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A Killer Amongst Them
Rogue Justice follows two detectives as they hunt down a vigilante serial killer who is cutting a bloody swathe through a small town. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’ve always enjoyed the dynamic of country towns. People have a strong connection to the area and the people around them. It was this concept I wanted to highlight and exploit. A killer amongst them has people looking over their shoulder believing they could be next. If the setting was across densely populated areas, I didn’t feel it would have had the same impact. Safety in numbers as they say – I didn’t want that!
Detectives Englund and Hicks are intriguing and well developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted the reader to get a deeper understanding of the person behind the badge. Their profession is one thing, but what makes up the sum of them can be completely different. While they share a common goal in their policing, how they achieve it is often a source of debate between the two. By providing a backstory to such contrasting characters, I feel allows them to evolve with the narrative and broaden the story. I love characters who you feel invested in their exploits.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Rogue Justice is a brutal and unrelenting story of revenge. Many believe there is more emphasis placed on the rehabilitation of criminals than there is consideration to the victim. I take this notion and amp it to eleven. There is also a strong sense of isolation, whether it be remote locations or the feeling of utter helplessness at the hands of a sadistic killer. The sense of unease permeates throughout the story. I also wanted to instill some levity into the narration as a sort of reprieve. I didn’t want to continually bang the reader over the head with blood and violence, although there is a lot of that! The crux of the story needed to draw you in and keep you there on its merit.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ll be leaving a rural setting in Australia and broadening my horizons across the USA. Whereas Rogue Justice took up a few broad strokes in terms of setting, this one will cover the entire canvas. A bounty hunter gets caught up in a bank heist and kills the son of a notorious crime boss. The chase is on…While my current focus is promoting Rogue Justice, I’ll soon start cranking the wheels of the publication process to get another book into the hands of those that have enjoyed my debut novel, and hopefully, pick up a few new stragglers along the way.
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Cutting a swathe through a rural community, he subjects his hapless preys to unimaginable cruelty in twisted games of cat and mouse before executing them in escalating brutality.
Detectives Englund and Hicks are tasked with tracking down a killer amidst their close-knit community, seemingly without motive.
When a young girl is kidnapped, coinciding with the release of a notorious paedophile, Englund is forced to evaluate his own position and question what justice really means.
Will Englund and the enigmatic Hicks catch the killer before the town implodes and takes justice into its own hands?
Or will they become another statistic in an ever-increasing body count?
Keep Sharing Your Story
Clear Her Name shares your personal story with the legal system in trying to clear your daughter’s name and shares all the things you learned along the way. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I want to prevent other families from going through the same pain.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the legal system?
Most people believe learning how to make the law work is difficult, but this is far from the truth. It is actually easier than we were led to believe. I learned this the hard way, but my book will awaken people about this truth.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when this all started?
Silence helps the oppressors, never the oppressed so please keep sharing your story, speak up and speak out. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but it will certainly be worth it.
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She went in for a routine dental procedure. What happened next was a nightmare that lasted for over eight years. A true story that will shock you but also raise your awareness about the legal system and your rights…
When Anne Smith’s daughter went to the orthodontist to have her wisdom teeth removed, she could never have imagined that within a few hours her life would change forever. Suffering from a severe adverse reaction to prescribed psychoactive drugs, she became uncharacteristically violent and arrested for attempted murder.
You would think that being prescribed too many wrong medications that led to her psychotic break would position the justice system on her side, but it did the exact opposite. Persecuted by her own attorneys, State doctors, and a prosecutor with false evidence who painted her as a monster, she was imprisoned, forced to take medications, and denied to be a mother for over eight years.
Witnessing this corruption and breakdown of the system firsthand, Anne sets out to uncover the truth through legal research in an attempt to free her daughter who was trapped between the crosshairs of two powerful entities – the justice and mental health systems. Success would mean bringing the lies used to railroad and condemn her daughter to the public eye, clearing her daughter’s name, and perhaps changing the justice system forever. Failure would result in a certain prosecutor and public offender continuing their reign of terror on her daughter and other families. For Anne, the latter was not an option.
Order your copy now, raise your awareness about the legal system and your rights, and learn that with the correct approach you can make a difference.
Heartbreaking and Tragic
Stolen Lives follows a team of FBI agents on a kidnapping case that has been hard to crack, and Kelliher realizes that someone on his team may be in on it. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
I spent a great deal of time on research, including the FBI website, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and various law enforcement sites. I interviewed several individuals who were critical to this novel’s success: Police Chief Jamie Graff (one of my characters in my book, though in my books he is a detective), and James Dahlke, a Forensic Scientist. I interviewed and received help from Jay Cooke and Dave Mirra, who are (Dave has since retired) working in IT and Technology.
