Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to write and hoped to grow up to be an author but like thousands of other people real life sometimes gets in the way of fulfilling dreams. When I found myself unexpectedly unemployed, I decided that it was now or never. To my astonishment, State of Panic was accepted by the first small press publisher that I sent it to, making me that much more determined to produce a second, more intricate novel, and to start fulfilling my dreams. Life is short – it goes by in an instant - so it’s important to spend time with those you love and embrace your dreams no matter how far out of reach they seem – sometimes they do come true. I’m an optimist/realist who likes to look on the bright side whenever possible. Before writing State of Panic I wrote several short stories that have been published in a variety of anthologies, my way of testing the waters, and am lucky enough to have supportive friends and family who understand when I “vanish” while I write. I’ve since found a job to support my writing habit and hope to become a stronger writer with each new work that I produce.

Describe your book ‘State of Panic’ in 30 words or less.

A shocking murder sets the stage. As Sierra searches for answers to her fiancée’s death, a dark truth to comes to light revealing a chilling conspiracy and a boggling conclusion.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? 

I loved these characters and plan on continuing their story. The hardest part of writing this novel was determining when to reveal the secret behind “Foxtrot” – a horrific plot involving a multibillion-dollar corporation, the FBI, and secret camps that had been in operation for over three decades. The reveal couldn’t be too soon or the story would lose its suspense, but it had to be revealed in time for readers to realize how high the stakes were in the dangerous game of cat and mouse Sierra finds herself entangled in.

What books have had the greatest influence on you?

I would have to say that over the years, certain author’s more than specific books have influenced me. No one can tell a story like Mary Higgins Clark, Evelyn Anthony, or Sandra Brown and yet I love the continuing characters created by authors such as Lawrence Block, Robert Parker, James Patterson, Ed McBain, J.A. Jance and J.A. Konrath to name a few. I enjoy authors who can hook me on a character and make a story come alive for me through that characters eyes.

Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?

I am active on the social networks, and am a member of IAN, but so far, word of mouth has been the most successful for me. I am searching for new ways to reach readers and interact with them.

How do you spend your time when you are not writing?

Is there time when I’m not writing, lol? I have a very full life – sometimes too full. In addition to my job, I care for my mom, and have pets that I adore. In the spring and summer, I love to garden and take in Chicago’s festivals. I’ve started a blog that spotlights authors and their work, and my focus has been on completing my second novel and finding new and inventive ways to market it. 

What are you working on next?

My next book, Till Death, is a psychological suspense/ thriller set in Chicago. Former psychologist turned cop, Detective Andi Lawson, is forced to close the book on the cold case she’s been working on when a cunning and bloodthirsty serial killer set on revenge targets Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast. With her partner, Alec Winters, out on sick leave Andi finds herself teamed with sexpot Nikki Fletcher, a woman with dark secrets of her own. Seasoned veteran, Detective Jay Lombardo resents that Andi has caught the biggest case Chicago has seen since John Wayne Gacy and is determined to bring her down. There are thrills and chills, family tragedies, and spine tingling suspense as two dysfunctional female detectives try to beat the odds stacked against them in the race to unmask as killer before he or she murders again.