Hi!
Welcome to Zigzag Timeline. Can you tell us about your background as an author?
I’ve written four novels and one
nonfiction book (soon to be published). My first three novels have all been
Amazon Kindle bestsellers, including attaining #1 ranking in paid Political
Fiction and Spy Stories. My fourth thriller, “Havana Queen,” was recently
released. I’ve been covered by NBC’s Today Show, The Washington Post, the
Huffington Post, Christian Science Monitor, SiriusXM Radio and other media.
I’ve had three good agents, my last also representing the Stieg Larsson (“The
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) series. I now go it alone.
What
got you into writing?
Twenty-five years in the federal
government placed me in situations which made me say, "Fiction can't rival
this." So, I cut short my diplomatic career to have more fun writing
stories which encompass the chicanery and fecklessness of government. If you
thought Washington was out of control, then don't read my books. They'll only
confirm your worst fears about how things are done in our nation's capital.
What was the first
idea you had for your book, and how did the story grow from there?
My latest thriller is “Havana Queen.” The
magical and sad country of Cuba got under my skin during my service there as a
diplomat in the mid-90s. Yes, there was the intrigue: being constantly
surveilled and harassed by Castro's secret police; the politically charged yet
constructive monthly meetings with Cuban military officers on "The
Line" at Guantanamo Naval Base; cork-screwing in for a landing at GTMO as
mine fields exploded by accident on the Cuban side; attending policy
discussions at the White House.
Among
your characters, who's your favorite? Could you please describe him/her?
“Havana Queen’s” Larisa Montilla is a
deliciously wicked antagonist in this spy thriller. She is Castro’s chief of
intelligence, the communist regime’s highest ranking female. Larisa is
ruthless, yet seductive; hard, yet vulnerable. And she conceals a deep secret
which is found out by the protagonist, FBI agent Nick Castillo. This gives the
plot an extra charge and intrigue.
What's your favorite scene from your
novel? Could you please describe it?
“Havana Queen,” Chapter 43. Cuban spy
chief Larisa Montilla confronts her nemesis/lover, FBI agent Nick Castillo,
minutes before he is to face a Cuban firing squad. Her feelings are conflicted.
Nick combats mortal fear. The reader is kept guessing as to what will happen
next. A real cliffhanger.
What's
your favorite part of writing? Plotting? Describing scenes? Dialogue?
Description is my forte. I have a keen
eye for detail honed from my training as a news reporter.
How
long does it take you to write a book? Do you have a writing process, or do you
wing it?
“Havana Queen” took over three years of
intensive research, writing, editing and launch. I put my heart and soul into
it. I maintain a running outline to keep the plot on track.
What is it about the
genre you chose that appeals to you?
I spent twenty-five years in a career
that plunged me into war, diplomacy, espionage, and national security
decisionmaking. It’s what I know. So, I follow the old adage: Write what you
know.
Are
there any books or writers that have had particular influence on you?
Joseph Conrad, John LeCarre, Graham
Greene, Daniel Silva.
Did you ever surprise
yourself when you were writing your book? Characters who took on lives of their
own? Plot elements that took unexpected turns?
All the time.
Thanks for stopping by!
LINKS:
Page-turning suspense on power gone awry
Available at all online book sellers
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