What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Frequency – False Flag?
This book actually started out as a television pilot that came about as a result of a screenwriting contest writing prompt. Contestants had to write the first fifteen pages of a script based on a logline: a teenage girl whose home is destroyed and sets out on a journey. I am a big fan of The Wizard of Oz and grew up with family lore of a horrible Easter Sunday tornado that destroyed my great-grandparents’ home in Michigan. I swirled in a dash of eclectic characters, a sprinkling of conspiracy, and I’m excited about these characters and this series.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read a lot of non-fiction – often because I tend to write historical fiction and that helps me research.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
David Grohl’s new book. A book about John Lennon. My friend Christian Raymond just released a novel called Howl of the Ice, so I’m excited to read that. And I’m in the middle of the latest Outlander book.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I think my favorite scene to write was the scene in Emily’s grandmother’s house.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I often eat what my characters would eat. When I was writing my novels set in West Texas, I ate a lot of Tex-Mex food and barbecue. When I was writing a television pilot set in Scotland, I ate a lot of oatcakes and haggis. For this, I craved Vernors and Faygo Redpop – two “sodas” (we Michiganders call it “pop”) that can generally only be found in Michigan.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
César Chávez and Dolores Huerta put it best. “Sí se puede,” which means “Yes, (we) can!” There’s also a Don Quijote poster that reads “Creer es Poder,” which means, “To believe is to be able to.”
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That’s hard because I don’t want to give any spoilers. I suppose “don’t make assumptions about people” could suffice?
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