Mostly, this book is based upon my work as an adjunct educator with the Wetterling Foundation, who works with missing and exploited families, and educates the public on keeping children safe. I also based it upon my work as a counselor, and though this book is fiction, it is heavily based upon fact: stories I heard from kids and parents in my counseling office and the work with the families of missing children. Heartbreaking and tragic. Still angers and saddens me.
Did you plan the mystery at the heart of this story, or did it develop organically while writing?
I am a “pantser.” I don’t plan ahead. I knew the story I wanted to tell, but I let it unfold in its own way. Typically, it isn’t until I am nearing the end of any book when the actual ending “comes” to me.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
This is a dark book, but I enjoyed the kids’ interaction with each other. I enjoyed the kids standing up to the adults and their willingness to speak their mind to them. Specifically, I enjoyed it when the ones needing to be held accountable were held accountable. I believe in justice, even if life doesn’t always have a Disney ending.
This is book one in your Lives Trilogy. What can readers expect in book two?
There were several loose ends in Stolen Lives. Several of the “bad guys” got away. But a sizeable portion of the next two books, besides catching the “bad guys” is how these missing kids, some of whom were missing and abused for more than a year, reintegrate back into their families. How do they get along without their informal “kid” network? What happens within the family? I answer those questions.
Lastly, George, Brett, Tim, and the Twins (Randy and Billy) play huge roles in Stolen. So, what happens to them? What are their lives like now?
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Three fourteen-year-old boys are inextricably linked by abduction and murder.
Two of them were just abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others… dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. A fourth boy, George Tokay, a Navajo, holds a key piece to this puzzle and doesn’t realize it.
Kelliher and his team have been on this case for two years. There isn’t much to go on, and each time he gets a break, potential witnesses are found dead. The stories of these boys are like loose threads on a sweater: pull the wrong one and it unravels completely. Slowly, Kelliher realizes that there may be one or more members of his team behind it all.
She Remains True To Herself
Emilie follows a young woman who struggles to find her identity during the bloody 16th century French Wars of Religion. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Curiosity about my French Huguenot ancestry on my mother’s maternal side led me to researching and writing my debut novel Emilie. All the women in my family are strong willed and resilient. I started imagining what my female ancestors would have been like escaping from religious persecution and starting their lives again in a foreign land. From there my narrative grew.
Emilie is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?
Emilie is only 16 years old and trying to find herself in one of the darkest periods in French history. Her character is quite complex. Like many teenagers she is contrary, vulnerable and flawed. But what shines through in her character is her authenticity. No matter what she is faced with, she remains true to herself.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Emilie is set in the 16th Century but the themes are just as relevant and pertinent today. The story is as much an internal story of self-discovery as an historical story of religious persecution, gender inequality, suffering and loss. The themes of overcoming adversity, love and redemption make what could be a dark story very inspirational.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have started researching the sequel to Emilie. I am aiming for a 2022/3 release.
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I Imagine A Lot Of Strange Stuff
A Viral Imperium follows an undead exiled thief who sets out to save his sister and must wrestle for control of a vicious magic that threatens to devour him. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’ve always loved characters like Iskaral Pust from Malazan Book of the Fallen, a servant of shadow who’s also nuts. A minor character, but one whom I could never get enough of. Same with Tyrion Lannister from GOT’s, with his unique wit and turn of phrase. When I decided Threadfin was undead and I gave him a magic that was trying to gobble him up, the story evolved quickly with such characters in mind. The entire world grew from Threadfin. Once I had him, I had the story, and the series. I also don’t mind admitting that I suffer from Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and during the worst times of my illness, I often imagined it was a form of magic draining the strength out of me. I imagine a lot of strange stuff, but some of that went into Threadfin’s development too. There were times, I felt undead myself. I think, without FND, I might not have created him the way I did.
Threadfin is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Threadfin isn’t a hero, at least, not in the usual sense. He’s no coward either, but he has suffered damage by experiences both real and perceived. He’ll run, if running is the best option. The one constant he’s always had in his life is his sister, and when she’s in danger, there’s no question he will do whatever he can to save her. He has a clear view of the line between the living and the undead, but even when this becomes blurred, he has a strong sense of right and wrong, of a stronger impulse to protect, even if he grumbles about doing so. Just an ordinary guy, who happens to be undead. I didn’t want him to be a hero or a typical undead character with dark motives. Threadfin is just someone who happened to be born undead, and who is thrust into situations he’d rather not be in. However, when he is, he knows what he has to do, and sets about doing it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme I explored has to do with our fear of what’s different. We see it all the time with racism, sexism, homophobia – the list is endless. Imagine if the undead existed, or giants for that matter, and they weren’t all that bad as folks go. No different from us. How would we react? Often, in society we see segregation of those not like us, those who are just too different, whether it be for cultural, religious, racial, or other reasons. I also wanted to explore the idea of magic itself. Magic can be equated with power, with the ability to harm, or to do good. If magic existed in the real world, what would that look like? Would militaries, governments, or the elite have control of it? Would some types of magic be considered evil and others good? Or would magic simply be a destructive force, all good overshadowed? I have no idea, but it’s fun to explore such themes.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on book 2, A Malignant Fetch, which is available for pre-order already, and will be on sale from November 8th 2021 on Amazon. The story will again follow Threadfin Todder and some new characters as they enter the world of the Grim. While Threadfin’s magic is on the blink, his reflection is up to no good, and feeling like the most useless undead mage ever, he sets out to find the girl who stole existence, and get them both back. Not to mention, to do something about that dratted reflection of his.
