Interview with C.S. Smith, Author of Fatal Misstep

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Fatal Misstep?

I wish I could remember! It’s been a while since I plotted this story. Caleb is the one member of Dìleas Security Agency who doesn’t show up in the prequel novella. He first appears in book 1, working for Ryder Montague in Kabul. When it came time to tell his story, I was inspired by my trips to Arizona, especially northern Arizona. As someone who grew up and still lives on the East Coast of the U.S., I was shocked at how little I knew about the prevalence of the Native American tribes in the Southwest, especially the Navajo Nation, which is the largest Native American tribe in the U.S.

I didn’t want to tell their story (not my place), but I did want to shed a tiny sliver of light on their existence and culture, while still keeping my focus on my romantic suspense story. The rest of the story, in some ways, comes from reality and what you see in the news.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Fatal Misstep, what would they be?

Hah! I’m not one of those people who curate song lists for my stories, but when I had to come up with a ring tone for Caleb (assigned by Nathan, as he is prone to do), I came up with Desperado by the Eagles. However, when I think of my guys in general, heavy metal or rock comes to mind (Metallica, Five Finger Death Punch, AC/DC, Disturbed), or when I get to the scenes where it looks like they may not make it, I get sappy (Louis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved comes to mind).

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Romantic suspense/military romance, of course—I write what I like to read! I also like paranormal romance and have begun to read romantasy, although the size of the books and the cliffhangers frustrate me.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to list! I think I have over 160 books in the unread books folder on my Kindle. Mostly romantic suspense/military romance, my paranormal author favorites (J.R. Ward, Nalini Singh), some of the popular romantasy titles (ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Blood and Ash), and some military/political thrillers that aren’t romance, as well as books on military operations.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I don’t want to give away too much, but the first scene where Caleb and Gia make love. What he does for her…I’ll leave it at that.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Nothing quirky. I light an aromatherapy candle and tell my Alexa to play relaxation radio in the background (something I can’t sing to, because if I put on Taylor Swift, I’m singing, not writing).

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Love hard. Fight harder. Every damn day. That’s how I live—and it’s the heart of every story I write.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That love takes courage. That loyalty is earned. And that no matter how twisty the road, the fight for love—and for the people who matter—is always worth it.

C.S. Smith is the author of the new book Fatal Misstep

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