What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Fatal Rounds?
With this book, the character came to me before the story. I wondered what it would be like to create a protagonist with schizoid personality disorder (a condition in which people avoid social interactions and have little desire to form close personal relationships) and put her in a conflict situation where she has to make questionable choices. As someone who doesn’t let societal norms confine her, my character’s choices lead her down some ethically challenged roads.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Fatal Rounds, what would they be?
I’ll have to pick House of Misery, written and sung by none other than my sister, Jo’Rinda Johnsen and used in the Fatal Round book trailer. Although the lyrics don’t perfectly match my main character, they do fit with her “fierce and independent” nature.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Thrillers are my favorite—medical, psychological, legal, Nordic—whatever it happens to be. It’s also my preferred genre to write. I don’t limit myself to that genre, though, and I’m a fan of literary fiction, historical fiction, and mysteries too.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Cold, Cold Bones by Kathy Reichs; The Shadow Murders by Jussi Adler-Olsen; The Judges List by John Grisham; Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce; and many, many more I’m eager to read!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Maybe the last scene, but I can’t say why without giving away spoilers.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Not really, but I do enjoy having a cup of tea nearby!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
One of my favorite quotes is by Steve Jobs: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Hopefully that they enjoyed it!
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