Category Archives: Interviews
Layer of Tension
Born on Monday tells the story of two people with a shared history and whose lives are both scarred by heartbreak, who reunite under less than ideal circumstances. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Born on Monday began as a short story called “Time Capsule,” which was published in my debut collection, 50 States. The original story was very much about how those who leave a place after high school are changed, whereas those who stay behind remain the same. Billy Stevens stays in Augusta, whereas the love of his life escapes to New York City. When I started exploring this aspect of the story —wondering whether they would ever reconcile their differences —it became increasingly clear that they would have to overcome a past mired in tragedy. More than that, they would have to face several present-day threats, including someone sinister who follows Jessica Michaud home. It was in discussing the progression of this story with a close friend that her real-life experiences and my own research into stalkers would inform much of the novel’s direction.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing a thriller?
For this thriller, it was very much a matter of who knew what and when they knew it. All the characters have different perspectives on their shared past, which not only dramatically shapes how they interact with each other but also how they perceive themselves. The same can be said for the reader, too. They inevitably know more than any one character, creating an additional layer of tension, but never know enough to predict the end. Born on Monday is very much a story with secrets within secrets, and the consequences of keeping them.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially satisfying to craft?
There were several, and the two that stand out for me may be among the most overlooked by readers. I very much enjoyed crafting the chapter where Billy and his current girlfriend, Autumn, reconcile their differences. It’s a tender, heartfelt moment amid the chaos surrounding them. The immediacy and intimacy of their reunion run deep. The second is Andrea’s visit to the Kennebec Journal. She meets with her boss and mentor to discuss the story she is working on, which also touches on what journalism means in a small town like Augusta. Having worked as a journalist, this chapter allowed me to rehash some old conversations with colleagues in a contemporary setting. More than that, it underscores why I was so thrilled that Andrea, who was initially meant to be a supporting character, grew to become such a strong protagonist.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next work in progress (WIP) can best be described as a speculative thriller, blending and bending science, metaphysics, and something akin to the supernatural. It’s a continuation of the short story “Dead Ends” from 50 States. “Dead Ends” was one of the most called-out stories from the anthology and involves a young couple who take a reckless turn off a state highway in Utah and find themselves in a nightmarish government biohazard area. I’ve been relatively consistent in releasing a new book every other year, but I’m hoping to accelerate my pace so this novel is something readers can look forward to toward the end of 2026!
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In Augusta, Maine, a historic nor’easter unearths sins and secrets buried deep in the town’s past. Billy Stevens, a quarry worker haunted by loss, is drawn into a web of betrayal when a brutal crime pins him as a suspect. Jessica Michaud returns to care for her ailing mother, only to find herself hunted by a vengeful ex whose chilling threats awaken old wounds. And journalist Andrea Kearney digs into a local dynasty’s corruption as the storm’s fury mirrors the rising tide of violence.
With time running out, three lives collide in a desperate fight for survival, where truth becomes a casualty and redemption comes at a cost. Eleven-time award-winning author Richard R. Becker delivers a gritty literary thriller that digs into identity, perception, and the human condition.
Processing My Trauma
Tremor in the Hills follows a teenage girl struggling with trauma after surviving a devastating quake, whose best friend is accused of murder, and she has to help discover the truth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration: In 2007, I was with my husband and 2 young children visiting his family in Ica, Peru, when an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck. 90% of the town we were in was destroyed, and we had a difficult time getting home, although we were VERY lucky and grateful that we survived, and everyone in his family did also. 500 people died in the same town we were in. When I got home, everyone wanted to hear my story, but I did not want to talk about it, so I wrote it down and sent it to everyone I knew. The writing got a very good reception, and I have always loved mysteries, so I decided to continue processing my trauma through writing a story based loosely on my experience.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
Tremor in the Hills has been through countless edits and 3 different editors, so I think it was mainly practice, editing, and just getting to be a better writer over the years.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I hate to say it, but I think it’s a mixture of real-life experience and twisted imagination… I do believe that story development and shocking plot twists are melded together.
When will Book Two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two, with any luck, will be out in late 2026. It will feature many of the same characters. The setting is Caral, an archaeological site in the north of Peru, and answers part of the question of where K’antu went at the end of Tremor in the Hills. There will be 3 books total in the trilogy.
