Interview with Paige Dearth, Author of Girls Missing

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Girls Missing?

Like so many others, I am horrified by serial killers. When I wrote Girls Missing, I cobbled together Gary Heidnik and Ted Bundy—making them a combined monster of sorts. I wrote for the women who didn’t make it out alive from these maniacs. These women were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Girls Missing gives the reader a glimpse into the impacts that a narcissistic psychopath has on their victims. Also, Rainey Paxton is a strong woman and never gave up hope of finding her friend Winnie, which enabled me to share the bond of true friendship.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Girls Missing, what would they be?

Blackbird by The Beatles.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Horror/Thrillers

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do this emotional and meditative transformation when I am writing. The subjects I write about are difficult social issues related to children. As an author, in my mind, I become each character as I am writing them. I feel their pain, horror, happiness, love, bravery, courage, and every other emotion they experience. You may have heard authors use the term method writer, well, that’s what I consider myself to be.

If I can’t physically be in the situation, I give myself the time to transport my mind into the scenes where my stories take place. I do this to where my vision is blurred by my tears (good thing I know the keyboard well). It’s important to note that the real horrors of life are far scarier than any story I can write. I work to give my novels meaning that my readers can attach to emotionally. If I can inspire one person to advocate for children with any of my stories, then I feel as if I have done my job and created change for the good. I also hope that my stories give a voice to so many voiceless victims.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” ~Ben Franklin

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

My books go deep inside crimes against humanity. These are crimes against the most innocent victims of our society. We follow each victim into adulthood and see the long-term ramifications of abuse. Through fiction, I hope to enlighten people about the horrors of abuse so we may prevent it from happening. My deepest gratitude to everyone who reads my novels. Live, laugh, love, and read Indie authors!!

Paige Dearth is the author of the new book Girls Missing

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