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Threadfin Todder is undead, an exiled thief with little magic worth spit. When he learns of a threat to his sister, he sets out to save her.
Brother exiled, father murdered, and hunted by a pock-faced usurper on the throne, Aiyana Todralan fights to save her people.
Pursued by a shapeshifter who wants his half-soul, Threadfin must reach Aiyana before a horde of invading giants. To succeed, he must wrestle for control of a magic so vicious, it may devour him.
Brother and sister are thrust into a maelstrom of fantastical beasts, fallen angels, and undead souls. They will discover an enemy so powerful it threatens to unravel existence itself.
A Viral Imperium is an epic dark fantasy for fans of Greek, Roman and biblical mythologies, dark magic, and lost souls.
A Dog Can Teach Us A Lot
The Amazing Adventures of Oliver the Wonder Dog follows a spirited dog on adventures around town that show readers how a positive attitude can help overcome any obstacle. Why was this an important kids book for you to write?
First off, I wanted to write it as a tribute to my dog, Oliver, who really is a wonder dog. I also wanted to deliver a positive message to the reader on the importance of courage, determination, resilience, and compassion toward others. A dog can teach us a lot about those traits.
The book shows Oliver helping people around town. What scene did you have the most fun creating?
The scene where Oliver goes into town and is greeted by the townspeople was probably the most fun to create. The illustrator added a lot of nice detail to really make it come alive. It’s a double page panoramic scene where you will notice something new each time you look at it.
What were some ideas that were important for you to explore in this book?
Overcoming obstacles in your life, helping others, and having fun in the process.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
A love for dogs and reading!
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
family will be amazed by Oliver the Wonder
Dog as he overcomes his limitations to show
that nothing can stand in your way if you
have the right attitude. Witness Oliver’s
heroics in the town of Splendorville as
he tows in a wayward row boat, saves a
school bus from danger, and even stops
a bank robbery! He manages all this
while being tempted by his favorite snack
– freshly baked donuts. His courage and
bravery payoff in the end – the whole town
shows their appreciation and honor him
with a hero’s medal. This is one impressive
puppy whose adventures will quicken your
pulse and have your heart pounding.
All The Dramas that Unfurl
Dark Angel explores the relationship between Damon and Lilliana as Damon comes back from being undercover and evil forces threaten their relationship. What were some new ideas that you wanted to explore in this book that were different from book one?
I really enjoyed writing this sequel to The Given, where both Lilliana and Damon have grown as individuals as they experienced some pretty major events while they were separated. I wanted to explore the strengths of their existing relationship, and its endurance to overcome the evil forces that tried to interfere with their relationship as they explore moving forward as lovers whilst navigating highly demanding roles and all the dramas that unfurl constantly on The Given’s grounds. The main difference I wanted to explore between Dark Angel, and The Given, was to showcase Lilliana’s strength as a mature woman who was confident within herself and her role, compared to that of a frightened teenager who was still trying to figure out who she was.
Damon and Lilliana continue to be intriguing characters in this book. Was there anything from your own life that you used to inform their development or relationship?
Absolutely. I have been with my partner for twenty-seven years, and our love and respect for each other has only grown as the years pass. I think with real love, true love, you can overcome anything this world throws at you. And that is what I wanted to get across with Lilliana and Damon’s growing relationship; if they stand together, they will not only survive, but thrive.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
That is too difficult to answer. I always get a bit of a giggle when someone is in trouble, and an unassuming character steps in and saves the day. No spoilers here.
This is book two of The Given Trilogy. What can readers expect in book three?
We’ve all read plenty of trilogy’s that have blown our mind with each instalment, and also, those that we wished had of stopped at book one. My goal for each book in The Given Trilogy, was to give my readers more than what they could expect. Book Three, The Guardian certainly delivers that, and I have received fabulous feedback from some pretty awesome readers over the past ten months since The Guardian was released, expressing their sheer delight. Although, I was told one lady almost required Valium at one point! If readers enjoyed The Given, and Dark Angel…they are going to LOVE The Guardian.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
world full of despicable mayhem. Partly to help the Officials eliminate an Underworld
narcotics epidemic, partly to escape his lust and overwhelming desire for Lilliana.