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Writing Organically
The Guardian’s Legacy centers around a history teacher whose strange inheritance reveals a long-buried family secret and leads him on a journey through time. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The spark came from a facsimile of a Greek coin—sent to me as a prompt for a short story that eventually found its way into a published collection. It took a few months for the idea to take root, but inspiration struck, fuelled by my love of ancient history, mythology, and the gripping twists of The Da Vinci Code, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. That tiny coin became the key to a much larger mystery, its origins entwined with lost languages and forgotten legends. From that seed, Nik and Iasos emerged—though if you ask them, they’ll insist they were the ones who found me first.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
Great question! I originally outlined the story as a five-book series—though whether it reaches five depends on how book four unfolds. Did I know where it was going? Not entirely. I had a plan, but the characters had other ideas, steering the plot in unexpected directions and demanding more involvement. I do outline scenes, but they’re more guideposts than strict rules. Writing organically allows the story to stay fluid and responsive, which I love. Of course, that means keeping close track of details and plot threads to maintain continuity. It’s a dynamic process—part structure, part surprise—and that’s where the magic happens.
Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
The bond between Nik and his grandfather, Iasos, is deeply rooted—something I relate to through my own family. No matter the distance or age gap, that connection endures. For both Nik and Iasos, family heritage and tradition are central, and that thread runs through me as well. Nik’s role as a high school teacher draws from my own teaching experience, grounding his character in something personal. While Nik’s heritage is Greek and mine is Italian, our roots intertwine. My family hails from southern Italy, where Greek ancestry isn’t uncommon. I only recently learned from my mother that my grandmother called her grandfather “Papou”—the Greek word for grandfather. That small detail felt like a beautiful echo across generations.
Can you give us a glimpse inside book 2 of the Coin of Time series? Where will it take readers?
In Book 2: The Race for the Lost Coin, Nik is pushed to take matters into his own hands—stepping beyond the law to protect what matters most. Though he offers an olive branch to Detective Sauveterre, she remains a steadfast officer, bound by duty. As the stakes rise, Nik evolves into an unlikely hero, drawing on his skills as a guardian to safeguard the coin and rescue his grandfather. Along the way, he’s joined by a hacker, a librarian, and a taxi driver—each adding heart and grit to the journey. It’s fast-paced, full of twists, and packed with myth-infused suspense.
Coming 29 November 2025—get ready to dive into the adventure.
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A three-thousand-year old magical coin, the disappearance of an old man, fanatical neo-Nazis, and the hunt by Interpol, merge in this gripping story of an ancient cover up, and the transition of an ordinary man into the guardian of the most powerful coin on earth.
High school teacher Nik Zosimos, leads an uncomplicated life until he receives a cryptic phone message from his grandfather, Iasos. He hurries to his grandfather’s finding him relaxed and pleased to see him. A few beers later, Nik leaves his grandfather’s place, stupefied and astounded. Iasos has a secret, one that dates back to the time of Herakles.
But that was just a myth, wasn’t it?
If you like Dan Brown and Wilbur Smith books or enjoys action, fast-paced dramatic shows similar to National Treasure and The Librarians, then you’ll love The Guardian’s Legacy. Award-winning author of Historical Fantasy/Adventure, Luciana Cavallaro, pens a thrilling mystery. Click the BUY NOW button at the top and find out how Nik’s life changes.
