Look and Listen

Biography

Desperate Measures wins Smart Writ Book Awards in the highly competitive Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category Selected as a winner, "50 Great Authors You Should Be Reading." Picture I am originally from Freehold Township, New Jersey and currently reside in Stuart, Florida with my husband, son, and daughter. I am a scientist and executive, formally the president of a laboratory network. In this role I have written numerous laboratory procedures and research documents. In my mystery/suspense novels I utilize my scientific knowledge in the plot but make a concerted effort to limit technical jargon to not overwhelm the reader. In some of those scenes I introduce a bit of comedy. Embarking on this new endeavor of writing mystery/suspense novels has always been a dream of mine. Once my first novel was completed I wasn't sure I'd ever receive a publishing contract but didn't give up and persevered through the rejections and continued on with my second book, Desperate Deceptions. I'm thrilled and honored that my first novel achieved such success, winning two honorable awards. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspiration

My leap into the literary arena has been a complex but exciting journey. I recognized my passion for writing in eighth grade when I wrote a descriptive essay. One day on the way to basketball practice, I saw my father come out of the principal’s office. I immediately became concerned and thought I was trouble. For what I had no idea. My father informed me that my essay was so well written, I had been placed in the honors English and Literature classes in High School. I have always loved to read and at the time envisioned myself as a best-selling author. However, I focused on my favorite subject, science, and chose Chemistry as my college curriculum. I have written numerous research papers and technical documents but in my spare time read any mystery suspense novel I could. I held onto my dream and joked that one day when I had the time I was going to write a book. When I finally took a few moments to do what I’d claimed, I thought about a suspense book I’d like to read and my fingertips started to tap away at my keyboard. I conceived the protagonist, Caitlin Martel, utilizing my scientific and executive background, and created a family riddled with duplicity. Once I delved into the plot of Desperate Measures, I realized something or someone was missing. At this juncture I created the character of Barry Solerno who plays a pivotal role in Caitlin’s past and present threatening situation. Barry ended up being one of my favorite characters. I’m particularly proud of how I peeled away his layers and gradually revealed to the readers what made him tick, one scene in particular. When writer’s block hits, I read it for a confidence boost. While writing my first book, a plot began to form for my second novel, Desperate Deceptions, which expands on the bloodline and treachery. I have two other novels plotted out, one is a sports related mystery revolving around the NFL and the other is a medical thriller. Once those are underway, I plan to construct a plot for some of the supporting characters I brought to life in Desperate Measures and Desperate Deceptions. One of course is Barry and the other is FBI Senior Special Agent, Tomas Medina. They need a storyline of their own with some deep dark secrets yet to be revealed. Speaking of secrets, that is what I enjoy most about writing and creating devious characters. Regardless of how major or minor their role is, I can’t seem to stop myself from writing something that casts suspicion on them.