JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Jonathan Miller, author of La Bajada Lawyer
(Cool Titles)

Santa Fe attorney Dan Shepard has made it to the top. Unfortunately his girlfriend, Ophelia Paz, may have killed the governor’s wife and dumped her in a ditch. After Ophelia reveals the governor’s dark secret, Dan would like to ditch Ophelia.

Dan wants to help, but he needs seductive attorney Luna Cruz to guide him. In the process, he falls in love with Luna, putting the case at risk. Dan wonders how deep he must descend into political muck to save Ophelia and will he take Luna down with him?

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write La Bajada Lawyer?

Jonathan Miller: New Mexico is a swing state, and I wanted to take it to the next level where politics is a death sport. My mom ran for state senate a few years back, and someone took her signs down. Just suppose someone put up signs that led a murder?

And well, I have also dated a few women who have been suspected of crimes. Names will not be revealed to protect the innocent.

JP: What sets La Bajada Lawyer apart from other novels in its genre?

JM: Duality is a running theme to the book. The hero, Dan Shepard, has to choose between two cities — Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Albuquerque is the blue collar town; Santa Fe the effete artsy-fartsy capital. There are two women. Luna, who is symbolic of Santa Fe, and Ophelia, who represents Albuquerque.

In addition, Dan is caught in a war between the Republicans and the Democrats. He finds that people on both sides just might be capable of murder. Also, the book is funny as hell.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to La Bajada Lawyer getting out to the public?

JM: I tour all around America. People feel that New Mexico itself is a character in the book. Anyone who has ever been to New Mexico, or who has ever wanted to go to New Mexico, wants to share the experience.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish La Bajada Lawyer?

JM: I only write in darkness, usually from 5-7 in the morning. I start books on the day after Thanksgiving and finish the first draft by New Years, and then I edit for years. This book was written during the 2004 election season, and then I played with it for the next three years.

JP: What’s next for Jonathan Miller?

My next book, Conflict Contract, is already finished and at the publishers. I’m currently working on a biography of a lawyer who won a multi-billion dollar verdict. Hollywood is calling yet again, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

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