What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Turbulence grew out of being captivated by how quickly life can change direction. As an emergency physician, I meet many people at unexpected crossroads. A normal morning can become a life-altering day as quickly as a sunny Florida day can turn stormy. Those experiences have made me think a lot about resilience and what people do when their carefully laid plans fall apart.
Working in the ER has taught me that life doesn’t always follow the script. Writing fiction gives me a chance to explore those moments with a few fewer cuts and scrapes and a lot more control over the ending.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Candy’s theme song is Turbulent Skies by Lauren Daigle.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is Literary Fiction, and it inspires a lot of how and what I write.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd and Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene was supposed to end with Candy and Henry’s first kiss, but it doesn’t turn out that way. As an author, I spent chapters building up to that kiss. As a plant enthusiast, Candy accidentally sabotaged the whole thing.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
The muse seems to visit more often while I’m writing with pen and paper, so all my first drafts are scratched out on anything from notebook paper to envelopes, to kids’ math homework—whatever is handy when inspiration strikes.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Approach every person and every story with curiosity and respect. The longer I listen to someone, the more pearls I find beneath the surface.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I’d love for readers to walk away remembering that people are rarely defined by their worst decisions or hardest seasons. Human beings are wonderfully complicated and surprisingly interesting. If Turbulence leaves readers feeling a little more connected to the world, I’ll consider that a success.
