Where did you come up with the names in the story?
Ok, so first and foremost, one of the main ways I find names are by searching for “baby names” on Google. Felix (the main character’s codename) was found this way. I saw Felix. Loved it. Wrote the story without giving it a second thought. I really thought it was a unisex name, but as the years went on, and I met several people named Felix, I slowly learned that it’s primarily a male name. My bad. Not changing it. What’s done is done! Hahaha
The name Faith (Felix’s real name) is based on my Christian faith, and is the name the main character is known by for the remainder of the series. Her name is a reminder for me to always keep the faith, which is an element integrated throughout the entire series.
I chose Ashton because we have a lot of “A” names in my family, so I thought it would be fun to keep the tradition alive in my fictional world.
Juro is from Japan, and I wanted a really cool sounding codename of Japanese origin. After doing a lot of Google searching, this was the name I ultimately liked best. Unlike Felix, he maintains going by his codename for the remainder of the series (for his own privacy reasons).
Wolf was based off of a conversation I had with my brother about the character at the time. We were a couple of teenagers sitting around, playing video games, and I was telling him about my book. I can’t remember if I came up with Wolf, or if he did, but we mutually agreed there needed to be a codename somewhere in the book named after an animal, like you hear in most spy movies (i.e. Eagle, Falcon). I thought “Wolf” sounded fierce and wise. Like someone experienced you could trust.
Gary was named after a video game character from the game we were playing at the time.
The rest of the names were ones I thought sounded cool after doing some baby name searches!
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
How much I fell in love with the characters. They end up feeling like old friends after awhile. And that feeling intensifies with each book that I write about them, even after all these years. Lots of endorphins when I’m telling their stories - almost like falling in love.
Tell us more about Felix - what makes her tick?
Felix is a bit troubled when we first meet her in book one. We quickly learn that she joined the agency at an unusually young age. She was an over-achieving, success machine, right before she had a mission go wrong a few months prior. And now she’s finding herself lagging behind in her work as she’s processing a lot of feelings from the incident. As the series progresses, she regains her confidence and strength, and by book three, she’s back to full, 150% strength – maybe even stronger than before. Readers comment on this gradual character development, and seem to really enjoy her personal journey overall. What makes her tick is her desire to never allow anything bad to happen again. It really drives her to make better decisions, and push herself far (perhaps too far) with each of her missions. And once Ashton is thrown into the mix, concerns for his safety fuel her determination more than ever.
Who designed your book covers?
For the regular book covers (not the audiobook) Mom and I collaborated on the concepts for books one and four, which I feel are the strongest book covers of the entire series. She said I should use an eye on the first cover, and helped me with the suitcase concept on the fourth. I designed book covers two and three.
As for the audiobook cover, I purchased an image for Felix, then added the sunglasses, made the lipstick brighter, and changed her clothes. For Ashton, I drew him digitally. There were several variations of this audiobook cover, and I couldn’t choose. So I prayed, and was blessed with the help of about 200-250 avid audiobook listeners. They provided feedback, and I continued to make several changes until the majority voted an enthusiastic “YES!” on the cover.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Apple cinnamon and new paint. Because that’s how Felix’s home smells in Chapter 1.
Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?
It took two years to produce this audiobook. None of the actors recorded in the same room, or at the same time, even though we all have great chemistry and sound like we were really talking to each other. In reality, we were talking to ourselves in our own homes. Sometimes, it surprises me how in sync everyone sounds. That was a huge blessing, and really shows how talented the cast is.
What book do you think everyone should read?
The Bible.
Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. And as a hobby. And a passion.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
I love that indie writers are being valued and recognized by amazing readers.
Do you read yourself, and if so, what is your favorite genre?
I tend to read The Bible, Christian books from Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, and Young Adult fiction (comedy, mysteries, sci-fi, and feel good stories).
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
It would’ve been cool to write a book in The Bible based off of my personal account of Jesus (had I lived in that time and been invited to be a disciple).
Do you have any advice to offer for new authors?
YES. You can end up spending a lot more time marketing than actual writing. I’ve backed way off of overdoing marketing in the past couple of years, handed it to God, and now I’m doing better than ever in the way of sales. I can feel when God presses me to take action every once in awhile, so I do, then I let the book sit. Find that peace as early as possible. It makes the ride so much more enjoyable.
What makes a good story?
Deep characters with deep connections to one another. Good triumphing over evil every time. True love – whether it be romantic, familial, or friendly.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I have a few tips right off the top of my head. Don’t let marketing and querying to literary agents take all the joy away from the gift God has given you. Write for your own joy. Glorify God in all that you do. Don’t fall into the traps of sacrificing your values to appeal to the masses, because you never have to. Find the audience who will appreciate your work as it is, then take their feedback to heart. Enjoy the reverent relationship between author and character. Not many people get to experience that. You’re unique and get to live whole extra lives during your time here on earth. Enjoy these things and thank God for them every single day. These things will help you get through the tough times.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Bonding moments between characters. Deep, personal conversations. Revealing of pasts. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Those moments are the best to write, and even more meaningful to read once I’m done. Go ahead and roll your eyes at me, but this is what it’s all about for me.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
A fine mixture of both. I’d say my later books were a little more fine-tuned to what the readers wanted, but I was always careful to never sacrifice my values.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You lucky kid. You get to grow up to be exactly who you wanted to be. I’m jealous of you. In all seriousness though, I would say: “You’re a very blessed child of the most high God. The best things in your life will happen as long as you stay on this path of creativity. And everything you write now, the things that you feel aren’t good enough or sound immature because of your age…these things will end up being the most precious to you years down the road. You’re a wise little teenager, and you regularly give the confused, adult version of yourself meaningful advice through your writing. It turns out, you do understand this whole life thing pretty well. Enjoy this special time thoroughly and thank God for it everyday.”
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I can write the first draft in about 4-12 weeks, depending on how busy I am at the time. Then I take the following steps:
-Let the book sit for a couple of months.
-Edit it myself multiple times.
-Have an editor review it.
-Wait several weeks.
-Send it out to my beta readers.
-Wait several weeks.
-Apply feedback as applicable.
-Publish.
By the time it’s all said and done, I invest a total of 6-12 months for each book.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely. And my main fix is to take a hiatus and catch up on time with God, watch some sermons, watch my favorite old sitcoms, watch some new shows, work on a new or different creative project. Writing will always come back whenever it’s supposed to. Don’t stress about it.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
If you love action, adventure, romance, and a touch of comedy, you really can’t go wrong with this audiobook. And I can guarantee listening to this audiobook will make the dishes go ten times faster. I know from personal experience.
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