Award-winning, international best-selling author Patricia Cornwell has seen her meticulously researched crime novels translated into 36 languages across more than 50 countries. The former police beat reporter scuba dives, rides motorcycles and flies helicopters –just like her characters do.

“It is important to me to live in the world I write about,” she said. Her energy seems as boundless as her interests.

Cornwell’s most recent book in the Kay Scarpetta series, “The Scarpetta Factor”( Penguin),waspublishedlastmonth.

We caught up with Cornwell for a quick Question and Answer session in a rare moment when her feet were on the ground:

Question: The latest book or movie that made you cry?

Answer: Off the top of my head, “Fried Green Tomatoes.” I happened to catch it on TV the other night, and it always makes me cry. Although I saw “Atonement” recently and cried.

Q. The fictional character most like you?

A. There isn’t one that seems obvious, not even in my own work, although there are pieces and parts of me in many of my characters. For example, Pete Marino is a slob and often makes snap judgments that he regrets. Hate to say it, but I can relate.

In contrast, Scarpetta is thoughtful, deliberate, impeccable, which is my fantasy. However, both of us have a visceral aversion to cruelty and abuse of power, and we can be much more volatile behind the scenes than the public might imagine.

Q:The greatest album, ever?

A. “Rumours.” Fleetwood Mac is astonishingly talented. Mick Fleet-wood playing the drums—what a rush.

Q: “Star Trek” or “Star Wars?”

A. “Star Trek.” I hero-worshipped Captain Kirk and would have left my childhood hometown of Montreat, N. C., without regrets or looking back, had he offered to beam me up. I wouldn’t have even asked for a background check of his crew or worried about going to college.

For one thing, it was the uniforms. I probably shouldn’t let this out, but I love uniforms and think it’s unfair that writers not only don’t get to wear them but are expected to dress poorly. I also wanted a phaser. And still do. And I can relate to being harassed and fired at rather chronically by Klingons.

Q: You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

A. Being a helicopter pilot. Because very little I’ve ever tried to learn made me feel so insecure and scared. And I adore helicopters. And dragonflies and hummingbirds.

Q: You want to be remembered for ...?

A. Inspiring people and kindness. And, yes, creating Scarpetta, whom I wish I knew. What a cool person to have as a friend and adviser—if she existed, I mean. (She doesn’t, does she?)

Q:Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

A. Those who have had the courage to be truthful and humane, despite the cost, and have passion. Billie Jean King comes to mind.

Q: The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

A. Anything by Dr. Seuss.

Q: The best piece of advice you actually followed?

A. “Write. You do that better than anything else.” A high-school English teacher.

Q: Time travel: where, when and why?

A. Any place where I could have met Lincoln, especially if I could have somehow kept him from going to the theater on Good Friday in 1865.

Q: Stress management: Hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

A. None of the above. Solitude with a gorgeous water view, where I can write. And exercise. I love to walk and listen to music.

Q:Essential to life:Coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or ...?

A. Exercise.

Q: What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

A. Thank you for sacrificing every aspect of your personal life for the rest of us. And I hope I meet you someday.

Q:Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

A. Something I wasn’t planning on, but I had such a fantastic experience with the Lifetime filming of “At Risk” and “The Front,” I’ve decided to write a third Win Garano story. I am doing that even as we speak.

In addition, I have begun research on the next “Scarpetta” (don’t mean to tease, but in it I will reveal a secret about her past that might just stun you).