Interview with Cindy Huefner Cromer - Part Two

More about eTreasure Publishing’s newest author, Cindy Huefner Cromer.

Could you tell us a little about your debut novel, Desperate Measures?
The easiest way to do this is to share with you the blub submitted with the novel.

The secret is out AGAIN…! This time lives are in jeopardy.

What should have been the perfect vacation soon became a nightmare. Caitlin Martel made a stop before meeting her family at Miami International Airport. A cryptic message waited for her. She dismissed the threat and assumed it was directed toward the brilliant scientist that she recently hired. Caitlin has no idea that a forgotten secret was about to explode and put her life in jeopardy.

When Caitlin and her family arrive on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts, they find their dream home vandalized. In the kitchen, another message has been left, in blood, leaving no doubt that Caitlin personally is the target.

In a flashback, Caitlin recalls the secret that her father, Jack Spencer, revealed to her sixteen years ago. He didn’t tell her everything. Will Jack be able to confront the truth and reconstruct the past in time to save his daughter?

Caitlin’s husband Scott, FBI Assistant Director, also believes the threats are related to Caitlin’s professional life. Once Caitlin points out the significance of what was left in their home, Scott unofficially brings his top FBI agent, Tomas Medina, to St. Kitts.

When Tomas arrives, his status is quickly upgraded and the investigation becomes official. The third threat creates a direct link to multi-billionaire Lukas Bucklin.

The suspense escalates through twists, turns, and family secrets yet to be revealed. A powerful climax unveils an unlikely alliance between two deadly and dangerous enemies.

What was the hardest step in the journey, from first word to publication?
I’m so glad you asked this question. I will summarize the emotional roller coaster: Writing the book was easy. The query process was pain-full, one rejection after another. The contract offer was unbelievable and exhilarating. The editing process was excruciating, but once done an overwhelming sense of pride, accomplishment. I extend my gratitude to all of those who helped me in this endeavor. Okay, sounds corny but the truth. In a nut shell, the hardest part is getting the contract, especially for a new author. Seeing those magic words, contract offer in writing, is unbelievable. When I first received the offer, I thought they surely had my manuscript mixed up with someone else’s.

What are you working on now that your first novel is scheduled for publication?
I’m currently putting the finishing touches and edits to my second book, DESPERATE DECEPTIONS. It could be considered a sequel, but I’ve written it as a stand-alone, and the reader won’t be lost if they haven’t read DESPERATE MEASURES. Of course, my goal is to propel the sales of my first book, and make the reader want to read both. I have a third and fourth book in rough draft format, and they are completely different from the first two. They are mysteries, but totally different characters and plots. Once I finish those two, I’d like to get back to a few of the characters I created in DESPERATE MEASURES, especially Tomas. I created him as a minor role to provide a bit of comic relief to the reader, but he took on a life of his own, and I want to create his own story line. Barry Solerno also needs to be the main focus of a book. I have no idea where I came up with him, but he became my favorite character.

Who has influenced you most in your writing?
Oh, that’s a loaded question, there are so many. James Patterson of course is a master. His diverse books and plots show his creativity. John J. Nance is another; I couldn’t put Pandora’s Clock down, and what a bio he has! To be honest though, I would have to give credit to Lisa Gardner. She has a knack of keeping the reader guessing, with endings you never see coming.

Cindy, thank you again, for a wonderful interview. Good luck in your writing journey!

Read the first half of this interview.