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The Grip of Grief
Out of Mind follows a woman rebuilding her life after trauma as the shadow of her violent ex closes in, drawing them into a tense collision neither can escape. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two years ago, I published Snap Decision, the novel that precedes Out of Mind. The story ended on a cliffhanger that left readers eager for more, and their visceral responses played a significant role in inspiring the setup for Out of Mind. I still remember receiving emails from readers mentioning how they were “up all night” thinking about the ending and begging me to tell what happens next. With that, heartfelt and serious conversations with readers at various events about Paige and her life served as powerful inspiration. One woman actually growled at me for how I ended Snap Decision! Moments like that made me realize how deeply people connected with these characters and their journeys. It was only natural to continue with Paige and how she rebuilt her life.
Paige’s grief feels so tactile and intimate. Were any personal experiences or research sources especially influential in shaping that emotional texture?
First, thank you for those words. Like everyone, I’ve lost people very close to me. It is impossible to forget the grip of grief- it’s a feeling that never truly leaves. When I write, I am inside the skin of my characters which allows me to create authentic emotional depth and texture. Deep emotions pull in readers and get them to care about-and connect with- the characters. Additionally, emotional connection pushes the reader to find out what is going to happen and want to read more. People begged me to write a fifth novel. I happily obliged.
Max’s chapters are unsettling in a very controlled way. How did you balance showing his perspective without over-humanizing or glamorizing him?
Again, thank you for your words. First, Max is an unsettled character who did not deserve to be over humanized or glamorized. Because I glamorized him in Snap Decision, I knew I had to balance his perspective by constructing realistic flaws/weaknesses-such as greed- to culminate in his deserved ultimate fall from grace. Again, I inhabit my characters and walk through every scenario, hear every word to create a perspective fitting of who they are at heart.
The pacing tightens dramatically in the middle of the book. Did you always envision that rhythm, or did it evolve during revisions?
Truth be told, that rhythm truly evolved during revisions. As I worked to tighten the pace, I discovered that alternating between Paige’s and Max’s perspectives created a tense rhythm that kept the story moving swiftly and intensified the suspense at crucial points. For instance, shifting from Paige’s vulnerable moments directly into Max’s unsettling mindset allowed the tension to build naturally, as each perspective threw the other into sharper focus.
Often, the book seemed to write itself—the tension would pour out unexpectedly, especially when the characters began to take on lives of their own. As the characters developed outside my initial intentions, the suspense/tension was naturally amplified helping to create an emotionally charged story.
Author Links: Amazon | Website | GoodReads
Last year, Paige Buckley survived an unimaginable terror at the hands of a former lover. In search of safety, she relocates far from home under a new identity, hoping peace will finally come.
Driven by a flash of her former life across her television, Paige travels to Florida in search of friends who stood by her in a time of darkness. Unexpected reunions bring comfort and the spark of a new love offers a glimpse of a life she never thought she would see again.
However, fate is not done with her yet. Her new life soon begins to unravel in unforeseen ways as she learns the man who wanted her dead is in Florida and has her in his sights. Paige knows she must end this situation—for good—to protect herself and those she cares about before they all become victims.
Out of Mind
Out of Mind follows Paige as she rebuilds her life after a violent attack and the loss of her closest friend, all while her dangerous ex-lover Max Dovic remains a shadow over every step she takes. The story cuts between Paige’s attempt to find peace in Michigan and Max’s own slippery survival, creating a tense back-and-forth rhythm that carries through the book. The plot keeps tightening as their worlds drift closer again, which gives the story a steady pulse that never really relaxes.
Reading this book gave me a strange mix of nerves and curiosity. The writing feels punchy and quick, almost like it is trying to outrun the danger inside the story. I liked that. I also felt the emotional weight of Paige’s grief in a way that surprised me. Her memories show up like bruises. Small, painful, and always there. Sometimes the dialogue moves fast, and at other times the scenes linger on the characters’ inner messiness. That shift made the story feel alive. It kept pulling me through, even when the subject matter got dark.
Max’s chapters left me unsettled. They show a different angle, one that is slick and cold. I found myself rooting for Paige even harder because of how sharply the book paints that contrast. The pacing kicks up in the middle and does not really let up afterward. I enjoyed that jump in energy. Some twists were wild and maybe a little over the top, but I did not mind because the book leans into that dramatic style. It feels like it knows exactly what kind of ride it wants to be.
