Intro: I tagged my buddy, VK Powell to answer The Next Big Thing questions because I beta read her upcoming “Exit Wounds” and I’m very excited about it. I think it’s the best yet of her great romantic intrigue stories. Vic doesn’t maintain a blog of her own, but we Southerners love to entertain company so I am honored to have her as a guest here on my blog.

What is the working title of your book? I’ve just finished manuscript #6, “Exit Wounds,” and I’m really excited about it. Not only does it start off with a bit of a twist early on, but also it’s number SIX for me. I can’t believe that I get to do what I love all the time. Just lucky I guess.

Where did the idea come from for the book? The story idea came from an actual event that took place in Greensboro, NC several years ago when I was still a patrol officer. Two cousins fell in love and killed their families for a rather large inheritance. In the end, they blew themselves up in an SUV while being pursued by the police. However, the only kernel of the story that survived for my manuscript is an explosion. That’s how story ideas are born, raised, and ultimately delivered onto the page…or not.

What genre does your book fall under? Romantic intrigue. I love romance, but I also like the action parts of life – “stuff” we do that keeps us from doing what we should be doing—and my police background provides lots of fodder for adventures and intrigue. My brand is strong, professional women trying to have it all—the girl, the job, and happiness—and having to overcome obstacles to make it happen.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Loane Landry would be played by a younger version of Annie Lennox, spiked platinum hair, attitude, and all! I think Olivia Wilde would make a very good Abby Mancuso—yum.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When Officer Loane Landry falls in love with Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms informant Abigail Mancuso, she realizes that nothing is as it seems—not the case, not her lover, not even the dead.

What is the longer synopsis of your book? Officer Loane Landry gives up professionally and emotionally when gunrunners kill her lover in an explosion. She blames herself and vows to seek answers and revenge…in or outside the law. Good guys never win, and bad guys never pay. But when the woman she loved returns very much alive and in desperate need of help, Loane must decide if she can endure the pain and memories of deceit in order to keep them both alive.

ATF confidential informant Abigail Mancuso is charged with gathering information on a gunrunning syndicate camouflaged as a gentlemen’s entertainment business. Before arrests are made, something goes terribly wrong and Abby is forced into a deep cover assignment for which she is unprepared. The only person she trusts is the woman she lied to about everything. How can she put Loane’s life at risk by asking for her help?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? All of my books are published by Bold Strokes Books. (Release date is August 2013)

Who or What inspired you to write this book? As I mentioned earlier, the event that took place in Greensboro has spun around in my head for years just waiting for an opportunity to “bust loose.” The actual inspiration to get on with it came from friends who wanted one of my books set in Greensboro. So, I tip my hat to them and hope readers enjoy a bit of the unique setting that is our revitalized downtown.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?Unlike my usual 4-6 month turnaround, this manuscript took a full year. I got off track for a while with some personal issues but was still able to retain a spot on the 2013 schedule. Thank you, my wonderful publisher!

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? This book has an interesting twist in the early stages that will probably surprise readers. One of the main characters is killed early on…sort of. This creates a greater challenge in the development of the love story, which was also a bit different to write. I hope my intent to present a little variety pleases my readers. If not, I’m sure they’ll let me know. 