we sat down with her to find out more.
White Jr.’s’ Trial (Prosecutors – LA) is your newest book, and I know fans have been clamoring for it. What inspired the storyline for this rather thrilling book?
Thanks! I’m glad you think it’s thrilling! The inspiration came from one of my other novels. In White Jr.’s Trial, the defendant is facing trial for an incident that occurred in A Brush with Love, A Brush with the Law. After completing A Brush with Love, A Brush with the Law, I thought it would be fun to display how a trial over that incident would play out in real life if excellent attorneys worked their magic in the courtroom. I also wanted to give readers a view of every angle of the criminal justice system, from all perspectives — the prosecution, the defense, members of the jury, and even the judges. It was great fun writing a global view of a criminal case! I also wanted to shed light on the fact that a criminal trial takes its toll on more than just the defendant. So, I also gave readers insights into how the alleged victim’s personal life is affected, and what the defendants’ parents go through.
When you did the final read-through for White Jr.s’ Trial what was your favorite part of the book, and why?
I smile because this is a tough call. There are so many different parts that come to mind. My personal favorite is the part where I bring readers into the jury room, after they’ve been watching prosecutors and defense lawyers strategize, prepare for trial, argue pre-trial hearings to judges, then finally begin addressing the jury. Once inside the jury room, readers can see who’s strategies worked. But they also see something far more interesting. They get to watch how the complex thoughts, feelings and life experiences of 12 different people can turn a case in one direction or another—especially in a case like this where the same evidence can be interpreted in two different ways. Lawyers like to think it’s their talent that wins or loses cases, which is important, of course, but it really comes down to who is in the jury room.
I love how you make the world of law seem so sexy and hot while creating intricate stories that draw readers in and make it literally impossible to put your books down. I have to ask because I’m extremely curious – are you still involved in the legal world? Do your two worlds ever collide?
First of all, thank you! There is no greater compliment than telling me that readers can’t put my books down! As for your question, I am still involved in the legal world. I still practice law full time, but I keep my writing entirely separate. One is pure fiction – which is far more enjoyable. Ha! The other is dead serious and leaves no room for error. So this has been a really wonderful outlet to be able to invite readers into a fictional world of law, with no consequences if things get too spicy, too sexy or too dangerous.
A good story is all about the setting, the descriptiveness, and the raw energy that captivates, all coming together to have the reader turning the pages effortlessly. Your books include all of them, and so much more, what is one of the keys that you find is critical when getting into the writing zone.
The most important thing for me, when I write, is to find the right space and the right time that allows me to completely shut out the real world, so that my mind can become completely immersed in the story I am writing. That’s how I can dive deep and really get to know these characters and explore their personal sagas and legal dramas.
Let’s change it up a bit. If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
I think I would fly! I love world travel, so flying could get me anywhere I want to be at any time. I would just hop into the air and go like Superman.
Summer Augustine’s books are available on Amazon.
