What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I am in love with true crime podcasts and with internet “discourse,” specifically seeing how people’s online personas can almost always be debunked by just a little digging. Most of the deep dives only find hypocrisy or lies, but what if someone dug and found something truly sinister… and then they disappeared shortly after that?
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Vendetta by Unsecret.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Definitely thrillers, and yes, the same as writing. I’m a fan of fast-paced writing, which thrillers are always best at. Slower-burn horror and mysteries are also good, but thrillers always hit number one for me.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Currently reading The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (more literary but good so far) Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I loved writing Zack’s YouTube show, where he laid out his suspicions of Irina. He was so enthusiastic and full of life and love; though we don’t see much of him, I wanted him to make a big impact. Sometimes we root for the bad guy while minimizing the damage they cause. I wanted Zack to be the reminder of who these charming villains really are.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Not quirky exactly, but for some reason I have a hard time writing if I’m not being flooded by sunlight, so I need a big bank of windows on a sunny day or, weather permitting, to work outside. I’m in Kansas, which is very gray in the winter months, so it makes sense that I get the most done during the summer.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Tell the truth if you’re asked for it, but keep quiet if you’re not.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Almost everything you see online from creators, influencers, and commentators is meant to manipulate you into doing what they want you to do, not to make you a better person or live a better life.
