fuonlyknew

• Your book has a mix of mystery, business issues, US politics, family dynamics, and even horses. What did you draw on to create the story of Devious Web?

My career has spanned journalism and tech sector communications/public relations with a focus on writing about fiber optic communications. I have also owned horses for many years, so it’s likely no surprise that the main character in Devious Web is a software company CEO and an equestrian. A keen interest in US politics is also reflected in the book. Overall, I’m fascinated by mysteries and interpersonal relationships, so the twisty plot with compelling characters comes from a place of innate intrigue.

• What was your biggest challenge when writing the novel?

I found it challenging to ensure that the action launched early in the book while simultaneously introducing characters to readers. The beginning chapters of the book were the most daunting to write, knowing that readers determine their interest level in a book quickly based on the opening scenes. I’m delighted when readers tell me that they like the way the action unfolds early on and that they like the pace of the book.

• Who has been your toughest critic?

I confess that I’m my own toughest critic! When asked how long it took me to write the book, I answer truthfully that the first draft took about three months. But the self-editing process was ongoing for longer because I tend to be a perfectionist and appreciate the use of the right word or phrase at the right time.

• You published with hybrid publisher SparkPress. Why did you accept an offer to publish with them?

The short answer is that I’m an older author with a shorter publishing runway than a ‘twenty-something’ and working with SparkPress enabled getting my book into the market faster. To land a publishing deal with a traditional publisher, authors first need to enlist the help of an agent which is time-consuming. At the other end of the spectrum is self-publishing which requires no editorial vetting, given anyone can self-publish. Independent presses and hybrid publishers provide a middle ground where editorial rigor is applied but authors can submit manuscripts directly without an agent. I submitted my manuscript to SparkPress due to their reputation of quality publishing and distribution partnership with Simon & Schuster.

• After creating a series of compelling characters, do they seem real to you?

My goal with the characters was to make them authentic for readers and to do that, I visualized each of them in detail including their physical and personality traits. My characters are well defined in my mind to the extent that I can picture going for a business lunch with Tom and his investor Lawrence, having a glass of wine with Tom’s wife Miriam, or going gambling with bad boy Patrick. They certainly seem as large as life to me.

1. Have you had good feedback about your book cover and what inspired it?

Feedback on the book cover has been amazing! People love the black and red color combination and have commented that the graphic of a man about to walk into a boardroom is mysterious. The Toronto designer worked from my concept of a Mad Men graphic style, and she created the compelling design. I love the fact that there is an icon of the man on the spine of the book, and that the boardroom chair icons reappear on the back cover.

• Are you planning to write a sequel to Devious Web?

Yes, I’m halfway through writing the sequel which will be set primarily in California as opposed to the main setting of Toronto in Devious Web. Some of the characters from the first novel crop up again in the second, including popular character Detective Jason Liu. Because I typically wear black and red at signing events to match the cover of Devious Web, I’m looking forward to a different cover design for book #2 featuring new colors so I can wear something different!