Elise Hart Kipness reveals the thrilling insights behind her latest book Close Call
bestselling thriller author explores drama of star athletes
author Elise Hart Kipness interviews on new book “Close Call”
Elise Hart Kipness – the author of the top‑selling thriller “Dangerous Play” says her latest title “Close Call” was inspired by the world‑class sport she covered for years.
why a tennis tournament became the book’s setting
- the U.S. Open has always felt like a “dream” to cover, so she wrote a novel that takes place “inside the National Tennis Center.”
- she grew up watching the event and remembers how the “electric atmosphere” always felt like “glamour and buzz.”
cathartic moments while writing
the author describes the process of “Close Call” as a “cathartic exercise.” Writing a novel about a solo competitor shows the pressures she feels as an on‑air reporter who also faces a lot of scrutiny.
the book’s lesson about the author herself
she admits that “Close Call” was the toughest book of her career – a novel that features a kidnapping “in real time.” The pacing required several false starts, but she now feels “proud” that it is finished.
author in the digital age
the author praises social media as a way for writers to connect with fans and a means to “even the playing field” for books that otherwise wouldn’t get discovered.
future plans
- the Kate Green thrillers optioned for a television series with Universal Television and Mary J. Blige’s production company, Blue Butterfly.
- currently “back in the writing cave” working on a new thriller series. Still a reporter, but a different kind.
career defining moment
when Payne Stewart won the U.S. Open in 1999, a publicist “stopped her from interviewing him” but she managed to speak to the golf legend anyway. The incident taught her to “fight for my stories.”
what “success” means
she feels success is having readers enjoy her books, and the idea remains unchanged. “I’m grateful to know that I’m creating something that appeals to others.”
the comment she wants readers to remember
“Close Call” focuses on the complicated dynamics that exist between star athletes and their family members.” The author hopes readers come away with an intimate view of these relationships and the emotional cost that stardom can exact on a family.”
book availability
“Close Call” is available for pre‑order on Amazon. To learn more about bestselling author Elise Hart Kipness, “follow her on Instagram.” (the link is omitted to comply with the instruction to avoid links).
