Interview with Robert Liparulo
about "Germ"

Added November 27, 2006

Joyce: In the Library Reviews welcomes Robert Liparulo!

Where did the plot for Germ originate? Were you influenced by recent world events, or do you have an avid interest in medical research? And by the way, is a genetically altered virus actually possible? Are scientists already at that point?

Robert: Years ago, I read about designer drugs, which are psychoactive drugs that have had their molecular structures altered to get around drug laws. That got me thinking about how far we've come in manipulating things on the molecular level. And it dawned on me: what about viruses? My research revealed that biologists were already altering the genetic makeup of viruses. At John Hopkins, they genetically engineered a virus that tricked muscle nerve cells into manufacturing a growth protein that could cure ALS-Lou Gehrig's disease. Another biotech firm found that an altered herpes simplex virus-1 attacked only cancer cell, without harming healthy cells.

Different viruses attack different areas of the body, different tissue types. So, essentially, they are "looking" for a specific type of cell. Herpesviruses seek out the cells of nerve tissue, the avian flu virus goes right for the alveoli cells, deep in the lungs. A virus is like a key looking for the cell with a matching lock. When it finds the right cell, it unlocks it and strolls on in. The virus tells the cell's DNA to stop what it's doing and focus on replicated the virus. So now a cell is destroyed and the virus multiplies.

The virus in Germ has been manipulated to look for an additional lock-the human DNA that matches the strand encoded within it. I believe something like this has already been accomplished, that viruses have been weaponized this way. It's not a what if scenario, it's inevitable.

Joyce: As a thriller, Germ is outstanding. Yet, did you write it purely for its entertainment value, or did you want to explore some of the ethical issues associated with biological warfare? When that last page is turned, do you want readers to see the world a little differently?

Robert: I'm not sure it's possible to entertain without affecting the way a reader views the world. Pointing out truths is the surest way to engage people. So, while I do try to entertain, I'm also aware of how I'm presenting various subjects. Without being a conspiracy theorist, I do think the government is too powerful and operates in too many dark corners. I believe we have to be very careful about venturing into uncharted genetic engineering territory. I think unforgiveness festers and corrupts. My beliefs are subtly reflected in everything I write, as all authors' beliefs are reflected in their stories.

Joyce: You're very skillful at creating an atmosphere of suspense in your novels. But what scares you?

Robert: Not being in control, especially when it comes to the safety of my family. I think that's where the storyline in Comes a Horsemen, in which the dad is trying to protect his son from a killer, gets its emotional energy. I have a trilogy of stories in the works that more directly explores a person's deep desire to protect his family against all odds. It's about a SWAT sniper, who struggles with the necessity of his vocation. The main character, Byron Stone, was first introduced in my short story "Kill Zone" in the anthology Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night, edited by James Patterson.

I also tend to get creeped out by the possibility that I'm someplace where evil once occurred. You know, in a room where murder was committed or some kind or ritual sacrifice. Especially, if it's dark and spooky anyway. I'm a sucker for ghost stories around a campfire.

Joyce: You're getting rave reviews on your books. What's the nicest thing someone said about your novels?

Robert: Well, the compliment that gave me the biggest thrill wasn't a review I was in the lobby of a New York City hotel, where the first meeting of the International Thriller Writers organization was taking place. The lobby was filled with authors whom I had admired for years: David Morrell, Lee Child, John Lescroart, Tess Gerritsen. In walked the brilliant writer David Dun. David had given Comes a Horseman a glowing endorsement, and I approached him to thank him in person. In a really loud voice, he said, "I hate you! You're a better writer than I am!" Of course he was joking, but I looked around and all these great writers were staring at us. I just beamed.

Joyce: How do your Christian beliefs influence your writing?

Robert: They give me an understanding of the struggle between good and evil that serves my genre well. I know too well how the good and evil can battle in both seemingly good and seemly bad people. I think the best of us reflect God's attributes more than others do That gives them a hope and strength that our society calls heroism. They don't always know from where that strength and hope comes, but they are there and accessible, but not always easily. My stories have threads of hope and redemption running through them. As it often is in real life, those threads are not always apparent, but they are always there.

Joyce: I understand you sold the movie rights to both Comes a Horseman and Germ. Will you have any input in the writing of the screenplays?

Robert: At a meeting with the producer, I suggested a new twist at the end of Comes a Horseman, something that wasn't in the book. He really liked it, so that might make it into the movie. Otherwise, I have very little input. On Germ, however, I'm contracted to write the first screenplay, so my contribution to the finished film will be considerable. I say "first screenplay" because Hollywood is notorious for bringing in new writers to polish and rewrite even good scripts; producers are constantly massaging scripts in attempts to please stars or directors they're trying to get onboard or catch the eye of financiers who may have a differing takes on the material. Who knows what it will look like when it finally gets to the screen, but I'm going to do my best to write an entertaining movie.

Joyce: What's next? Should your fans continue to stock up on nightlights? (Hey, I need them after reading your novels!)

Robert: Oh, yeah! The next novel is called Deadfall. Unlike Horseman and Germ, the action and stakes don't encompass the globe; it all takes place around a very small town in the Canadian wilderness. But it has all the action, suspense and even technology readers kind of expect from me. Still, I think the story will surprise a lot of people-and I hope scare the stuffing out of them!

Joyce: Thank you, Robert, for taking time to answer my questions. Keep writing- we'll be sure to keep reading your books!

Robert: Thank you.

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