In and Out of the Wild Side of Life follows a former FBI profiler as she navigates a dangerous drug investigation, ominous dreams, and personal fears while fighting to protect her family and community. What were some sources that informed this novels development?

First and foremost, the characters run the engine of the story and plots.  Dreams and subconscious ideas from me, from previous work with attorneys creates a natural progression of the series and where the characters take the story as a natural flow from me.  The characters feel real to me, so I think of their lives in a broad stroke of reality.  What would touch their lives – the same things that touch other people every day who are touched by crime.

Samantha Wright is both a skilled investigator and a fiercely protective wife and mother. How do these roles challenge and redefine her sense of identity?​

As with all women, identity is multi-faceted; family first then you have a support base committed to investigation.  Her awareness of the human side of things is keener now having a family and a tribe that supports her endeavors.  No one can do it alone without a strong foundation of family and friends being there to give her confidence, to cheer her on and catch her if she falls.  Her sense of identity has never been what she does, but who she is.

Will’s desire to devote more time to raising their children challenges traditional expectations of masculinity. What inspired you to explore this shift in his character?​

Will is a self-assured man and strives for the same fulfillment of family that Sam having more day-to-day interaction with the children has and that requires his presence.  He’s found his priorities of family, friends and love by almost losing them.  Family grounds him and in turn he wants to support his family with himself other than just financially.  Nothing says strength than going against type and taking on those things others might think detracts from him, when it actually makes him more well-rounded as a human being.  Ask any women, a man who shares in all facets of family life is a sexy man.

Your novel blends criminal investigations with romance, humor, grief, and everyday family life. How do you balance these elements while maintaining emotional depth and suspense?​

Replace the words “criminal investigations” with the word “job or work or career” and it makes the balances seem easier.  Sam’s path in life has been treacherous and dangerous but for all of us, life is fragile.

Suspense is the unknowing how the case will work out, what toll it will take, but if you have a strong network and part of the so-called job is to protect, then the object of what is causing the suspense can be clearer.  Sam and Will need to protect those they love but also those who don’t have a voice as a victim.  Skill, experience, and insight versus the crime and those orchestrating it – the balance of risk can be maintained.  Above all, laughter, jokes and self-deprecating humor brings a calming effect to the lot.  Emotional depth is letting the characters evolve and grow even when it sometimes makes them less than perfect.