Character Interview - Tomas Medina - Desperate Measures

Cindy Cromer is a scientist with degrees in Chemistry and president of a laboratory network. She has written numerous laboratory procedures and research documents. In her new endeavor, writing mystery novels, she utilizes some of her career experience into her plots, but doesn’t overwhelm the reader with scientific jargon. She has recently been selected as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading."

Congratulations, Cindy, on your recent accomplishment of being selected as one of the 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cindy Cromer shared time with us in April of 2011, allowing us a little insight into who this new author was in a two part interview.  Part One - Part Two

In May 2011, Desperate Measures, her first novel, released.

In October 2012, we spoke with Jack Spencer.

Today, I am happy to present to you an interview with another character from Desperate Measures. Enjoy the show!

Television Host: Thank you audience for tuning in. We have another special guest, right out of the pages of Desperate Measures, FBI Senior Special Agent, Tomas Medina. He’s here tonight brought to life from the ink and paper that the author, Cindy Cromer, created him from. Tomas was thrust into the mystery and hidden family secrets of Caitlin Spencer Martel’s family. When she received a threat, Tomas was first called to St. Kitts unofficially by his boss, Scott Martel, Caitlin’s husband, after Caitlin received the first threat. When he arrives his duties are minimal and he agrees to babysit the Martel’s children while they finalize details with the local police. Tomas’s status is upgraded when the third threat against Caitlin is delivered. Tomas plays a pivotal role in the drama when he uncovers some clues in Scott’s FBI mandatory background check. He keeps his findings to himself until he can gather more information. Tomas is a unique character in the book as he has some comedy scenes but is also embroiled in some very serious parts of the plot. My other guests from this book became riled up and defensive during the interview. I’m going to try a different tactic with Tomas tonight. Let’s see if we get him to reveal what really happened on that island.

Host: Welcome to the show, Agent Medina. You played quite an important role in Desperate Measures, didn’t you?

Tomas beams with pride 

Tomas: Yes I did!

Host: The author and your creator has been interviewed several times since the book has been released. She’s been asked many times who she’d choose as the actors in the movie and in each interview she states that Josh Duhamel would be perfect in the role of Tomas. How do you feel about that choice?
  
Tomas’s smile broadens 

Tomas: How do I feel about that? Great! Josh is gorgeous and a hunk. Without a doubt he could play my part and win an academy award. He’s a talented actor who can combine comedy with drama in his roles. I can’t wait to see the film when I’m driving around on the island.

The host pauses for a moment to gauge the demeanor of his guest. Tomas appears relaxed and ready to talk so the host presses on. 

Host: Tell us about that scene, it was quite comical in the book.

Tomas: At first I was pissed but looking back it was pretty funny. Here I am a city boy used to driving in sprawling metropolises such as New York City or Miami. Suddenly I’m on a beautiful Caribbean Island where they drive on the left and the road barely has enough asphalt to hold a motorcycle. To top it all off I have a nine year old know-it-all passenger making wise cracks at me when I made a wrong turn and went up this huge mountain. Let me tell you, I almost soiled my shorts and my knuckles are still cramped from gripping the steering wheel. There was no place to turn around and in my peripheral vision I saw this rock formation to my right and on my left a straight drop off into the Atlantic sea. That guard rail would have done nothing to stop the car if I swerved suddenly, we would have cascaded off the mountain right into the turquoise blue water. I won’t even tell you about what happened when we got to the congested area of downtown Basseterre.  

Tomas pauses and grins.

Tomas continues: Yeah, Josh could play my role really, really well.

Host: But you did have some serious scenes too, didn’t you?
  
Tomas’s jovial expression changes to anger.

Tomas: Of course I had serious scenes! They wouldn’t have been as dramatic if those secret hiding idiots had come forth earlier and I wouldn’t have been placed in a perilous situation and almost …. Well you know what happens to me in the book.

Host: It sounds as if you almost died but survived.

Tomas: Yeah, unfortunately I lived to tell this tale. I’m relieved I get a reprieve from the second book, Desperate Deceptions, that the author Cindy somebody conjured up. However, I understand she has a plot in place surrounding me and my own storyline.

Host: Wow! That’s something, your own plot. Do you think you’ll be the protagonist or antagonist? Also what skeletons will she pull out of your closet, Tomas?

The host knew he pushed a button and wasn’t surprised when his guest shot out of the chair. 

