Would you tantalize readers with a brief synopsis of the story?
One single scream. It was all reporter Serena Davidson heard as she put her daughter to bed. It was a sound no one else claimed to hear. Not even her husband, Sheriff Colton Davidson, believed her. Serena’s persistence drives her to investigate on her own. Will she be able to uncover the truth, or will one scream unhinge her entire world?
What inspired this tale?
I’ve wanted to come up with a Halloween inspired book for some time. I had a few horror novel ideas but I couldn’t put anything to paper. My agent challenged me to come up with a cozy mystery. I had already written so many from a detective point of view, I decided to go a different route this time, the wife of a sheriff who hears a scream where no one believes her.
Did you have to do any research – if so, what, and why?
Yes. I moved to the Georgia area three years ago, but I have not had the time to venture out to do in person research. I needed to view communities in the Peachtree City area, news stations in Atlanta, places to eat, places to get coffee, and bars/clubs in the area.
Did you learn anything new writing this book – if so, what?
The life of a reporter can be exhausting.
Who is the main protagonist of the story? Serena Davidson, reporter for Atlanta News.
Do you feel your character is relatable for readers of all ages?
I think so.
What made you write this character; were they based on a real person or something that inspired you?
She is based off of a reporter/news anchor from Long Island, NY and also based on Velma from Scooby Doo.
What should readers know about your protagonist?
She is stubborn, fun, relatable, and has a bit of a daredevil attitude.
Why are they important to you?
She is smart, funny, and uses her investigative reporting to find the truth, even if it means putting her own safety on the line.
Do you consider the main character to be good or bad, and why?
Serena is a good person, who likes to cross the line just enough to stir up some trouble.
What’s the objective of your character?
Serena just wants the truth, and to report a victim’s story.
Is there anything specific you’d like readers to know about this piece of work?
This will be a series, but each book can be read as a standalone book as well. They will NOT be part of my cliffhanger writing style.
Is there a moral or idea you’re trying to convey – if yes, what, and why?
For this book, A Scream in the Night, I wanted to bring some attention to media coverage on missing person’s cases where the individual is a person of color do not get the same amount of attention that others do.
What was your writing process like? For example, do you use an outline, or do you let the story flow as you write (“pantser”)?
I always use an outline. It is my base for each story. Somewhere along the way I deviate from it and disrupt the flow of the outline.
Do you have a writing routine? Like, do you get your cup of coffee to write in your office in silence, or do you prefer to sit on the deck with the radio playing in the background? What atmosphere is conducive to your creativity?
No routine. I write when I have a chance, preferably when everyone is out of the house or asleep.
Did any of your preference change while writing this title, and if so, what, and why?
No
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