What genre do you write and why?
My first novel, The Guardian’s Wildchild, started out as a mysticism
crime suspense/thriller. Then Bart, my irrepressible muse, added romance. I
resisted. As the Borg say, resistance was futile. I mean really, how does a
hardnosed, by the book naval captain get romantically involved with a
rebellious woman who is scheduled for execution on his ship? Bart insisted.
Turned out that little plot twist saved the captain’s life. When I began to
write Forbidden, I should have figured Bart would again sneak in romance to my
international suspense/thriller. But who would guess that a Middle Eastern
Muslim cop would get soft over a woman who is more dangerous to him and his
boss than the CIA looking for revenge.
The reason for the suspense/thriller genre? I’m an adrenalin junkie.
During my thirty year career as a paramedic in a major city, I was confronted
with things most people would rather not think about. It’s no wonder I write
about people in crisis. Working along with fire and police personnel I learned
about their roles, their procedures and how they handle the worst of the worst.
When I add romance, the deeper relationship that transcends flirting
and sex, the emotional turmoil add more than just another dimension to the
characters. It complicates the plot and the characters. I love complicated.
Tell us about
your latest book.
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| http://amzn.to/2s8yGme |
Forbidden began under protest. Yes, I resisted the urge to write a story
with a Middle Eastern setting and characters who are Muslim – some fanatical,
some moderate, some more interested in their wealth than Allah’s wrath. Not
having any knowledge or experience on the subjects, I knew it would be nearly
impossible to do justice to the story. And yet, I was tempted. My research
continued for two years. Impossible things happened that I cannot explain.
Everything I needed flowed into my life almost effortlessly. I met the right
people, the perfect research material nearly fell off the book store shelves
into my arms, and more. My passion for the story became an addiction. I could
think of nothing else.
Forbidden’s book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ozOmnl8wZc
Forbidden’s synopsis: Better Wear Your Flak Jacket
Gunfire echoes within the walls
of a Middle East police compound. Screams of terror are brutally silenced.
Police captain Hashim Sharif captures one survivor. Soon Eliza MacKay will wish
she had died with her companions.
The vile act of terrorism is
covered-up. Sharif becomes the reluctant keeper of his city's bloody secret -
and the witness, MacKay. His corrupt superiors have a gun rammed against his
skull. Disloyalty to the mayor will be rewarded with being buried alive.
Whatever the cost, his
government’s honor must be restored. Secretly, Sharif hunts forensic evidence.
Who is responsible for the murder of fifteen American volunteers? And, why did
MacKay lie about her identity? He can’t trust her. Her mental illness is going
to get both of them killed.
When he receives orders to
dispose of MacKay, his Muslim faith is tested. Murder an innocent in cold
blood? He will suffer Allah's eternal wrath.
CIA Agent Hutchinson has the
lying Sharif in his cross hairs. Sharif dodges the agent’s traps almost as
easily as the hitman on his tail. When Sharif discovers the shocking truth, he
loses all hope of survival.
What is worth dying for? Perhaps it’s
not bringing a madman to justice. Could it be saving the life of a woman who
kick-started his numb heart? On the knife edge of risk, Sharif plots an act
most forbidden and fatal.
What's the best
thing about being a writer?
The best thing is that when the
manuscript is ready for publication, I know I’ve created something that has
never existed before and will remain in libraries for many years. A piece of me
will be in the homes of readers around the globe. It’s intoxicating. Readers
will become seduced, as I was, by the passion of the characters, by the horror
and intrigue, by the magic of seeing themselves as the hero or heroine. Knowing
I have entertained someone, made their day fun and exciting, maybe even enlightened
them, that’s why I write.
Where can
people find out more about you and your writing?
Every day I check for new visitors, or returning fans to my website and
social media hangouts like:
Website: http://www.featherstoneauthor.com/
Romance Under Fire: https://featherstoneauthor.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FSauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FeatherWrites
Email: Featherstone.author@gmail.com
Who is your favorite character in your book and
why?
I love all my characters, even the nasty ones. I know their
history. I know the prison each of them live in. I know stuff about them that
readers will never know. My favorite is Captain Hashim Sharif, ruthless
protector of the citizens of Samarra. He’s no sweetheart. When he becomes the
keeper of the witness to a massacre, his mood hardens. He’s Muslim. Having her
in close quarters is too much risk to incurring the wrath of Allah. But when
he’s ordered to dispose of her, a crack shows up in his armor. Without
divulging too much to potential readers, Sharif is required to battle demons
within himself as well as his corrupt bosses. I love characters in books and
movies that undergo a major transformation by redefining what’s worth dying
for, confronting their beliefs, adapting and shifting once clearly defined
values.
Why do you think readers are going to enjoy your
book?
What is Different About
Forbidden?
Forbidden is written in the
point of view of a devout Muslim Middle Eastern cop. It took four years of
research and an army of consultants to ensure each hopeless battle, every
malicious character, and the truth of moderate Islam shone through on each
page.
The setting is the Republic of
Islamic Provinces & Territories (RIPT) – my vision of the future of the
Middle East - 2047. After the end of the current civil war, thirty years from
now, I envision most of the Islamic countries joining to form one powerful
nation. Sunni and Shia will no longer be adversaries. The government is
inclusive, democratic and Sharia law has been relaxed. Sounds perfect? But
then, even fantasies have a dark side, LOL.
Forbidden will enlighten readers on the basics of moderate Islam. I
was guided by a generous imam, Mustafa Khattab; and a most wonderful
pediatrician who is a Canadian moderate Muslim. During the writing of the
story, Dr. Sahar Albakkal provided valuable advice on the culture of moderate
Muslims, Muslim names, Arabic terms, and interpretation of the Koran.
Did you learn anything from writing your book
that was unexpected?
What I learned about
Islam is that Muslims have similar challenges in interpreting the Koran as do
many Christians in interpreting the Bible.
And, while I was
reading the Koran, I often had to remind myself that I was reading the Koran,
and not the Bible. There are so many similarities. What is unique about the
Koran is that there is encouragement to protect their environment from
pollution.
I learned that I’m not
the only person who fell in love with Islam. There are many others, more famous
and intelligent that understood Islam’s beauty. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I became
more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam
in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter
self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense
devotion of his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his
absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried
everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.”
And George Bernard
Shaw said, “I have studied Muhammad – the wonderful man, and in my opinion, he
must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to
assume the leadership of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its
problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness.”
Where can a reader purchase your book?
Forbidden is available
at:
Amazon (KDP Select)
And, if you like to read and post reviews, I will send you a free
copy (mobi, epub, pdf). Send me a message via facebook (fsauthor) or email me at
Featherstone.author@gmail.com.
How do you research your books?
Research requires the
examination of information from multiple sources. I don’t read one book and
adopt that information as fact. Even while watching reports of current events
on television, I have an editor’s ‘ear’ in full gear. Several years ago I
worked as a research assistant to a physician. I learned then how it is
possible to easily, and even without malice, to portray facts so they influence
readers in the direction you desire.
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your
time?
My
husband would laugh at this question. My dear departed mate knew me to have no
limitations to interests and activities – as long as it is legal, no harm is
done, and it is healthy for me and everything around me, I’m game to try it
all. Well, except for bungee jumping. I haven’t gotten around to that yet.
Rafting down the Shotover River in New Zealand and screaming my lungs out while
we plunged down a monster waterfall – better than sex. However, on a daily
basis, I love being with my two shelties, Sammy Bo Jangles and Ladybug Jade.
