A Q&A with Change The Word


–       How did you come up with your idea for “Suburban Task Force?”

 

One night the alarm went off in our house.  I was so scared I couldn’t move.  The police showed up and the back door downstairs had been broken open.  The very first chapter of the book is similar to that scene.  It was an eye opener and a wake up call that we can’t just expect others to take care of us.  We have to learn to take care of ourselves.  A couple of months after the break in had happened (we weren’t hurt and nothing was stolen) we were out to dinner with friends sharing the story.  Said out loud it was actually pretty amusing.  The story just developed from there.   
–  This is a book about some take charge women. Who did you use as inspiration for these characters?

 

The characters in Suburban Task Force are a culmination of several of my closest girlfriends.  Some would say the characters reflect one or two people specifically, however, I truly took different characteristics from a total of 10 of my girlfriends.  I am lucky to have such a funny and strong crew of ladies to use as my inspiration.
–  What sort of planning did you do in advance?

 

I had to do quite a bit of research regarding weapons and strategy.  I also tried to have an accurate description and layout of Catalina Island where the book takes place.  As an action/adventure comedy, I wanted to make sure the action was somewhat realistic and that I used the proper terminology.  However, some of the risks the characters take definitely lends itself to a less ‘realistic side’

 
–  What was the greatest lesson you learned from this book?

 

The greatest lesson I took from my book; just take the leap.  I learned that I had to believe in myself.  When I told people I was working on writing a novel, many just relayed a story about how many authors fail to get published, or how people always start writing but never finish.  I had to learn that you are responsible for your own fate.  Sure, life gets in the way and obstacles are always there to push you astray, but if you want something, you have to make it happen. 
–  What is your favorite latest read?

This is not a new book, but I had it sitting on my shelf and finally had a chance to read it the other day.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.  The writing is simply entrancing.   I could not devour enough of it.  I am utterly in awe of her writing.
–  Who is your writing hero?

Anyone who writes and takes the time to get their story into peoples hands to learn, enjoy, share and love.

 

–       What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

 Write what works best for you.  I was told to rewrite my book since it is written in the first person.  I didn’t give in and I find many people enjoy the change of pace. 
Let your friends and family give you constructive criticism and don’t be afraid to put your story out there.   Someone WILL enjoy it!
–  What’s next for you and your writing career?

 I am working on a book of Essays right now called ‘The Beginning of Why.’  Also, the sequel for Suburban Task Force should be out (hopefully) by the end of the year!
–  Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to tell any and all ‘want to be writers’ out there to take the chance.  Learn about marketing, learn about networking, but most importantly learn about what makes you happy and then just go for it! 

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