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Relying on Wits and Creativity
One Icy Night follows a twenty-year-old bassist and fugitive who gets stuck in a bar waiting out a winter storm with the sheriff while trying to hide her true identity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
“I love a story where the protagonist has to rely on her wits and creativity to survive, especially when she holds a secret or two,” says Pepper. “The winter storm itself brings out some secrets as well. As for the inspiration for Rook, I’m very blessed to have known some strong, resourceful, and brave women in my life. Rook is a combination of them and having her as the lead of this book made perfect sense. She’s smart, cunning, and has been taught by her grandmother how to be prepared in almost any situation. She’s probably as fun to write as she is to read!”
Rook Kellum just wants to get away and avoid the people who are after her, but she is compelled to help someone else, even if it means risking her own safety. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
“One of the traits that Rook does not possess is indecision. She will act, even if it backfires. She will risk her life for a stranger’s because it is the right thing to do. That sometimes comes back to bite her.”
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
“I spend 20-40 hours on a manuscript just outlining, finding ways to truly ruin a character’s life. If my characters ever met me in real life, they’d slit my throat. Then I play with the scenes and the pacing, maybe move a flashback in when I’m trying to slow the pace, or have something truly horrific happen to move the story in a new direction. It’s a marathon with sprints and runs, but never walks.”
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
“The next book is the sequel to You Will Know Vengeance entitled Running on Broken Bones. It comes out March 26th. It follows our escaped hackvict (hacking convict) Tanto as he faces not just the Mercator Agency hunting him down, but Tanto’s own body turning against him. It’ll be good for fans of Breaking Bad and Mr. Robot.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Abandoned by her now-ex-boyfriend at a dive bar in the middle of nowhere, the last thing resilient Rook Kellum needs is the local sheriff confiscating her I.D. when one phone call could expose her true identity and the reason she is on the run from the law. So when she’s trapped by a deadly ice storm that destroys the Mississippi Delta, the twenty-year-old fugitive has a plan: get everyone drunk, steal back her license (and a madman’s car), and get the hell out of town.
It is only when she escapes to a secluded cabin does Rook discover she isn’t the only one in need of rescue. As she fights her way out of one disaster just to get pounded with another, will Rook live to see the light of day?
One Icy Night is Taylor Adam’s No Exit meets Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs.
One Icy Night: 30th Anniversary of the ’94 Delta Ice Storm Edition
In One Icy Night, author W.A. Pepper presents a gripping narrative centered around Rook Kellum, a twenty-year-old bassist caught up in the chaos of the 1994 Delta Ice Storm. The story unfolds in a small-town setting, where Rook, left stranded by her bandmates, finds herself passing the time in a local bar. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as Rook interacts with a cast of distinctive characters, including the bar owner Stalin, Sherriff Roberts, and the enigmatic Riley. Pepper skillfully weaves a tale where secrets are unveiled amidst a backdrop of a severe blizzard, compelling Rook to navigate through escalating tensions and unexpected revelations.
Pepper’s writing is notable for its blend of wit and intensity, creating an engaging and thought-provoking thriller. The novel is structured around three closely linked timelines within a year, offering a deeper understanding of Rook’s past and the circumstances that have shaped her resilient and resourceful character. This narrative approach, while involving shifts in time, remains clear and coherent, enhancing the overall storytelling. The character of Rook, particularly her relationship with her grandmother and her ability to persist in the face of adversity, is a highlight of Pepper’s character development. The reader is drawn into rooting for Rook, partly thanks to the well-placed plot twists that keep the suspense high. The author’s humor provides a balanced contrast to the more action-packed and dramatic scenes, enriching the reading experience.
With its brisk pacing, engaging flashbacks, and a collection of well-crafted characters, One Icy Night is a commendable choice for fans of thrillers. Its appeal lies in the compelling combination of high-stakes scenarios, a strong female lead, and an addictive narrative rhythm. This novel is especially recommended for those who appreciate stories with dynamic action scenes and complex protagonists.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0CN5C9RHB
LITERARY TITAN 