Tomas: I don’t know what my role is but I do know that I don’t harbor any hidden secrets. I’m a federal agent and my past and complete history is documented in my FBI mandatory background check.

Tomas stormed off the set. 

Host: Well folks, this cast of Desperate Measures is getting very complex. Tomas’s last comment left me puzzled. Didn’t Scott Martel’s FBI background check hold a piece of the puzzle? These characters still have something they’re hiding and we need to find out what it is. I’d love to bring Barry Solerno on the show but he’s embroiled in the latest drama unfolding in Desperate Deceptions. Maybe Caitlin’s brother Dean will agree to talk to us next time. He’s just a surfer dude with no interests beyond the beach, surfing, and women. Maybe he has suppressed memories and can divulge some family secrets. Stay tuned for our next show.

Character Interview - Jack Spencer - Desperate Measures

Cindy Cromer shared time with us in April of 2011, allowing us a little insight into who this new author was in a two part interview.  Part One - Part Two

In May 2011, Desperate Measures, her first novel, released.

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

Today, I am happy to present to you an interview with one of the characters of Desperate Measures.  Enjoy the show!

Television Host: Thank you audience for tuning in. We have a special guest tonight, Jack Spencer. I’m delighted Jack agreed to appear on our show. In case anyone hasn’t kept up with recent events, Jack is a former, highly acclaimed, District Attorney. He’s been recently thrust into the limelight as the possible illegitimate son of mega-billionaire Lukas Bucklin. A newly released book, Desperate Measure, unveils a family riddled with secrets. When Jack’s daughter, Caitlin Martel, begins receiving threatening notes, it becomes clear the enemy knows about Jack’s heritage and blackmail is the motive. Let’s see what secrets Jack has and is he willing to confront them to save his daughter’s life?

Host: Welcome to the show, Mr. Spencer. You’ve certainly become a minor celebrity recently. How does it feel to possibly be the first born son of Lukas Bucklin and heir to a fortune?

Jack: Whether Lukas is my father or not I want nothing to do with the man. As far as I’m concerned, he abandoned me as a child. I don’t need him, I’ve made my own success and had a stellar career as District Attorney.

Host: That you did, Mr. Spencer. Let me ask you another question, have you ever tampered with a case during your reign in the judicial system.

Jack rises from his seat and his face burns with fury.

Jack: That’s nonsense! I never helped that worthless…… Never mind, you’ve read what that damn author, Cindy something wrote in her book. I did what I needed to protect my family.

The host pauses for a moment and studies the demeanor of his guest. Jack appears to have calmed down. 

Host: Hmm! Interesting comment. If I remember correctly, Lukas said something similar about his misdeeds and transgressions, “Did what I did to protect my family.” Like father like son?

Jack: No, and I refuse to take a DNA test.

Host: Okay, so you won’t acknowledge Lukas as your father but how do feel about the fact that he raced to St. Kitts in the attempt to save Caitlin from the villain and you didn’t?

Jack: I had my reasons.

Host: There’s another book coming out soon, Desperate Deceptions. Caitlin seems to have formed a bond with Lukas and is willing to embrace him into her life, how do you feel about that?

The host notices he pushed a button and Jack’s anger resurfaces. 

Jack: How do I feel about that, how do you think? My family is filled with duplicity and that newbie author took it upon herself to expose them. I’m concluding this interview with one parting remark, I will not let my daughter become an unscrupulous monster like Lukas Bucklin. Caitlin has integrity!

Jack storms off and leaves the set.

Host: Well that was quite an explosive interview, wasn’t it? To all of our viewers, I hope to have some other interesting characters that Cindy Cromer has created and brought to life in her novels on the show. I’m attempting to schedule Senior Special FBI Agent, Tomas Medina. Readers, send in your votes of who you would like to be interviewed. Until then, we can only wonder what other secrets are waiting to burst from this complex family whose DNA and gene pool created such dubious characters.

A Sneak Peak of Desperate Deceptions 

DESPERATE DECEPTIONS, the sequel to DESPERATE MEASURES, focuses on Caitlin Martel’s newly formed but strained relationship with her biological grandfather. She discovers a new meaning of the word DECEPTION. Does Caitlin maintain her integrity, or does she become influenced by her ruthless, take control grandfather, Lukas Bucklin?

Desperate Measures by Cindy Cromer (released!)

Desperate Measures
by Cindy Cromer

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.

