What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Maximum Pressure (Claudia Rose Book 9)?
I was raised in a religious cult. That meant I wasn’t allowed to mix with my classmates outside of school, or participate in extracurricular activities. I got kicked out of the cult on my 35th birthday (yay me!). Eventually, I joined the Anaheim High permanent reunion committee for my class, and as the person who sends out the notices, I started getting to know my classmates. By now, they know I’m a mystery writer and some of them are my readers. Two years ago at our last reunion I kept hearing people say, “You should write a murder at a high school reunion.” So, I did. Maximum Pressure is the result. No spoilers. What I can tell you is, one of the teachers is the book is based on one of mine.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Maximum Pressure (Claudia Rose Book 9), what would they be?
“Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam. “Yesterday” by The Beatles. “Be True to Your School” by The Beach Boys. “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Mystery/Suspense. Yep
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Dark Angel by John Sandford, His Other Self by Rylie Dark, Blowback by Peter May, Independent Sources, Melissa Miller, And a big stack of others!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The big reveal—which I am not going to reveal to you right now! No spoiler alerts.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I only wish my cat would sit on my lap! She’s not that friendly. Is it quirky that I can only write right here at my desk on my desktop computer? That’s not entirely true. When I start a new book, I handwrite my outline and notes. But otherwise, you can find me at my keyboard day and night (not the laptop! ugh)
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“With great power comes great responsibility.” Said first by Voltaire, and later, Peter Parker’s (Spiderman) Uncle Ben.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Unlike the old “sticks and stones may break your bones” idiom, words and attitudes can be deadly weapons that change lives. Always be kind.
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