Killer Instinct

Q: What was the inspiration for your protagonist, Lane?

A: Believe it or not, I am my own inspiration for Lane. Though I don’t act like Lane, I do tend to think like her. Very black and white. Right and wrong. Wanting justice for those who deserve it. Eye for an eye. I guess you can say I live vicariously through Lane. Everyone does have a dark side.

Q: Lane has been compared to a young Dexter. How would you respond to this?

A: I am big fan of shows like Hannibal, The Following, and Dexter. So when I decided to write a new series, the serial killer theme was a natural fit for me. Yes, many people are calling my series Dexter for teens, and I can totally understand that. Lane does share similarities with Hannibal, Dexter, and Joe from The Following.

Q: Lane is a complicated character. Was it hard to write a person who is so emotionless?

A: Through no fault of her own, Lane is most definitely a complicated character. I found her a very easy one to write, though. As a writer it is important to know your strengths and your weaknesses. Lane is all about my strengths. The true challenge for me is to one day write a book that tests all my weaknesses. I cringe just thinking about it.

Q: Are there any plans for this to become a series?

A: Yes! The sequel, Killer Within, comes out in May 2015.

Q: What made you decide to take Lane down the vigilante route instead of killing the “bad guys” she stalks?

A: Lane does walk a fine line. She wants to right the wrongs, but her conscience won’t let her take it beyond a certain point. She can’t and won’t justify making someone pay for anything other than what they have done. For example, she targets a rapist, has every chance to kill him, but decides to handle him in a different manner. . . .