Releasing October 20th, The Perfect Revenge has us counting down the days until its big reveal. This contemporary women’s fiction is part one of The Dragonfly Rises saga. The reader follows main character, Zoey. We see her grow from a scared child to a serious tough cookie as she takes matters into her own hands. This book is thrilling to read and is jammed packed with romance, street justice, drama and more. So, here’s the inside scoop about The Perfect Revenge.
What makes your book series un-put-down-able?
The main character is highly relatable, and readers will be eager to find out how she’s overcome the tough challenges she’s faced—as well as discover ever-emerging secrets about her past.
What is something interesting/cool/unbelievable you discovered while researching your book?
I patterned most of the characters in this book after real people I’ve met down through the years. The book’s central villain is a textbook narcissist, as well as a complete obsessionist, alcoholic, and (sometimes) what’s known as a “dry drunk.” As I delved deeper into these particular textbooks, I also climbed into the mind, heart, and soul of this neurotic character, which was a frightening place to be.
If you could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?
I’d choose Pink. She’s powerful and ever-ready to take a stand for what she believes in—like Zoey. The lyrics to one of her newest songs, “Hurts 2B Human,” capture Zoey’s fierce bond with herself and with those she holds dear: “You know I’d have your back…”
If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?
Zoey:
Anna Kendrick, because she can be shy and hopeless but at the same time demonstrate incredible strength.
Amy Adams, or Karen Gillan, or Rachel McAdams—all have the ability to transform from the girl-next-door who’s completely unaware of her potential, to a badass who can defeat powerful enemies.
Max:
Ray Liotta, because he can act charming while completely slimy and vicious inside.
Bryan Cranston, because can deliver a dominating presence and be extreme in the characters weaknesses.
Tell us something about you that no one else knows.
I was once kicked out of a straight-laced writer’s group for my work being too “racy.”
What three books are on your To Be Read list this summer?
What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics by Rachel Denhollander
Devoted by Dean Koontz
The New Confessions of an Economic
Hit Man by John Perkins
Recommend a book that is similar to yours. If people like X, then they’ll love your book because…
The
late Steig Larsson’s The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo shares heat and color with The Perfect Revenge, bothreplete
with intrigue and power and violence and abuse and global finances and eroticism.
The Perfect Revenge takes the reader
further inside, however, as it’s told from the first-person viewpoint of the
female lead. It’s Zoey’s story told by Zoey.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Research regarding Zoey’s biggest secret, to be revealed in Book 2.
What was the most rewarding part of writing your book?
The opportunity to inspire women to find empowerment and take control of their lives, and then to use their influence to drive society in a more positive direction.
What book made you cry and why?
The Color Purple—so many women throughout history have suffered in heinous situations against which they were powerless. That list includes my own mother, which is the driving force behind this project.
What is the second line on the 42nd page of your book?
“But any time he was gone was precious to that scared eleven-year-old.”
What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?
No matter how bad your situation, or traumatic your past, you can turn your life around and achieve self-fulfillment. I know this firsthand and have witnessed such transformation by women with much worse childhoods than my own.
Rapid Fire Questions
James Bond or Laura Croft?
Laura Croft, of course
Meat or Veggies?
Both
Skinny dipping or mountain climbing?
Skinny dipping
Formal attire or yoga pants and a hoodie?
Neither
Horseback riding or ATV?
Horseback
Kanye West or Taylor Swift?
Taylor Swift
Kittens or puppies?
Baby tigers
Ninja or pirates?
Ninja
Reading or writing?
Writing
Alice in Wonderland or Lord of the Flies?
Lord of the Flies
Coachella or Broadway?
Broadway
Chess or Fortnight?
Chess
Invisibility or mind reading?
Mind reading
London or Istanbul?
London
Miley or Selena?
I take the fifth
E.L. James or J.K. Rowling?
A potent combination
Make sure to pre-order your copy of The Perfect Revenge now!