What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Of Storm and Shadows?
Of Storm and Shadows was inspired by my time growing up in my hometown of Slidell, Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina. As devastating as the storm was, it was a turning point in my life that is always there in the back of my mind. I chose Katrina as the backdrop of this novel, in part, because such a significant moment in Louisiana’s history should be remembered. I also believe it serves well the tension of a good thriller.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Of Storm and Shadows, what would they be?
“When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin explores the major themes within Of Storm and Shadows and appears in the novel at a major turning point in the relationship between two characters. The song was originally written in 1929 by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in reference to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Both the song and novel explore not only the severe storms that were devastating in their own right but also the heaviness of personal loss and the chance of rebirth in the wake of tragedy.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read an equal amount of true crime and mystery thrillers. True crime provides me with fresh ideas for my own writing and allows my mind to get a break from thinking about fiction. Reading other mystery thrillers shows me what’s been done before in the genre and keeps me motivated to explore new ways of storytelling.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the final chapter of Part One, which is Lance’s side of the story. The end of his section elevates the mystery and tension of the story, and sets the stage for Lauren’s point of view in Part Two. One of the most satisfying aspects of writing a mystery thriller is finding the ideal balance between stringing the reader along while not revealing too much. And the last chapter of Part One is exactly that.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Although not too quirky: I always need a fresh cup of coffee, I have to write in order (no jumping ahead to later chapters), I edit my previous chapter first thing in the morning before moving on to the next chapter, and my wife reads each and every chapter as I finish them.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
The more I study it, the more I realize that the Greeks and Romans may have had it right. The formal philosophy of Stoicism has a great deal to offer in the way of mental well-being and living a life that one can consider worthwhile, even in the face of hardship.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Appreciate the small things in life and don’t assign too much value to what happens to you; it’s how you react to what happens to you that is important. The material world is fleeting—but your faculties not so much.
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