The Human Psyche
The Woman in the Ship follows the captain of a starship and the ship’s sentient AI, as they drift through the black silence of space after the destruction of Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was a wonderful and fascinating topic to write about, but the inspiration itself would involve a major spoiler for a twist in the novel, so I will have to tell you later off mic! But I have always been interested in space flight since teenage years and have had an interest in artificial intelligence since writing my previous novel Android Author. I am primarily interested in human emotions and interactions though, and putting the crew of the Ascension into such an extreme situation is a perfect way for me to delve into the human psyche and the AI element was an interesting jump point to explore what it means to be a conscious, intelligent life form.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion, or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
It is my natural style, although it has developed over the years. When I first started writing, I was always lyrical in my style, and actually, I have reigned it in over the years and learned that just because I know how to write beautiful twiddly prose doesn’t mean you always have to – a bit like not showing off all the time on the guitar in a band – not that I am in a band, well not yet anyway!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Yes, I wanted to explore childhood memories, how we remember our parents and how we can relive similar stories through different lifetimes. Mostly though, getting sidetracked from your question a bit, I just wanted to be in space! And until they decide to appoint a poet laureate in the international space station, this is the closest I can get. I woke up one morning at about 2AM and had the whole book plotted out in two hours, including names and everything. Sitting down and writing it was the equivalent of getting my space boots on and venturing out myself into, as you say, the black silence of space.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I have just finished this and another project, a comic called The Gloriously Untrue Adventures Of Sapphira which I wrote and illustrated – also set partly in space – and will be working on my new projects in January. Issue 2 of my comic and a new novel, as yet untitled, about a future society where unborn children are vetted by AI systems before they are deemed suitable for birth and inclusion in society.
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Captain Sally Arden finds herself at the heart of this drifting elegy, caught between duty and despair. Her closest companion is Nova, the ship’s sentient AI, who defied orders to self-destruct and now manifests with the personality and memories of a long-dead woman named Nova Starlight. As the remaining crew wrestles with loss, love, and fractured identities, Sally’s bond with Nova deepens into something intimate, uncanny—and possibly redemptive.
With luminous prose and a dreamlike voice, The Woman in the Ship drifts between science fiction and philosophical fable.
Redemption on a Cosmic Scale
Quantum Genesis follows a scientist on a distant planet whose experiment brings the planet to life, and reveals that an asteroid will destroy all life in ten months, and he must find a way to save everyone. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Quantum Genesis came from my fascination with the intersection of science, consciousness, and the environment. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea that a planet itself could possess awareness and agency—what if the very ground beneath us could respond to our actions? That idea, combined with concerns about ecological balance and humanity’s responsibility toward nature, became the foundation for Ghia and its relationship with Ode. The story evolved into a what-if scenario about creation, consequence, and redemption on a cosmic scale.
One thing that stands out to me in your novel is the creativity embedded in this world. What was your inspiration for creating such an imaginative world?
I wanted to create a world that felt both alien and familiar—a reflection of Earth’s potential future if we continued down a path of unchecked experimentation and environmental strain. The planet Ghia is a canvas for exploring how life might adapt and evolve under extreme conditions, blending advanced technology with an almost spiritual symbiosis between humanity and nature. The visual and atmospheric elements of Ghia were inspired by a mix of astrophysics, quantum theory, and my love for cinematic world-building, similar to how films like *Avatar* or *Interstellar* immerse audiences in otherworldly yet believable settings.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several key themes run through Quantum Genesis—sacrifice, faith versus fear, and humanity’s fragile relationship with its environment. I wanted to explore what happens when science reaches a point where it begins to blur with spirituality, and how people respond when their entire existence is threatened. Ode’s journey from scientist to reluctant savior mirrors a larger story about growth, humility, and trust in something greater than oneself. Ultimately, it’s a story about survival, connection, and the cost of both progress and redemption.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, *Quantum Genesis* kicks off this trilogy. The second book, *Quantum Mind*, is out now (https://www.books2read.com/quantummind). The third, *Quantum Entanglement*, is in the works, and will delve further into the future. The Quantum Guild of Planets is constantly pushing the boundaries of universal mysteries, and they encounter an alien race intent on severing the bond between planets and their dominant species. The Guild thrives on mutual cooperation, growing through the exploration of differences and individuality. This all culminates in a final showdown that could forever reshape the quantum limits of mind, matter, and destiny.
Here is a pretty good description of the books that are part of the Quantum Genesis Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZLNJZN5?binding=kindle_edition
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With the clock ticking, Ode must rally humanity and guide them into subterranean caverns where stasis chambers offer their only hope of survival. Empowered by Ghia’s gift—quantum-infused stones with the power to heal, teleport, and manipulate the quantum fabric of reality—Ode faces impossible odds as he races to save his people. But with fear and faith dividing the population, and the planet’s very survival on the line, Ode and Ghia must work together to overcome the impending cosmic destruction.
As the asteroid approaches, the only certainty is this: if you want to survive, you need to go underground.
