What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
My husband and I went on a trip driving down the California coast. We stopped at a resort town that had just finished its tourism season, and the entire place was a ghost town. It made me wonder what life is like for people who live in resort towns all year long—who are they? Why are they there? Why do they stay?
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
For my protagonist, Celia Jamison, the song I think of is “Uninvited,” written by Alanis Morissette, but the cover version by Bellsaint.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read in seasons. For the summer, I love murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. In autumn, I tend to find books that have plenty of symbolism and heart. In the winter, I read a lot of things with a paranormal slant, and in the spring, I tend to look for nonfiction, such as biographies.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I hate to admit it, but at the moment I do not have a TBR pile (which is unusual). I will probably start looking for books that connect with my seasonal mood reading.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the murder of Driftwood Cove’s lovable hoarder. I enjoyed trying to put myself in her shoes and imagining the invasion of the fortress she had built around herself that could no longer protect her.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I generally like to write in the same place every time. I think it’s important, even if the project is done in another room from other projects, to keep that habit. Returning to the same place each time I start to write is an immediate trigger, signaling that I am there to work.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
The philosophy I live by is that every character has a fully lived life before the story begins. This leads to well-rounded, believable characters and adds to the book.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
To remember what it is to be human. We all make mistakes. Hopefully we learn from them.