An Infectious Game follows a pseudohermaphrodite microbiologist who uses her extensive intelligence to commit murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Z came to mind during a troubling period in my life when the world was collapsing around me. I needed to find an outlet for my anger, and I came upon Zoe, a troubled human being misdiagnosed at birth, bullied, brought up by two uncaring parents. She becomes part of a child molester’s twisted fantasy, and she doesn’t want to be a victim. 

How did the idea for the character’s motives come to fruition for you?

Zoe’s curiosity leads her to a stash under her molester’s house where she finds the tools she needs to further her education. Not to be bullied, not to feel less than what she is, yet always striving for excellence. That has been my life goal, too, and my desire to achieve it keeps me moving forward.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

We are unfinished. We are all flawed. That makes us interesting. I look at characters as individuals trying to become whole but facing impossible achievement. The journey of striving to become whole fascinates me.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

An Infectious Game is one of nineteen novels I have written across several categories: crime/detective, supernatural, horror, comedy/romance, faith-based, and historical fiction. All of these novels deal with flawed individuals searching for redemption, looking for the chance to be whole. I just finished a children’s fantasy called The Legends of Lake Nebagamon, and I am now writing a historical novel about James the Just, brother of Jesus. I expect it will be completed and published sometime in July 2023. Our website: pablozaragozabooks.com

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