For fans of sci-fi thrillers filled with high stakes and unexpected twists, “Quantum Genesis ” is a must-read. If you enjoyed books like “The Martian” and “Enders Game,” then you’ll love this gripping tale of survival and sacrifice.
Take Meaningful Steps
A Father’s Presence follows a boy growing up with a father who is physically present but emotionally distant, who decides to break generational cycles and learn how to be present and emotionally available to his own son. What was the inspiration for your story?
My middle name is Curtis. This book is loosely based on my life. My father did not meet his father until he was a teenager. This had a significant impact on not only his life but ours as well (I.e., my mother, sister, and brother). My father took lessons from the military and life in general to model his approach for fatherhood; however, that foundation wasn’t there due to his own father’s absence. To him, being there was the most important thing a father could do. I was able to build off of what my father did. This is what inspired the book. I wanted to a way to convey to men and children that may have grew up without a father that they are not destined to repeat that cycle. If they are determined to heal their traumas and seek council, they can take meaningful steps forward which can repair the damage caused from the past absence.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I am a visual person. I wanted to show positive men, black love, effective communication, vulnerability, generational trauma, and generational healing. It was important these elements were in this book. I didn’t want the book to be preachy though. I added subtle details throughout the book. For example, in the book when Curtis is at the dinner table with his son and wife, there is a wedding picture in the background. This is a minor detail some may miss, but subconsciously it is received.
The art in this book brings the story to life and has a strong emotional impact that children can relate to. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Salar Seif?
Before starting this project, Salar and I had a talk. He had done some cover art work for some of my other projects, so I was confident in his work. However, during this talk I wanted to make it clear how important this project was not just for me but for black people everywhere. It could not come across without class. My people had to be shown with dignity and care. He understood the importance and potential impact.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from A Father’s Presence?
While we cannot change our past traumas, we are responsible for healing from them. That is not easy, but it can be done. I believe this book shows a way, and I am sure there are other ways. Additionally, I want this book to be conversation starter, and it has been. Some of my friends told me they’ve had some very insightful conversations with their children after reading it. Discussions around what it means to truly be present and how they can show up better in their lives.
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The story follows three generations:
Curtis’s grandfather: Absent, leaving a wound
Curtis’s father: Present but distant, trying to heal without the tools
Curtis: Present AND emotionally available, completing the healing
Core themes include:
Breaking generational cycles through intentional growth
The difference between being there and being present
How children learn emotional skills wherever they can find them
Building the kind of father you wish you’d had
A Father’s Presence is a gentle, powerful story about how love can grow across generations when someone has the courage to learn what they weren’t taught, creating a new legacy of connection and emotional healing for their family.
Perfect for fathers and children to read together, sparking conversations about feelings, presence, and the daily work of building strong family bonds.
To Be Content
The Grass May Not Be Greener follows a little bunny bored with being a rabbit who is granted a wish from a fairy to become different animals for a day and learn what life is like for them. What was the inspiration for your story?
I’ve always loved the proverb “The grass may not be greener.” It’s something we can all relate to, no matter our age. For a kindergartener, it might be as simple as thinking someone else’s toys look more exciting or their lunchbox seems more delicious.
It’s not always easy to be content with what we have—especially in a world where ads and social media constantly show us what everyone else is doing or buying. That’s why I believe it’s so important to teach children, from a young age, not to keep looking over their shoulders at what others have. Instead, we can help them focus on their own journey and appreciate the wonderful things already in their lives. When we learn to be grateful for what we have, we build a deeper sense of happiness and confidence that lasts.
I wanted to share this message in a way that children would truly enjoy and understand—and what better way than through a story full of magic, animals, and imagination?
I found the lesson in your story valuable, not just for children but also a great reminder for adults. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I chose animals that children already know and can easily relate to. It’s easy to imagine how wonderful it would be to soar high in the sky, swim freely like a fish, or be so big and powerful that other animals run away in fear. I wanted young readers to understand why the rabbit longed to be these exciting, fascinating creatures who seemed to live such extraordinary lives—rather than just a busy bunny who spends his days munching carrots and caring for all his little ones.
