Can you fill us in on the characters in A Wanted Man, Kadin Tandy and Penny Dardin?
Kadin is a man who once had it all, a wife and daughter, good job as a rising detective. Family. Love. Success. Tragedy took all of that away from him when his daughter was kidnapped and murdered. Heavy stuff, but all backstory when chapter one opens. His loss is the driving force behind Dark Alley Investigations and what makes it so great.
Penny, prior to meeting Kadin, was career-driven and on her way to becoming her loner-mother. Her conflicts or inner flaws pale in comparison to Kadin’s, but she’s the grounding ingredient that brings him out of his grief.
What inspired you to start writing the Cold Case Detectives series?
I love murder mysteries. I didn’t always love them, I just started to. Maybe it’s my mom talking to me from the grave. She used to love murder mysteries, too. I don’t know. DNA?
Seriously, though, it’s not the actual crime I love, it’s the way the crimes are solved. Good making evil pay. Brains and brawn tracking and catching the suspect. Ever see the show Longmire? His brain makes him sexy. Another good one is the Stone Cold series with Tom Sellick. I guess I like my heroes dark””and I don’t mean hair and eyes!
Do you have the series planned out or do you come up with ideas book by book?
I did not have my series planned. I write like that anyway. A story idea hits me and away I go. I am loving coming up with new story ideas as I get used to this new type of story line for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. Just the other day I came up with a story that I absolutely cannot wait to write. It will be book number 3 in the Cold Case Detectives series. Tall, dark and”¦you’ll have to wait for the rest!
What cold case television and radio shows inspire you?
Almost everything on ID Discovery. Forensic Files. Snapped (love the narrator’s voice””and the title!). I listen to Forensic Files on Sirius radio. Yeah, I can be a junky sometimes. But it gets my imagination rolling. Ah, to be a writer (winking).
Without giving away too much, do you have a favorite scene in the book?
Do I have to pick just one? All of the scenes where Penny pushes him toward love I have to say are my favorite. She tells him he’s safe with her, but really she’s gambling on love. He needs large doses of it and I am a believer that love can heal anyone. Love is the key to a happy life, the power over all else.
Are you attending any writer’s conferences or book signings in the near future?
No, unfortunately I don’t have time due to other obligations, but I do have a stash of giveaways I can send to readers who contact me. I’ve done that several times in the past. I love to hear from readers. It’s my way of saying thank you.
What’s the greatest response that you’ve ever gotten from a fan?
“…full of suspense, threats, action, and romance.” – Amazon Reader
I’ve also gotten personal emails from several others telling me they love one of my series or a certain book. Another said my character, Odie Frank’s character from All McQueen’s Men read like he belonged in a single title.
What would you fan cast as Kadin and Penny?
Maybe Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl (with auburn hair) in the movie Killers.
What one thing do you absolutely need while writing?
No distractions and my dog nearby. She waits patiently for me to finish because she knows her attention is coming soon!
What are you working on next?
Why, Book 3 of my Cold Case Detective series, of course. And a great new book that is part of a 2-part, 12 book Coltons of Texas continuity. I write book 6 of part 1. Awesome story! Loving writing it!
Book 2 in Cold Case Detectives comes out in September 2015 ““ Justice Hunter. Don’t miss that one!
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Song Playlist for A Wanted Man:
- The Heart Wants What it Wants ““ Selina Gomez
- Treacherous ““ Taylor Swift
- Enchanted ““ Taylor Swift
- E.T. ““ Katy Perry
- Stars Dance ““ Selina Gomez
How-to Tips for Aspiring Writers: Writing is the most important, of course. Know your grammar and how to tell a story. If you aren’t a natural, join critique groups and enter contests. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Learn as much as you can. I am still learning after having 16 books published! Easily taking offense to criticism will make your journey a lot harder. Stay positive and believe in your talent as much as you believe in yourself.
Writer’s Space: I write all over my house. My office is in a loft, and I have a living room with no TV that is open to the dining room.
Love Lessons Learned: Love heals all. Hands down.
Movie Star Cast: Ashton Kutcher and Kathleen Heigl ““ if she had dark hair.
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