I'd like to talk to you about your new thriller, Blazing Upheaval. What a premise! How did you come up with the idea for this book?
During the tumultuous Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, I found myself thrust into a perilous situation as a dedicated teacher trying to navigate the chaos. The city was engulfed in flames, and the air was thick with tension and fear. Struggling to reach safety on the freeway, I faced dangerous obstacles that jeopardized my life. Amid the confusion and violence, I witnessed the best and worst of humanity. The riots had turned familiar streets into battlegrounds, and survival became a matter of quick thinking and sheer luck.
As I was caught in a brutal attack, an unexpected rescue arrived, leading me, my family, and two other families into a chilling series of enigmatic events and escalating violence. We were strangers brought together by circumstances, and our lives became intertwined in ways we could never have imagined. As we navigated the chaos, we discovered that the riots were just the beginning of our ordeal.
As the city grappled with unrest, we were entangled in a web of mysteries, each event intensifying the tension. Every day brought new challenges and threats, and our bonds of family, loyalty, and love were put to the ultimate test. The uncertainty of our situation forced us to confront our deepest fears and rely on each other for survival. We learned that in the face of adversity, the strength of the human spirit can shine through.
The tension mounted relentlessly until an unforeseen revelation, coinciding with the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake, irrevocably changed our lives. The earthquake was a physical manifestation of the upheaval we had been experiencing, and it brought with it a new set of dangers and trials. Yet, it also brought clarity and resolution to the mysteries we had been grappling with.
This gripping true-story thriller delivers suspenseful twists and heart-pounding moments, weaving a narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges. Through our journey, we discovered that even in the darkest times, there is hope; and that the bonds of family and friendship can withstand any storm.
Was there a magic moment when writing your book where you stepped back and marveled at how nicely the book was coming along?
There was a magic moment when I was writing the book that made me step back and marvel at how beautifully it was coming together. It was the moment when Tiffany's use of drumming in her classroom spread to the entire school. Initially, she introduced drumming to help her students focus and heal from the trauma of the riots. She used her little Djembe drum to teach them intricate rhythms, which not only enhanced their cognitive functions and motor skills but also brought a sense of calm and relaxation.
As the weeks passed, other teachers and students at Leo Politi Elementary began to notice the positive changes in Tiffany's classroom. The drumming sessions had created an environment of growth and healing, making the students more focused and less anxious. Inspired by Tiffany's success, the entire school community embraced the drumming sessions.
The culmination of this journey was a school-wide drumming event. Students, teachers, and even parents gathered together, each with their own drums or makeshift percussion instruments. The rhythmic beats filled the air, creating a powerful sense of unity and collective healing. It was a moment of pure magic—seeing the entire school experience the therapeutic and unifying power of drumming. This shared experience not only helped to mend the wounds caused by the riots but also strengthened the bonds within the school community.
Writing about this transformative journey of Tiffany and her students, and witnessing how a simple act of drumming could lead to such profound healing and unity, was truly a magical moment for me. It encapsulated the essence of resilience and the power of community, which are central themes in my book.
If one of your characters were able to step out of the book and become your best friend, who would you like that to be?
Tiffany, the teacher.
Can you give us an excerpt?
With renewed focus, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Tiffany emerged from the fray. She realized she was only a few blocks from the freeway, her haven of safety. She pressed the gas pedal, her car surging ahead with newfound urgency.
Tiffany came to an abrupt stop at the red light at the intersection where she would make a left turn onto the freeway entrance. Loud yelling frightened her. Three men surrounded her car. They bounced it up and down. Alarm gripped her racing heart as she understood the hatred in their eyes. They pulled on the locked doors. They pounded on the windows. She felt shock and disbelief as she realized the rioters wanted to harm her! She was helpless! She was trapped!
In retrospect and after it was all said and done, is there anything you felt you should have added to the book but didn't?
I could have put more details about the recovery process people in Los Angeles encountered after the riots but I didn’t want to bog down the fast pace of a thriller. Instead, I put a timeline in the epilogue.
Do you take notes when reading or watching a movie?
I find note-taking is a powerful tool for me as an author, contributing to a more effective and enriching reading and writing experience.
Resource for Future Reference: Notes serve as a valuable resource for future projects. They can provide inspiration, direct quotes, and specific references that can be incorporated into new writing.
Idea Generation: While noting down ideas, an author might generate new ideas or connections that can enhance their own writing. It can spark creativity and lead to the development of new concepts.
Improved Writing Skills: The process of summarizing and paraphrasing while taking notes can help improve an author's writing skills. It encourages concise and clear expression of thoughts.
Time Efficiency: Having notes can save time during the writing process. Instead of searching through entire texts, authors can quickly refer to their notes for specific information.
Tracking Progress and Insights: Notes allow authors to track their progress and insights over time. This can be particularly useful in long-term projects where maintaining continuity of thought is essential.
Support for Arguments and Ideas: Notes provide evidence and examples that can support the author's arguments and ideas, adding credibility and depth to their writing.
Do you have a day job? What do you do besides write?
I have an Airbnb on Birch Bay in Blaine, Washington that is open year-round. I also like to travel.
What are you currently working on?
I am looking for another true story of a traumatic event that greatly affected someone’s life. If you have such a story, please get in touch with me.
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