What inspired you to transition from a career in rehabilitation counseling to becoming an author?
The journey to becoming a writer was long and had lingered in the back of my mind throughout the many phases of my work life. It wasn’t until I met Megan Davidson, my coach, that writing caught fire. Conceiving and writing Cupid, my first novel, will remain one of my most precious experiences.
Are there any authors or books that have particularly influenced your writing style or storytelling approach?
I love the works of many writers, and I love them for different reasons. Still, Stephen King’s courage to follow his imagination wherever it might lead and write it unabashedly has proved the most significant influence.
Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced in your writing journey and how you’ve overcome them?
In my past life, -- before writing-- work always brought contact with others daily. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed interacting with people until I became devoted to writing. Long hours and being withdrawn in thought sometimes leave me feeling cut off. To compensate, I’ve developed relationships with people who love to read, share my stories with them, and get their feedback. Social media has helped considerably.
How do you draw upon your experiences as a counselor to create authentic and relatable characters in your novels?
The qualities within myself that drew me to become a counselor are the same ones that inspired me to write. I see the world as made up of individuals, each trying to unravel their authentic selves and hoping for acceptance. The struggle for authenticity sometimes ruptures, causes suffering, and can create antagonists. In Cupid, I tried to depict the downward spiral to depravity in the character Nigel. On the other hand, if the true self eventually emerges, powerful characters are born like Maddy Reynolds in the Maddy Reynold’s series of novels-- Cupid, The Glades, The Ledger, and Pieces.
Your novels often explore themes of human suffering, tragedy, and resilience. Can you discuss how these themes influence your storytelling?
There are no safe zones. We all teeter on the precipice of tragedy. Sometimes, we fall in, and what we do determines who we become. Through their resilience, the great characters show us a path to overcome suffering and shine.
In your writing process, do you typically start with a character, a plot idea, or a theme?
Inspiration! It always starts with an inspiration. When something moves me, I have an idea for a story, and I try to unravel it from there.
Can you share some insights into your approach to crafting fast-paced fiction that captivates readers?
I put myself in the audience’s shoes and assess what is needed in any scene to keep me engaged.
How do you balance maintaining suspense and momentum in your novels while also developing richly detailed characters and settings?
After the initial draft, I reread the story repeatedly, looking for opportunities to expand characters, add plot elements, or draw in aspects of setting.
Your upcoming novel, “Pieces,” is highly anticipated. Could you give us a glimpse into what readers can expect from this new work?
Maddy Reynolds lives with Adam in her Adirondack Mountain home. Finally finding happiness and thinking the drama of her detective life is behind her, she becomes out of shape and loses much of her shooting edge. Most brutally, Maddy comes under attack by Amos Whitfield, the FBI’s most notorious serial killer. He collects body parts from his victims and taunts Maddy by leaving samples as he goes on a killing spree in her community. She is behind the eight ball and has little time to unravel Whitfield’s identity and prepare for the inevitable onslaught.
What do you hope readers will take away from your novels. “Cupid”?
I hope they will experience the excitement of a good thriller and a connection to at least a few of its characters.
Are there any specific techniques or strategies you employ to immerse readers in the worlds you create?
I try to make my stories believable and make the characters ordinary.
How do you ensure that your characters feel genuine and multidimensional to your readers?
I listen to feedback from beta readers and my writing coach to ensure depth to the characters and how well the story holds together.
Do you have any rituals or habits that help you maintain productivity and creativity as a writer?
I have used technology more In recent years. I access my novels in the cloud and often make changes on my cellphone from wherever I am when an idea comes to mind. I also use a read-aloud function to listen to my writing.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to craft engaging and impactful fiction?
Find at least one knowledgeable person you trust who will give you honest feedback, no matter how it stings.
How long have you been associated with AllAuthor? How has your experience been?
AllAuthor started helping me market The Glades in 2022 and has been a consistent and reliable partner in supporting Cupid, The Ledger, and Jacobi Park. I hope to continue our relationship with Pieces and My Ten O’clock, the novel I am working on. It has been a wonderful experience, and I am grateful.