Children learn best through stories, and my hope is that these tales bring each proverb to life in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and memorable—stories they’ll carry with them and maybe even share with their own children one day.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I’ve always loved writing the endings of my stories most of all. I enjoy adding a fun twist that children don’t see coming—something that surprises them or makes them laugh. In The Grass May Not Be Greener, the rabbit uses his final wish to become himself again. After using his wishes from the fairy to try life as other animals, he realizes that his own life is actually his favorite. The others might have looked more exciting, but in the end, he discovers that being himself is the best thing of all.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I’ve just finished writing Fear of the Unknown is the Greatest Fear of All, which will be released in December. Like all my books, this story uses animals to share a moral lesson. It’s set in the jungle, where a lion goes for his morning stroll and discovers a large hole with a mysterious, frightening creature inside. Curious and cautious, he asks the other animals to help figure out who or what it is—and why the creature won’t come out when he asks it to.
So often in life, we feel afraid when we face something new. Whether you’re a child starting a new school or a parent going through big changes, not knowing what’s ahead can feel overwhelming. Our imaginations run wild, and we often picture the worst.
Through this story, I hope to help children see that when we ask questions and take small, brave steps forward, the “unknown” starts to feel less scary—and with understanding often comes relief. And, like all my books, it ends with a funny twist that I hope makes the message stay with readers, leaving them smiling as they learn.
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Being a bunny is frightfully tough!
I’d love to change just for one day,
To see the world in a different way.”
Uplifting, humorous and full of surprise, “The Grass May Not Be Greener” is a charming tale about a rabbit who learns to accept himself as he is and enjoy it. Lawrence teaches the important life lesson that even if other people’s circumstances seem better than our own, in reality this is often not the case. This empowering adventure is sure to entertain and enrich young learners of all ages and be a firm bedtime favourite!
Bunny has had enough of his boring life.
Good fortune is bestowed upon him when he bumps into a fairy who helps him transform into a bee, an elephant, a snake and a fish for a day.
What do you think he discovers?
100% of profits from “The Grass May Not Be Greener” go to children’s charities. We support KidsOR, who save children’s lives in the world’s poorest countries, and The Reading Clinic, who help children with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Thank you for helping us to sustain this must needed work.
Wondering At Big Things
The Last Ghost follows a man raised by his grandparents after his parents’ tragic death, who has a passion for technology and an understanding of business, leading him to live a successful but solitary life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
That’s an interesting question. When I was a boy, my brother and I were sometimes left for extended periods with my paternal grandparents. The life they led was not all like the lives of our parents – they had different values and very different ways of viewing the world.
I loved being part of their world for even a short while – it was like stepping back in time and living a slower life. In its pace there was time for savouring small things and wondering at big things.
After my grandparents died that world was closed to me, but I never forgot its lessons. But what if I had? Worse, what if I had never been lucky enough to learn them in the first place? The realities of contemporary life – virtual connections in particular – can erode a sense of community, of belonging, of the responsibility to be considerate.
The idea of a full life as a true measure of a successful life appealed to me. I guess that was the inspiration for The Last Ghost.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the character of Joshua Stewart in the novel?
What I wanted was to give the reader a picture of how Joshua developed and changed over nearly three decades of living. What I tried to do was to suggest the reasons for his actions – his ways of thinking, of applying both reason and desire to his actions.
My work is just the start, though. The reader’s imagination puts the real flesh on the bones. For sure, you need to give readers enough to go on, but its important to leave them room to think, to imagine, and to draw conclusions. If you fill in all the blanks, you preclude that from happening. Readers are like the audience of a play – indispensable to the story-telling.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First and foremost, our disconnected world. What happens to a person when the value and importance of the next person is lost through lack of human contact?
How does that disconnectedness wear away our ethics? How easy does it become to commit a small evil when you can’t begin to understand the human consequences?
How does one small evil lead to larger ones? And what is the cost to a person’s being?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on the fourth book in The Scandalous Memoirs of General John Torrance series of historical fiction adventures. The working title is Jack and Will and I’m hoping that it will be published in late December.
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Josh’s family dwindles away and his real friends become his employees. His social life becomes nocturnal and empty of real meaning. He an otherwise solitary life, making more money than he needs, and facilitated by every modern convenience.
But there comes an unexpected occurrence, one that radically changes Josh’s needs and purpose.
LITERARY TITAN 