The first author I read who had a real impact on me was Ken Follett. I devoured Eye of the Needle, finally finding a heroine who fought back with no apologies.

DV Berkom – 24 October, 2013

The Back Flap

She was a dangerous man’s lover…now she’s his dangerous enemy.

YUCATAN DEAD…

For Kate Jones, being on the run from her former lover—the vicious leader of a Mexican drug cartel—was never going to be easy. But with a new identity, a new lover, and a new life in Arizona, she was beginning to believe she’d made it through the worst.

Then, in an act of twisted revenge, Kate’s kidnapped and imprisoned by her deadly enemy, his intention to force her to pay back the money she stole before he kills her.

Fate intervenes and she finds herself working against the cartels deep in the Yucatán with a group of off-the-grid commandos. From peaceful northern Arizona to the steamy jungles of Mexico, Kate Jones must decide for herself if she’ll continue to run…

…or turn and fight the evil that pursues her.

About the book

What is the book about?

Yucatán Dead is the 6^th installment of the Kate Jones Thriller Series that deals with the fallout from a bad choice Kate made in her 20s and how, over a decade later, she’s offered the choice to stop running and fight back.

When did you start writing the book?

After a recent trip (February of this year) to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, I returned home with the kernel of a story that became Yucatán Dead. The idea had formed somewhere between the ruins of Ek’ Balam and the Riviera Maya and wouldn’t let me go. Before I left on the trip I’d been writing what I thought was going to be a mystery with my character, Kate Jones. But Mexico changed all that.

You don’t argue with Mexico.

So, my mystery turned into a full-on thriller about the vicious drug cartels that have destabilized so much of that country. Since I’m a novelist and basically lie for a living, I made up a group of off the grid commandos working deep in the jungle, fighting the cartels. Little did I know at the time, but groups of locals have steadily begun taking up arms against the cartels, unable to stand by and watch them turn their home into a violent wasteland. Some of these groups have been backed by the CIA and/or the DEA, as well as the Mexican government.  Some continue to operate clandestinely.

How long did it take you to write it?

After plotting the story (loosely) and extensive research, the actual writing took about four and a half months.

Where did you get the idea from?

My imagination. It was only after I had written the first draft of the book that I came across an article describing the local citizens taking up arms against the cartels, with help from the CIA, DEA and government, which I confirmed with one of my sources. To me, it seemed like a natural progression. When your government can’t or won’t protect you, it’s time to do it yourselves. Knowing what I know about the Mexican people, it was only a matter of time. They’ve got a long history of fighting back.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Not really. I was fortunate to have contact with several sources that helped me with the sections I knew little about.

What came easily?

The character arc for Kate. In the book, she changes from a victim on the run to a woman who is given the opportunity to fight back. In a way, the change mirrors the choice Mexico has in front of it.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I like to think they’re entirely fictitious, but I’m sure there are characteristics of people I’ve met throughout my life that have seeped into them.  It’s close to impossible not to have that happen.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

The first author I read who had a real impact on me was Ken Follett. I devoured Eye of the Needle, finally finding a heroine who fought back with no apologies. I’ve always been fascinated by the Resistance movement in WWII and love hearing about the women who fought for what they believed in. The other author I will forever be indebted to is Carl Hiaasen. His books taught me that you can entertain as well as inform, all while using humor. His characters are hilarious and there are usually countless LOL moments when I read him. Other than those two, I enjoy reading Michael Connelly, John Sandford, Joseph Wambaugh, Sue Grafton, Diana Gabaldon, James Lee Burke, the list goes on and on.

Do you have a target reader?

Apparently not, since I’ve received emails from readers aged 13 to 80. About 35-40% of my readership is male, judging by reviews and emails.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I used to be a seat-of-the-pants kinda gal, but after attending a workshop on plotting, I’ve become more of a hybrid writer and plot a timeline now. I’ve found I write much more quickly that way, with way fewer dead ends and plot holes. I usually write between 5-6 hours every weekday, less on the weekends. The rest of the time I’m answering emails and working on promotion.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t really use an outline, per se. Like I mentioned above, I plot out the timeline, making notes of scenes I’d like to use, working things out so I keep the tension building throughout the book.  It’s like a road map and makes my job easier.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Both. I usually go over what I’ve written the day before, checking for typos and incorrect grammar before I continue on, then go over it again before I submit to my critique group, who goes over it yet again and will usually find things I need to address. Once the first draft is finished, I run through it at least twice more, then send it out to beta readers for their input. Once I’m satisfied with the draft, I send it to an editor.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I use an editor, yes. I find that step absolutely critical to the finished product.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do best without music until I’m into a scene. Once I’m there, though, the house could blow up around me and I wouldn’t notice.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Back before I knew about self-publishing (other than vanity presses) I submitted to agents. I got REALLY tired of waiting to hear from them. Most were way overworked with hundreds of submissions to read. The process is not very efficient considering the volume, although I don’t know how else they could manage things.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I went indie at the urging of a writer friend. She suggested I write the prequel to the books I’d already completed about my character, Kate Jones, which became Bad Spirits. I published it with a small epublisher as an online serial in the fall of 2010. I realized I could do most of what the publisher was doing myself so I asked for my rights back. They were gracious enough to give them to me and I went out on my own in May of 2011.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Although I’d created all of the covers for my previous books, Yucatán Dead’s is professionally done. I think the designer did a fabulous job.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’m using a combination of a plan and winging it. Things change so fast in this business, you have to be able to adapt quickly. I use a combination of free and paid advertising and have worked with a publicist.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Realize that it’s a lot of work. Yes, you are in control of things, but results vary. Be prepared to work your tail off, keep learning, and be willing to try new things. Also be willing to accept criticism, shrug off any negative press, and try not to be a douche to other people. And write, write, write.

About You

Where did you grow up?

The wilds of Minnesota. If you can consider Minneapolis wild.

Where do you live now?

Just outside of Seattle, Washington.

What would you like readers to know about you?

That I’m dedicated to writing the best story I can, and will try hard to never, ever bore them.

What are you working on now?

The next Kate Jones thriller, where Kate learns the main reason the cartel’s been after her for so long. After that, I plan to work on the third book in the Leine Basso series.

End of Interview:

For more, DV is all over the internet. Check out her website, her blog, follow her on twitter, or like her facebook page. She’s also on Pinterest. (What do you do there, pin her? 🙂 ) DV is also a regular contributor at Indies Unlimited.

Get your copy of Yucatan Dead at Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.