Sunny’s Secrets Virtual Book Tour

Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding or your attention and detail as a writer?

I loved creating the character of retired Indian oncologist Dr. Rohan Ray. He experienced so much life-and-death heartache, which helps us to understand why he is able to do what he does in this story. I could hear him in my head, speaking softly with his distinct accent. I could feel his grief and his joy. I did a great deal of research to help him come to life as a human being, from dressing him in a certain way to showing how he behaved as a husband, a son, and a doctor. I had to give him a gentle kindness in spite of the work he was doing. I’d love to know him in real life.

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?

I was divinely inspired to write “Sunny’s Secrets.” In 2018, I started writing what I’d originally intended to be the first chapter. (It now appears much farther along in the book.) I had about 8,000 words written when I had to table it to finish producing my third film.

I quit my job in 2003 to write fiction. However, I ended up working on a non-fiction business book and then became a professional speaker to promote that book. It took a pandemic and lockdown for me to finally be able to pivot and have time to pursue my original passion of writing fiction. I resumed work on “Sunny’s Secrets” two years later.

As for plotting and planning, I remember sharing parts of the book with friends who would ask me, “What happens next?” I had to tell them I had no idea, but I was excited to write it. The story literally came to life in my mind. I had a general idea of how the story would play out, but it came to me as I went along.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing in psychological suspense?

I think the biggest challenge of creative writing is the criticism that comes through the editing process, although I think finishing this book has cured me of any sensitivity I had to criticism! When I started writing “Sunny’s Secrets,” a literary agent I know said, “Be sure to develop your characters fully.” I took her advice to heart and started at the very beginning of Sunny’s story.

During the editing process, my editor helped me to see that Sunny’s early story was not integral to the main story. We ended up cutting the first 200 pages… ouch! She was right, though. Now, I get to the actual story in the first chapter. And, having created a solid backstory, I was able to share bits and pieces of Sunny’s earlier life throughout. Now the story is tight and really delivers.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?

I’d earned the title of “The Queen of the Business Lunch” when I worked in advertising sales, as I had hosted more than 3,000 client lunches. I was a foodie before we knew what that even meant! I think it helped as I wrote several dinner scenes throughout the story. Breaking bread with colleagues and friends is one of the most intimate settings for great dialogue. Also, in “Sunny’s Secrets,” Dr. Rohan Ray introduces Sunny to Indian cuisine. If you’ve never had it, you’ll want to try it after reading this book!

Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?

“Sunny’s Secrets” deals with life and death in an extremely life-affirming way. I would love to know that people who read it will come away appreciating their lives and all their blessings. Some characters in the story don’t value their lives, which is contrasted by other characters who would give anything to live another day.

What is your favorite line from your book?

Even when she and Jen were talking, Sunny’s thoughts stirred in the silence between their sentences.

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

The most difficult chapter for me to write was what is now the first chapter. I cried when I wrote it and I still can’t get through it without crying. Sunny’s husband, John, a USAF pilot, is the love of her life, and she is his. It’s the kind of true love that everyone dreams of having. They couldn’t have children, but they were okay with it. They’re best friends, and they’re all either of them needs.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I’ve never dealt with writer’s block, but I’ve spent as much time working on a single sentence as I have on an entire chapter. I am very precise in how I want to express a certain thought or action, so occasionally, a single line would send me into fits as I struggled to get it just right.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Playing golf is the perfect antidote to sitting at my desk. It gets me out in fresh air, and it’s physically demanding. It takes all of my focus, too, which is the perfect break from writing.