The Author Speaks on Panama Deception

PD_HighI know that when a new book comes out, especially from a new author, readers have lots of questions about it. In today’s post, I’ve picked five questions that I might receive from readers about Panama Deception.

1.  How long did it take you to write Panama Deception?

I have to smile at that one because Panama Deception has taken on many forms before it came out as a book.  The very beginnings of the novel started in 2010, but I would write it, take time off, and then work on it some more.  When I finally hit my stride, it was probably a year or so from revision to production.

2.  What was the hardest part about writing Panama Deception?

The hardest part of Panama Deception was figuring out what plot worked with the characters.  When I first started working on the novel in 2010, I had Alex and Jabir, but the plot wasn’t working.  In the beginning, I tried first-person point of view.  That’s when I found out that I’m horrible at first-person writing.  I switched to third-person and thought I’d found a plot that worked.  I was about halfway through revising the rough draft when I realized that the plot wasn’t working at all.  I stripped away everything from the story—the plot, the setting—save for the characters.  I told myself that, much as I’d hate to give up on these characters, if the plot didn’t work this time around, I’d count it up as experience and move on, leaving behind an unfinished novel.  Fortunately, I found a plot that complimented the characters’ personalities.

3.  What was the most fun part about writing the novel?

That’s a hard question.  I think it was writing about the various twists and turns the novel takes.  I don’t want to let go too much of what happens, but it’s obvious from the first couple of chapters that Alex has a huge bone to pick with Jabir.  Trust me when I say there are not a few surprises in store for both during the course of their adventures together.

4.  With which character do you identify the most?

If I had to pick one, it would probably be Noor.  Though she’s a minor character in the book, she’s in a position of responsibility, cares very much about her work and her family, and close relationships with her family and a dear friend, Melanie Forrest.  I think I’m that way.  I definitely care about my work, and I desire to have close ties with both family and friends.

5.  How did you determine what themes Panama Deception would have?

As I mentioned with Hunter Hunted, the themes within a novel spring organically from the plot.  Otherwise, the novel comes across as preachy.  The themes within Panama Deception, that of forgiveness, trust, the conflict of lying in the face of duty, are all ones that emerged as the novel took shape and grew.

Question: What other questions would you like to ask about Panama Deception?

I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  The work mentioned in this post is of my own writing. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

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