What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Kane’s Reckoning was originally slated to be the first book in my Mill Creek Mystique series, a town inspired by a place where I spent summers with my family. Ultimately, my publisher decided that this story wouldn’t be the first book in the series and set it aside for Trent’s Redemption, my debut novel. While the mining elements are not the main focus of Kane’s Reckoning, all the mining details in this story are nods to my father, a humble miner. At the time that I interviewed him as part of the research and planning stages of this story, he was living with Parkinson’s disease, which limited everything he loved doing, both cognitively and physically. Finding common ground for engagement became increasingly difficult, but when he talked about mining, he traveled back in time and found some happiness.
Even though I knew that not every story or detail would make it into the story, it allowed him to contribute. He had a purpose, and it was clear in every conversation how proud he was of his history. Unfortunately, my father passed away just before Trent’s Redemption was published, which broke my heart. Continuing the Mill Creek Mystique series with Kane’s Reckoning became very difficult to write. I had tried countless times to keep working on it, but my heart wasn’t ready. The stack of notes from my interviews, every page I reviewed and revised, brought me back to my dad’s room and all those conversations where he became part of its fabric. Finally, I’m ready to share Kane and Annika’s story, which is set just before the start of the events in Trent’s Redemption. Since this series is standalone, you can read these books in any order.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Annika: Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down”
Kane: Elton John’s “The One”
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
A good book is my favorite genre! That said, I’m a sucker for well-earned happily-ever-afters, as well as for thrillers and mysteries.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Dead Fall by Brad Thor
The Detective’s Daughter by Ericka Spindler
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There were several, but one that stands out is the banter and love between the men and women of Mill Creek when the men returned from the softball game. Their deep bond of friendship and found family is always fun.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Oddly enough, no, which is boring, I know. I do listen to music or gaming soundtracks while I write, and I talk to myself. One thing my husband always comments on is my facial expressions when I\'m immersed in typing my story.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Find an adventure that makes you smile.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Hold on to those you love, tell them often how much you love them, and cherish the beautiful memories of the time spent together.
Bailey Thomas is the author of the new book Kane's Reckoning (Mill Creek Mystique Book 4)
Connect with Bailey Thomas
