In an age where the search for identity is more relevant than ever, Have You Seen Him offers a gripping narrative that intertwines mystery, suspense, and personal discovery. This compelling novel follows David, an attorney who stumbles upon a shocking missing child ad featuring his own face, setting him on a tumultuous journey to uncover the truth about his origins. In this interview, we delve into the mind of author Kimberly Lee as she shares the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges faced while writing, and the themes that pulse through the narrative. Join us as we explore the intricate layers of Have You Seen Him and what readers can look forward to in this thrilling exploration of belonging and self-discovery.
But first, who is Kimberly Lee?
Kimberly Lee, JD, is a versatile writer, workshop facilitator, and editor with a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their creative gifts. Kimberly holds degrees from Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, along with certifications from Amherst Writers & Artists, SoulCollage®, Guided Autobiography, the Center for Journal Therapy, and the Center for Intentional Creativity. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Hollyhock Retreat Center, Omega Institute, Arts and Healing Initiative, and The Huntington. Kimberly’s stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve magazines. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.
- What first sparked the idea for Have You Seen Him?
Soon after we meet the book’s main character, David, he’s sifting through his mail and sees the missing child ad with his own face. The inspiration for the book is a scenario pretty similar to that—I was sorting my mail and saw an ad for a child who went missing when he was 10. The computer-progressed image showed him at 40 years old. I thought about how this boy’s family had been searching for over three decades and had never given up trying to find him. The faces haunted me. I tore it out and carried it around in my bag for a while, then sat down to write a story about it.
- Tell us about your main character. What did you want readers to understand about them from the start?
David, the main character, is an attorney who is kind of listless and unfulfilled. The adventure begins when he sees his face in a missing child ad. Although his early years were tough, he didn’t know someone was looking for him. He goes in search of the truth about his origins and encounters all kinds of mayhem—corporate villains, murder victims, accidents that aren’t really accidents—along with suspicions about the people who’ve raised him. He gets help from his no-nonsense girlfriend Gayle and a stranger with his own secrets, and he must rise to the occasion and grow as a part of this ordeal.
- What was the biggest challenge in writing this book (plotting, pacing, character voice, research, emotional weight, etc.)?
Some of the scenes really pull at the heartstrings, especially those surrounding David and his family background. When I’m writing a passage that has emotional gravity, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and put myself in the character’s shoes. I try to feel into both their state of mind and state of heart, so I can authentically write about it. When I’m done, I take a walk to let those feelings go.
- Did any character surprise you during drafting—someone who changed, grew, or took over the story?
A couple of characters who I thought of as minor developed their own backstories and became more important than originally planned. I loved that, because it meant I was truly in the flow and that the characters were so well-developed that they almost began acting on their own. What’s interesting is that these characters are mentioned the most in reviews!
- How did you handle tension and suspense on the page—any techniques you rely on to keep readers turning pages?
An early editor reminded me that thrillers need to move quickly. During revision, many chapters and several characters were cut because they slowed things down and weren’t essential to the plot. My first draft was twice as long!
- Are there themes or questions you intentionally wanted the book to explore?
Looking back over my writing, whether flash fiction, creative nonfiction, and now this novel, the theme of belonging always emerges. We’re all searching for answers to “Who am I” and “Where do I fit in?” The missing child ad was perfect for these themes, and a thriller—along with a romantic subplot—was a wonderful genre for exploring it in an imaginative way.
- Without spoilers: what moment, chapter, or emotional beat are you most excited for readers to experience?
I think readers will be stunned when David discovers the details of his adoptive father’s involvement with his biological mother.
- What kind of research (if any) went into the story, and what was the most interesting thing you learned?
Not to give too much away, but I read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and similar books, and spoke with my husband, an MD, about the hospital scenes and accurate medical terminology. I used my own background as an attorney to inform scenes in the courtroom and David’s office. I’m close to a couple of people who were adopted. Everyone has a different experience and I would never make any generalizations, but some of the feelings they’ve expressed influenced how I wrote about David.
- Which authors, books, films, or shows helped shape your taste in suspense/thrillers?
When I was in law school, I’d get up early to read John Grisham’s latest book, prioritizing that before reading the cases assigned for my classes. I think I knew deep down I wanted to someday parlay my background in law to writing fiction. Publishing this novel is a dream come true. Have You Seen Him is a thriller with lots of suspense, the genre I love most. I admire any writer who can craft a world that completely immerses me, with intriguing, quirky characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning. I love Brendan Slocumb’s work, his lush mysteries with jazz at the center. Anything by Lisa Jewell and Freida McFadden—I can’t get enough of psychological thrillers. Another favorite is Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister, The Serial Killer. I’m still waiting for the sequel to that one!
- What’s next for you—are you working on another book, a new genre, or returning to a similar kind of story?
Have You Seen Him is the first in a trilogy, so it’s back to my notebook to work on the second installment. Pen to page. A few people have asked me what’s going to happen with the characters, and to be honest, I’m not sure myself, although I have a few ideas. Robert Frost said, “No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader.” We’ll all be surprised with the next developments–stay tuned!
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