Hi Regan and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews.  It’s great to have you here.   

Thanks!

Your book, Justice Incarnate – Shadows of Justice Book 1, is available from Echelon Press.  For fans that have not had a chance to pick this up, can you tell us a little about Jaden Michaels and what her world is like?

Jaden is a heroine with a past – several of them. She’s been reincarnated repeatedly for the sole purpose of eliminating a predatory demon. Now, in Chicago 2096, she’s looking for the perfect weapon to dispose of him permanently. She’s tired of the cycle!

Jaden is a strong, compelling female heroine. How did the idea for her come to life?

I like reading about heroines who aren’t afraid to take action to reach the goal – whatever it is. I also believe women are often stronger than we think we are, with depth of character and reserves of strength that may not show on the surface, but get us through the tough times life tosses our way.

What is the most satisfying aspect of writing?

Completing a manuscript. I love the feeling when I know the story’s come together and everything the characters have struggled with has paid off for the best outcome.

Did you originally set out to write futuristic thrillers?

No. I originally set out to write contemporary romance. But I soon realized my tendency to ‘go dark’ when I write. That led me into the romantic suspense area – but not into any contracts. Then other writers told me how funny I am, so I tried a romantic comedy or two. Apparently I only ‘talk’ funny, because my romantic comedies got rejected Big Time! Then I heard a published author speaking about following your heart. She asked us to consider what we’re writing when the words just flow and flow. For me, that’s when the scenes are really dark and my characters are up against a really nasty ‘wall’ with no obvious way out. And Voila! Justice Incarnate was born, completed and sold.

Can fans expect to see additional genres from you in the future?

I like to hope suspense with a more pronounced romance is definitely in my future. But I suppose the action/thriller will be my mainstay. I’ve also been encouraged to venture into the young adult adventure market – and though I have some exciting ideas, we’ll just have to wait and see.

How does it feel to see your work ready for readers to enjoy?

It’s the most awesome feeling in the world. A little daunting at times, because I don’t want to disappoint anyone, yet I know my work can’t possibly appeal to everyone. I love hearing from readers – the first wave of ‘fan mail’ has been incredibly positive and affirming. Of course, then I have an insecure moment of ‘what if book two stinks?’ LOL Fortunately, my husband is usually around to yank me out of that moment and urge me back to work.

Given the complexity of writing a full novel, how does a story develop for you? Do you write start to finish?

Ooo, there’s a concept! I’m afraid Deb Dixon pegged me correctly when she called me a ‘quilter’ type of author. I start out with every good intention of following a very loose outline from page one to The End. But I seem to get sidetracked by scenes that must be written TODAY…and then I’m surprised by character revelations that show up during the process. While those enhance the novel, they cause havoc for my perception of productivity as the pieces fit together rather haphazardly in the first draft.

When you are not writing, how do you like to spend your time?

With my family and friends or with a book - we’re all big readers around here, which is very affirming as an author. =>

Can we get a hint about the second book in your Shadows of Justice series, Invasion of Justice?

Jaden’s not the main heroine in book two, though she’s integral to the story. In book one, you learn that in all her lives, Jaden only had a sister once...in book two a reincarnation of that sister, Petra, is the heroine. It makes for an interesting partnership.

When can fans expect to see this book available?

The original release date was January 2006, then Echelon Press bumped it to late 2005. Unfortunately, my dad died during the revision process and I’ve had to take some extra time to deal with that. I’m still shooting for January 2006 at the latest, and I’m asking fans to please bear with me.

Do you have any other works in progress for us to look forward to?

There are some short stories I’m trying to get out there – we’ll be updating the website and getting the blog going as the good news rolls in.

I have to say that your idea of individuals being heroes in their everyday lives is refreshing. Would you care to expand on this so others can hear your thoughts?

In some ways the media has promoted the idea that only the big stuff or the bad stuff is worth noting. In my opinion, you don’t have to be thin, rich, or famous to be important – you just have to be yourself. The way you’re made, with the gifts that are uniquely yours and your individual talents are all you need to make a difference in your world. I think you start with where you are and make an impact like a pebble makes ripples when tossed into a pond. If you exemplify love and kindness at home or work, that will affect your immediate world and those who come in contact with you there will take a bit of that with them wherever they go and hopefully spread that positive ripple effect further.

Losing my dad has really brought that into stark relief at the moment. He didn’t enjoy perfect health or financial security. But he had a gift for listening and speaking with inspiration. He took an interest in everyone he met, he could get to their heart’s desire quicker than anyone I knew. And he always had the perfect words to encourage and uplift. He died with an immense wealth of relationships and just by being himself he made a heroic impact on others in his community.

On days when we’re not sure we matter, we need to take a look inside ourselves, then take a look around us and make an effort to find just the smallest first step to bridge that gap. The rest will fall into place.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Didn’t I wax enough on the question above? LOL I can’t think of anything profound. So on the mundane side, I’ll confess that I’m addicted to yoga and Pilates – which is necessary since I’m also a chocoholic. We have three retired greyhounds (who love to interrupt my creative flow for treats and attention) and I long ago gave up the idea that I’ll ever resemble my dogs.

Thank you so much for stopping by Regan. I appreciate you taking time to answer all my questions. Best of luck and I hope to see you back at Fallen Angels soon.

Readers if you have not stopped by Regan’s site, visit her site to see what you have been missing.

Interviewed by: Amanda