What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wet, Warm and Noisy?
This novel is about an Alaska State Trooper Investigator who is returning to work after a serious illness. Having battled cancer in 2019, I wrote much of my own experience into Jake Ward’s story (except for the sci-fi aspects, that is.) While this personal struggle adds interest to the protagonist, the larger story applies to us all – a journey into the unknown of human potential.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Wet, Warm and Noisy, what would they be?
For Jake Ward, I’d pick, “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John – a testament to his resilience. For Belle Anderson, I’d pick, “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. That song talks about dreams of a better life; the desire to escape her circumstances.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Having spent a career in law enforcement, I don’t read much in the way of crime thrillers. They just don’t usually come across as believable for me, unfortunately. Instead, I read speculative fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, some non-fiction and the occasional character-driven literary tale.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Some of them: “The Green Ember” by SD Smith, “If You Tell” by Gregg Olsen, “Sabriel” by Garth Nix and “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Ooh – that’s a spoiler. I’ll give a hint: it was one of the medical scenes. Loved researching the science, the medicine, and putting it all together.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I don’t know if it’s quirky, but I like a glass of wine when writing, coffee (for alertness) when editing, and I like to read out loud to see how something sounds after I write. Sometimes the best passages are terrible when you hear them out loud… arrrggh.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” I like simple things, and I hate secrets. Also, I think one should endeavor to leave every room, and every person, in a better state than when you first encounter them. I try to say something kind and maybe pick up a little trash before I go on my way.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Science doesn’t have a handle on everything; there is much yet to learn. The moment you stop imagining what could be, and decide you know how things are, you’ve abandoned one of the best parts of being human: the wonder of it all.
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