What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Tangled Darkness?
Tangled Darkness grew from my years as a psychiatrist in small clinics, watching how providers share tight spaces and reputations. I saw how trust thins once suspicion enters, and how an allegation can reorder both a career and a sense of self. That led to a question: What happens when a psychiatrist with an unowned past—Leslie’s alcoholism and related wrong actions—faces charges that may expose her? How does someone trained to name defenses respond when those same defenses run her own life?
The small-practice setting let me track how misconduct can grow in plain sight and how quickly working relationships split when criminal schemes touch a clinic. I drew on the pull between addiction and access to controlled drugs, the weak points in healthcare systems, and the cost of keeping secrets. Leslie’s recovery is tested by threats from outside and repressed memories from within. As the clinic becomes a cover for illicit activity, her duty to patients—and to family—pushes her to follow the truth, even when it risks everything. That tension became the engine for the book.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Tangled Darkness, what would they be?
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Yes, absolutely! It’s reading mysteries and thrillers. I love to sometimes luxuriate in funny ones, like the books by Richard Osman.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Funny you mention—Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders, Suzanne Parry’s Leningrad trilogy (books 1 and 2), and Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor… just to name a few.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The climax scenes at the end. Actually, that was a series of scenes, but I loved the pacing—bringing it up to full steam ahead. The action involved was fun to draw out. I can’t give too much away!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Does it count to start writing in the morning before getting out of my pajamas? Before showering, dressing, and eating breakfast? But—let’s get real—not before that first Americano or brushing teeth!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Don’t believe everything you think.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Facing what you fear costs less than hiding it—truth shrinks problems; secrecy feeds them.
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