1. How much research did you have to do about Russia and Chechnya?
A lot! While I only used a small percentage of what I learned, I hope it gave the book a more authentic feel. I probably read hundreds of articles about the recent history of Chechnya, the people, their customs, and their struggles. To research the geography of the region, I used several sources, from travel books to first person accounts and yes, even Google maps. I hope the diverse history of the area comes through in characters like Kamila and her father.
2. Who is your favorite character in I Have Your Daughter?
Definitely Kamila. At times she’s selfish and self-destructive, but I believe there is good in her. Her traumatic past works against her, but at the same time it’s part of what makes her a survivor.
3. What is your favorite scene in the book?
The scene where Kamila is in the bomb shelter with the little girl who has lost her parents. It shows that Kamila, despite everything she’s experienced, is capable of providing comfort.
4. How much did the plot change from earlier drafts to the final version?
There were several changes. A few examples:
- Very early in the writing process, my idea was to have Alyssa kidnapped to Lebanon, not Russia/Chechnya.
- The first drafts had no scenes from Alyssa’s point of view. Later, I decided she needed scenes of her own, to show that she wasn’t passive–that she could fight back in her own way.
- In the first draft, it took Marcus and Stormy too long to make it to Moscow. I got them there in a hurry in later versions.
- I initially had Stormy and Marcus separated in Moscow. Stormy and Dmitry have to go to Chechnya without Marcus. In the original scene in the Grozny hotel, it is only Dmitry and Stormy drinking whisky. Meanwhile, Marcus gets stuck in Moscow and has to stay overnight at Jen’s apartment (included in my deleted scenes when you sign up for the mailing list).
- Kamila’s original name was Elsa (and yes, that was before I’d seen Frozen!).
Note: Sign up below for my email updates and I’ll send you a copy of some deleted scenes from Dark Sky Falling.
5. What are you working on next?
A mystery thriller, scheduled for release later this year. You can sign up for my mailing list for special offers, news about what I’m working on next.