Blog Archives
Writing About the Emotional Fallout
A Thousand More centers around identical twins separated as infants whose buried truths are brought to light following a tragic accident. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for A Thousand More came from a dream I had in 2005. I dreamt about Michelle Carrington and Bradley Cole and immediately knew Michelle was an identical twin. As I began developing the story, Michelle’s twin was named Danielle at birth but was later renamed by her adoptive parents.
I knew I needed two names that would sound alike when shortened. That’s how Michelle became “Chelle” and her twin sister, Shelby became “Shel”.
By telling the twins’ stories in tandem, my intention was to give the reader the opportunity to build a connection with all the characters that touched Michelle’s and Shelby’s lives from infancy into adulthood.
Family secrets drive much of the plot. What fascinates you about the consequences of hidden truths?
For me, writing about the emotional fallout when the truth is revealed is both intriguing and interesting. People often believe their decision to hide the truth comes from a place of love and protection, but secrets rarely stay buried. I was intrigued by why people keep secrets and how their decisions can affect lives even decades later. When that secret is revealed, the unintended consequences create a compelling story.
The mistaken identity storyline creates both tragedy and revelation. What interested you about that narrative device?
I’ve always been fascinated by the mistaken identity storyline because it creates opportunities to explore characters who face difficult choices, experience heartbreak, yet still find hope during times of tragedy.
It was important to the storyline of A Thousand More that the name Chelle/Shel be familiar to the twin who is diagnosed with amnesia after the tragic accident. Mistaken identity was just the top layer to the depth of the story.
I enjoy writing about how characters navigate the consequences of their decisions when circumstances are out of their control. Writing a story whose characters undergo personal growth often resonates with readers. I wanted readers to experience the emotional tension and complexity of my characters’ journey.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is another family-saga romance set in a small, dusty town (not yet named) in Texas and the fast-paced world of Santa Barbara, California. The story revolves around Jessica Carter, a fiercely independent Texas bartender, and Keith Branson, a charming, confident professional who enjoys a privileged life. Their story brings all the drama of family secrets, romance, an unexpected twist, and found family.
Currently, there is no set date for availability; however, the estimated publication date will be at the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.
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When Ann Carrington’s dream of motherhood is shattered by a devastating choice in 1982, the consequences ripple through the lives of identical twins, separated at birth and raised in worlds apart. One grows up in privilege, haunted by a sense of loss she cannot name. The other, adopted by a loving nurse, finds strength in overcoming tragedy and forging her own path.
As Michelle and Shelby’s parallel lives unfold, love, betrayal, and fate draw them together decades later, culminating in a heart-stopping moment that will change everything. When the truth slowly unravels, their families must face the fallout of tragedy and mistaken identity, leading to a heart-wrenching decision.
With unforgettable characters and a story that explores the depths of forgiveness, identity, and the ties that bind, A Thousand More is a poignant testament to the resilience of the human heart.