The story gives thrills, heartache, and a good punch of tension. I would recommend Out of Mind to readers who enjoy fast suspense, emotional stakes, and characters who carry real scars. It is a good pick for someone who wants a gripping story that stays close to the characters’ feelings and keeps the pace hot all the way through.
Pages: 293 | ASIN: B0FP7P4RJ2
Gob Smacked
Snap Decision follows a young woman in New York who becomes involved with a mysterious wealthy businessman and winds up in a dangerous situation. How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
In my work, I’ve learned that story development and shocking plot twists are closer to being the same thing than separate elements. In order to deliver the shock, I need to develop the story around the shocking plot twist I have already chosen. Story development and plot twists need one another, especially in the thriller/suspense/mystery genres. I know I want to shock my readers, more than once, if possible, which means thinking of other plot twists to toss my readers’ way. It’s so fun!
In terms of balancing the two, I begin by establishing the major plot line by developing my main characters, generating the crime, and sketching scenarios. Simultaneously, I form a sub-plot line in which I take one of my characters (or two) and throw them into the thick of an unexpected turn of events. It is when these two lines meet that the shocking plot twist is solidified. The actions and backstories of my characters are imperative in building an unexpected plot twist with the goal of leaving my readers stunned. I must admit when my readers use the words, ‘gob smacked’, ‘blind-sided’, and ‘never saw it coming’ to describe the twists makes me smile for a week.
In closing, I l have to admit I love to shock and surprise my readers and I hope to continue to do just that for a long time.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
As of now, I have a very rough frame of a sequel to Snap Decision. Lots of blue ink cover the margins of the printed copy! As a former teacher, I go ‘old-school’ by using pens to self-edit. The notes I write indicate potential plot/sub plot lines, character development and plot twists. Each day I try to spend an hour to three hours working. Those hours are spent writing, deleting, adding, marketing or simply discussing my ideas with my incredibly supportive and helpful husband. As far as publishing the sequel, my goal is a year to eighteen months. I don’t have a specific date yet. Stay tuned!
Thank you for your time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
As Paige falls into lust with Max, she ignores the red flags: how Max talks to people as if he owns them, his endless supply of cash, strange early morning deliveries to his yacht. Convinced Max is not what he seems, Fina and their friends Lindsey and Martha implore Paige to look deeper. During an outing on Max’s yacht, Paige discovers notebooks full of names, photos, and strange notes in a small, seldom-used cabin, a discovery that makes Paige agree with her friends.
After Fina disappears one night near Max’s yacht, Paige is torn between confronting Max and playing an evasive game to learn the dark truth. And when things become too dangerous, Paige realizes she’s a tiny fish in a massive pond. As Paige sinks deeper into this risky game, she must decide how to expose Max and escape with her life.
Snap Decision
Holly Spofford’s Snap Decision is a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of New York City, unfolding from January to September 2001. It follows the lives of Serafina “Fina” Manzetti and Paige Buckley, two friends from Philadelphia navigating their careers in the Big Apple. The story gains momentum when Paige encounters an alluring man named Max on her first day of work, leading to a whirlwind romance.
Spofford’s tale is a testament to the mystery genre, adeptly maintaining suspense and engaging readers with its intricate plot. Central to the story is Max, a character whose outward charm and success mask a much darker reality. Fina, working at a magazine, is assigned a story on Max, which leads to her growing skepticism about him. This doubt is echoed by Paige’s friends, Martha and Lindsey, who also harbor reservations about Max’s character. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that emphasizes the danger of superficial judgments.
Initially portrayed as a wealthy, law-abiding individual deeply in love with Paige, Max is gradually revealed to have a sinister side. This revelation about Max’s true nature and activities comes as a shock, as does the depth of his deception regarding his feelings for Paige. Snap Decision excels in delivering a series of unforeseen twists, keeping the reader engaged and invested. The eventual disclosure of Max’s occupation and intentions towards Paige are particularly startling, as is the unexpected conclusion of Paige’s story. This finale, while surprising, might strike some readers as harsh, given the emotional journey of Paige’s character throughout the book.
Spofford’s narrative is a vivid reminder of the complexities lying beneath the surface of human relationships and the peril of ignoring warning signs. Her portrayal of the characters’ emotional landscapes is nuanced, making Snap Decision a thought-provoking and memorable read.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0CL7ZHT33
LITERARY TITAN 