What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
The idea for His First Girlfriend initially came from watching a documentary about hitmen-for-hire sites on the dark web. Specifically, the documentary maker contacted a woman whose name had been found on one of these sites. Someone had paid to have her killed, and she didn’t know who. Just imagine going through life knowing that! That initial spark grew into a much bigger story, which eventually became His First Girlfriend.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I write psychological thrillers, and I absolutely love to read that genre! I read all sorts and have a few favourite genres. As well as psych thrillers, I most enjoy reading fantasy and non-fiction that teaches me something new or makes me think in different ways.
I also occasionally read sci-fi, romance on the darker/steamier side, other kinds of thrillers, mystery, literary fiction, contemporary fiction, classics, memoirs, and autobiography/biography. And, every now and then, I’ll pick up a YA fantasy or historical fiction.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Six books on my TBR right now are psychological thrillers: Dear Teacher by Ruth Harrow and The Wife Swap by Lisa Hall. Two memoirs: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy and A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot. Epic fantasy: Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, and non-fiction: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
One scene in His First Girlfriend that stands out as having been super fun to write is the car chase scene—the action, the speed, the tension was exhilarating to get down. It left me breathless writing it, so I’m sure readers will experience the same heart-in-your-mouth suspense while reading it. I also love writing prologues and often leave them to last. The prologue for His First Girlfriend was no different. It really sets the tone and launches readers headfirst into the story. I go deep into the character’s head and give them a distinctive voice, which has just the right amount of creepiness. It’s like a promise that the story is going to be a wild ride.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I like to write in absolute silence. I know a lot of writers have music playing or enjoy writing in bustling cafes, but I can’t concentrate unless I have quiet. I always have earplugs on my writing desk. I also like to know I have a good stretch of time allocated to writing. I’m not one of these writers who can write for fifteen minutes here and there or get a few sentences down while on the train. I like a solid three-plus hours to really get into it.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
This is probably a popular one among authors… “You can’t edit a blank page.” That saying has propelled me forward on many an occasion. I like to get the words down and then edit later. I will write an entire novel and not read back any of it until I write “the end.” If I wrote a chapter and then edited it immediately, I would forever be tinkering!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
How tense and thrilled the story made them feel! I love it when I read reviews where readers say they had no idea where the story was going, that they never saw the twist coming, or that it kept them guessing until the very end. That’s exactly what I want His First Girlfriend—and all my books—to do, so that readers remember the feeling of being entertained, surprised, and satisfied.
