Go Back follows a tech journalist whose life is upended when she finds herself involved in a web of corruption and underground resistance. Where did the idea for this novel come from?

I thought about tech addiction and how reliant society has become on it, especially digital natives. Then I asked myself, what would happen if that technology was taken away suddenly? How would people contact anyone? Not many people memorize phone numbers. Also, many people are reliant on GPS to get around. Go Back is a sort of extreme luddite group that appeals to people’s fears of tech addiction and wanting to “detox” from it. The movement’s propaganda convinces even the president that the Centers are the only way to rid society of this horrible addiction that leads to family separation and mental health issues. Of course the movement also has other, more sinister plans as well.

What draws you to the dystopian fiction genre?

I often ask myself “what if?” or “what would people do if X happened?” I like to explore the future and what people would do if their world turned upside down. I’d like to think that my dystopia has a bit of hope in it as well.

What was the inspiration for Sarah Grimes’ traits and dialogue?

Sarah is based on some real people in my life. I was a young journalist at one time wanting to get that BIG story. That’s what she wants too. She wants to make a name for herself. Be careful what you wish for! Her character arc is compelling because, even though she is unsure of herself, her ambition and circumstances propels her to become a leader.

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

Right now I’m wrapping up a short story. My next book is a far future dystopia. It’s about the aftermath of a cataclysmic event that happens in the U.S. and how people cope with the aftermath. It is still a work in progress.

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