Existing day to day without him, Lilliana completes her studies, to then thrive in her role as a
leading therapist offering support to the mentally and physically wounded souls the outside
world has delivered to them. Between a hectic schedule, expected from the establishment, to
juggling free time with her friends, life flowed around her in a complex, yet meaningful way
as the years passed, longing for Damon’s return.
Five years undercover can do a lot to a man who had to fully commit himself to his role in
order to convince the black minds of society he was one of them. When Damon returns,
Lilliana hardly recognises the dangerous and unpredictable man who stands before her, but
when her eyes meet his, questions of who the man he has become, fade as memories of the
past ignite more than just an inferno of feelings.
Can Damon overcome the abuse he subjected himself, and others to whilst undercover, and
Can Lilliana forgive him his crimes? Just when they are so close to coming together, evil
forces weave their sticky web of destruction. Will they be able to finally overcome these
dangerous hurdles, or will they once again be forced miles apart?
Be That Strong Survivor
The Given follows a young woman who is sent to a special establishment to rehabilitate, but navigating her own trauma is difficult in a place filled with volatile people. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
As an empathetic individual, I’ve always struggled with the injustice that occurs in our world. Despite those who inflict pain, terror and destruction, there are always those who are ready to light the way for the fallen, who selflessly go above and beyond to lend a helping hand – the never ending saga of ‘Good Versus Evil’. That was the initial set up for THE GIVEN – and of course, a colourful cast of lively individuals who explore their own roads to healing and recovery as they develop trust and form solid friendships; despite the trauma they have experienced. That’s what heals us all, in the end. Friendship and love. And that is what I wanted to fill The Given with, strong, resilient characters that no matter their past, were able to overcome the abuse inflicted upon them, and step towards a brighter future, if they believed they could have it.
Lilliana is an intriguing character that I enjoyed following. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?
I’m a big believer on the power of a positive mindset, and the belief that with practice and setting an intention for our own lives, we can overcome any problem and reach for an abundant life filled with goodness, dear friends and healthy relationships. Our past – no matter what has hurt us or tried to cripple us…we can overcome it. We deserve that as decent humans, here for such a short time. I wanted to gift the reader with a protagonist who, despite all the hardships and trauma she endured, she still remained a loving, giving individual, who wanted to help those who had also suffered. Be a light and a friend to those in need, and not allow her past to twist her into an angry victim, but to allow her to shine and be that strong survivor, with a large, loving heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that were most important for me to explore, whilst creating such a vivid world as The Given, were topics of mental health, resilience, courage, friendships, love and the healing benefits of animals and nature.
This is book one of The Given Trilogy. What can readers expect in book two?
Readers can certainly expect a lot more romance in book two, as Lilliana and all o her friends mature, as the years go by. There will always be external sources that trickle into life at The Given, creating drama and unseen complications for our cast to explore and overcome as they navigate their increasingly busy lives, whilst juggling their friendships and hurdles that life at The Given constantly throw their way. Book two of The Given Trilogy, Dark Angel, certainly delivers more action and thought provoking scenes that set up an explosive conclusion in the third book, The Guardian.
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The world no longer tolerates vicious, repeat offenders, and deals with criminals accordingly. The survivors of these heinous crimes are sent to private establishments around the globe, known as, The Given.
The Louisiana’s Given is run by the ever charming and handsome brothers, Damon and Cam Night who are obligated by their rule to mentor, protect and offer all the wounded a safe haven, a place to heal mentally and physically, whilst coming to terms with their new life. New Given must follow strict rules and an intense regime that comes with the gift of a superior education that only The Given establishments can offer.
Lilliana becomes one of the Given, after suffering a horrific event that separates her from her family forever and she finds herself thrust into a foreign world of volatile individuals, challenging situations and unyielding rules. Her unexpected attraction to Damon Night confuses her all the more, as she tries to deal with her trauma and get a grip on her undetermined reality, amidst the broken minds of society.
Damon is puzzled by the lure the beautiful Lilliana has on him, as he continues to run the family business in a respectful manner, expected of him with his responsibilities, but finds it harder to fight his growing, forbidden attraction to her. An unexpected desire that adds to the already challenging day to day running of The Given.
Can friendship, animal therapy, education, and love weave their magic around the souls in The Given, and in time, heal the abused and injured? Or does danger and tragedy strike once too often and tear their safe haven apart? To Whom Much is Given, much is expected.
LITERARY TITAN 