I am a current Nurse’s Aide, working in a Home Care Agency. I graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Theological Studies and a minor in Religion. I also completed the Canadian Certificate Youth Ministry Studies held at the Archdiocese of Montreal.
I am very active with my Church. I have been teaching the Faith First Catechism Program for over ten years, played guitar and sang with the Choir, and has played the part as Jesus for their annual Good Friday play.
Lastly, I have been a writer for Montreal’s Catholic newspaper, The Catholic Times, writing various articles relating to the city’s Catholic faith.
Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
My inspiration behind my novel belongs to my favorite author, James Patterson. For over ten years, I have been reading all his novels. What I admire most about James Patterson’s novels is that he always keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat from the first to the very last page. In addition, his short chapters make his novels a fast and easy read to follow and enjoy. I find that shorter-length chapters are easier to read compared to longer chapters. The reason to this is that you would want to read more and possibly to the end since you are already on the drive of reading.
What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
My favorite genres to read and write are mystery and crime. A murder taking place and the police on the pursuit of tracking the perpetrator is truly what I love to read. That is why James Patterson is my favorite author since he masters this genre with passion and excitement. Another genre I love to read is inspirational books. A story which includes overcoming any obstacle is worth reading and reminding us that nothing is impossible. My favorite author in this genre is Mitch Albom. He teaches us that life is the most beautiful and precious gift one can have. After reading one of his novels, I can guarantee that you will look at life at a new perspective.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment?
The toughest criticism that I have received since releasing my novel was that my chapters are on the short side. Everyone has their own opinions of what should be the length of a chapter. As previously mentioned, since I am a huge fan and admire the writing skills of James Patterson, I decided to write the same length of chapters as he. Since it works for James Patterson, the concept of short chapters cannot be broken.
The biggest compliment that I have received was that I have a gripping storyline with rich and authentic characters. In addition, cinematic descriptions and character dialogues are constantly present in my novel, Killer Rumors. I tend to put lots of emphasis on the settings and interactions between characters during my story so it could become clear and easy to picture for readers as if watching the story from a movie.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?
I used my laptop when working on my novel. I always carry it with me when on the road. Whenever, I had free time such as my lunch breaks, I would write a number of chapters. As well, most of my writings would take place at night. That way, the entire day is behind me, having a clear mind when working on my novel. My laptop is not the only tool I use when working on my novel. I always have my notebook and pen right beside me. Just like my laptop, my notebook and pen are always with me. Therefore, when I think of an idea for my book, I jot it down immediately so it won’t be forgotten.
Prior of writing my novel, I took twenty small pieces of paper and wrote important scenes that flow into my story. I then filled in the pieces which help support each important scene. Once that was completed, I suddenly realized just how easy my story was flowing from the first to the very last page.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
What I look for in a book when reading for fun is lots of dialogue between the characters. When reading a story, I want to picture each scene as if watching a movie. Therefore, constant interaction and excessive descriptions on settings will help me be interested in a book.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
My favorite part of being an author is the free will of writing what my imagination desires. I was having so much fun beginning to write my novel during the first few chapters that I was portraying myself as a reader and choosing how the direction of the story should go. When writing my story, I would always ask myself if others would enjoy reading my story. As a result, I always challenged myself of becoming more effective and devoted to my work.
The least favorite part of being an author is the time-consuming of editing. I tend to identify myself as a perfectionist. As a result, I always made it as a routine of checking my work constantly, making sure there were no errors. Simply, I wanted my book to be professional as a best-times seller. Even though the editing and modification of my story took a good amount of time, I realized all that effort will be worth the satisfaction when seeing my book completed with all the passion that I put my heart into.
When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?
As previously mentioned, my favorite genres of books to read are mystery and crime. Therefore, when entering a bookstore, that genre would always be the first section I would visit. Once analyzing the latest features of those two genres, I would then head over to my favorite authors such as James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks, Jackie Collins, and Mitch Albom. Since I also love to read religious and inspirational books, that would be the next section I would visit. Author Mitch Albom would be under this category. It is always a pleasure reading books on how we could lift our souls and spirits when referencing The Bible and other religious texts. After all, religious texts teach us how we should live here on earth so we can have a secured afterlife.
What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why?
Another genre I am most looking forward to exploring during my writing career is inspiration. Since having a Bachelor’s Degree in Theological Studies and Religion and being actively involved at church, I constantly hear and witness inspirational stories. These stories could move any human being’s heart. I want people to know that miracles can and actually do occur. Prayer is a powerful tool which can do magnificent things when your heart is completely filled with love. I look forward writing books in this category as it would not only challenge myself, but to spread joy among others.
Contact the author: Email | Website | Twitter
Book Synopsis:
Join Detective Rinelli on the fearful streets of Philadelphia as he chases a madman who has nothing to lose and everything to gain- destroying the face of the Catholic Church. Rinelli discovers a hidden secret while confronting the killer that is way beyond betrayal and begins to question his faith. Could this betrayal be the killer’s momentum of not only killing Rinelli, but to complete his master plan which will affect the lives of every citizen?
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