Cindy Cromer debuts with a real page turner. Just when you think you've figured it all out, a new twist appears and sends you in another direction. Keep guessing, but you'll never guess who the villain is.

Grab your copy from eTreasures Publishing.

Read more about Cindy in my interview: Interview with Cindy Huefner Cromer.

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.

Interview with Cindy Huefner Cromer - Part One

I'd like to present to you Cindy Huefner Cromer, one of eTreasures Publishing’s newest authors. Basking in her excitement of her first published novel, she’s taken a moment from the celebration to share time with us.

Bio: Cindy Huefner Cromer, formally a New Jersey resident, now resides in Stuart, Florida, with her husband, son, and daughter. Cindy works as a laboratory scientist and executive, authoring numerous laboratory procedures and research documents. Driven by a passion for suspense and mystery novels, she dreamed of becoming a writer. Her dream turns into reality with the release of her debut suspense novel, Desperate Measures, in May 2011.

When did you start writing?
I’m sure this isn’t the answer you’re looking for, but my first publication was as co-author of a Bitter Intensity Study when I worked as a research chemist in the citrus industry.

Pertaining to creative writing, I’ll have to take you back to my teenage years. When I was in eighth grade, I wrote a descriptive essay. On my way to basketball practice one day, I saw my father come out of the Principal’s office. I immediately became nervous and thought I had gotten into trouble, for what I had no idea. My father informed me that my essay was written so well, that I’d been placed in the honors English and Literature classes. You may ask if this bit of my history has anything to do with where I am today. The answer is yes and no. At the time, I had plans of grandeur and envisioned myself as a bestselling author, but also wanted to be a professional woman’s basketball player. Hey, I was a teenager and had big dreams. Back to the point, I focused on my favorite subject in school, science, and earned my degree in chemistry in college. Through the many technical papers, contracts, and invaluable experience in my career, I’ve come full circle, realized my dream, and have begun my writing career.

Could you share with us a little about your first attempts at writing?
Ever since I was little, I’ve been an avid reader. I always said one day I’d write a book, if I ever had the time. My family teased me mercilessly about reading and encouraged me to write a book, since I had read so many. While reading a book, I won’t mention the author or title, I counted four characters with the same name. I slammed the book down and decided to do what I’d claimed. I gave it a shot, started typing away, and created Caitlin, the protagonist. I gave her a career utilizing my scientific and executive background. Since my favorite genre is mystery and suspense, I thought about a story I’d like to read. It didn’t take long for a plot and ending to formulate. I chose the main location as St. Kitts because my family and I do travel there frequently and the island is beautiful. It was really fun creating the characters. Once I got going, the second book started to form. When I finished DESPERATE MEASURES, I hoped for publication, but wasn’t sure. But, by writing the first book I’d achieved my dream. I continued on with the second book.

Have you ever experience the dreaded Writer’s Block? If so, what are your processes of overcoming it?
Great question! Yes, writer’s block does exist. I found a few tricks to get past the frustrating points when words and creativity just won’t come. First, I re-read the last three scenes I’ve written to build my confidence and boost my self-esteem, convince myself I can do it. When that doesn’t work, I read. At this juncture, I deliberately choose books I wouldn’t typically or a book that I’ve read before but didn’t enjoy. Sounds a little strange, but this method works well for me. For one thing, at this point, I’m not enjoying the material, and it motivates me to get going, knowing that I can create a much better book. Also, I can never predict when inspiration will hit. Writing is 24/7, I can’t just say, “oops quitting time”, there’s no such thing for a writer.

What one piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Be prepared for rejection, sometimes it’s brutal. If you believe in your work, don’t give up. Be persistent, if you were rejected by an agent or publisher before, don’t be shy and try again. Grow thick skin and don’t be offended, embrace each criticism and rejection as an opportunity to edit and polish your work.

Most importantly, ALWAYS carry a notepad when a computer is not readily available. As I said above, you never know when inspiration will hit.

One time, my family and I were on a cruise, and the perfect scene came to me. I had nothing to write on except a bunch of receipts. So, there I was, jotting down note after note on these little pieces of paper, and the sea winds whipping all around. I wished I’d had a notepad that day.
It’s taken some time, but my family has gotten used to me going into writer mode. I drop everything to get the words written down, before the thoughts get lost.

Cindy, thank you so much for sharing with us.

To shorten this lengthy interview, it has been divided into two sections.

Continue reading interview.