What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Treacherous Deceit: A Donatella Mystery?
Excellent question. Treacherous Deceit is the fourth novel in the Donatella Series, and it takes place after the events of the preceding novel, Annihilation. As a reader, you’ll witness how the characters must deal with the tragedy and the loss from the incident, while continuing to live their lives. As the meat of the story begins to unfold the underlying theme begins to emerge, how far will you go for love or to protect what you desire?
The inspiration came from two places. The first being the number of cyber security attacks that are taking place around the world. The second being how long we are willing to chase something knowing that it’s wrong for us. The goal was to intertwine the two of them into a compelling novel that you wouldn’t want to put down.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Treacherous Deceit: A Donatella Mystery, what would they be?
I imagine when Donatella is thoroughly pummeling her opponents, the song Da Rockwilder by Method Man and Redman is playing in the background.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love a good MTS (Mystery, Thriller or Suspense) novel. But if I had to pick one, it would be Suspense. When the main character is placed in a precarious position with a ticking clock, I find myself totally engrossed and I can’t wait to see how it’ll end. You pair that with a well-timed twist and I’m all in.
It’s certainly my favorite genre to write. Early in my writing career, I listened to an author interview with Stephen King regarding Salem’s Lot. He talks about the confidence he felt in writing the book and his willingness to push the envelope. I listened to the interview several times and it gave me the confidence to push the envelope which you find evident in the novels I write, especially suspense.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I recently finished Sierra Six, Mark Greaney, and Diablo Mesa, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I’m a novel behind in my Jack Reacher series so I’ll likely pick up Better off Dead followed by the second book in the Agent Zero series, Target Zero.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
One of my favorite scenes is when Agent Donatella goes to visit BJ, her technology genius. He is still in bad shape from the events that unfolded in Annihilation, and she gives him some advice that I feel will resonate with everyone who reads the book. It’s what he needed to pull him out of his despair, and I hope it does the same for any reader who could be facing the same feelings.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Aside from throwing up roadblocks for my characters . I think my quirk would be, I try something different with each novel. For example, in Hour of Reckoning, the second book in the Donatella novel, my goal was to create an antagonist that you both loathe and applaud at the same time. For this novel it was to show the impacts of misplaced love.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Don’t stress about things you have control over. For decades my friends have always said, “Nothing ever gets to you,” but that’s not true. The things I don’t have control over I don’t let get to me. I realized a long time ago; I cannot control all outcomes. For those I have some influence over, I do my best to look for the best outcome. For those I don’t, I simply remove from my mind and go on about my day.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Life will throw you endless curveballs. How you choose to deal with them is totally within your control.
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