Patricia Cornwell: at the morgue

Patricia Cornwell: The only medical background I have is my six-year stint with the medical examiner's office. I went to the morgue and assisted the doctors with whatever they needed. I've seen thousands of dead bodies. I always go to the labs and the morgues for the research for each book. I was also a volunteer police officer: I was bad at directing traffic.

iVillage: How did you become interested in the study of DNA?

Patricia Cornwell: When I worked in the medical examiner's office, DNA was just beginning to be used. I had to write about it quite a bit, because it's an important tool. I do a lot of research on it. The modern usage of DNA and the new technology that's being developed are very important. It can catch the bad guys, but it can also prove the innocence of those who did not commit a crime.

The future of Scarpetta

iVillage: How many more books will be in the Kay Scarpetta series? Also, because of the nature of your subject matter, have you had any clashes with 'anti-fans'?

Patricia Cornwell: Oh yes, I'll continue to write about Kay until she fires me. In answer to your second question: you're bound to have run-ins with unkind people sometimes. But most people are very gracious and kind to me. I just let the bad stuff roll off my back, and I do listen to criticism. Some of the criticism I've received from fans has caused me to take another look at my book, and even change it.

iVillage: Would you ever consider doing a series about Lucy?

Patricia Cornwell: I don't have any plans for that; I'd have to get rid of Kay if I did that. So, I doubt that Lucy will get her own series: but I'm only 44, so who knows?