PASSPORT to PLOTLINES Some places feel cinematic the moment you step into them, and Italy—oh, Italy—is one of them. When I visited Milan, wandered through the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, and later wound my way up toward Lake Como, I wasn’t just sightseeing. I was collecting pieces of a story that would become Redwood File.
In this romantic suspense tale, Hollywood heartthrob Derrek Redwood trades the red carpet for Renaissance history as he films an epic remake of the Golden Fleece. To safeguard him from what appears to be a growing stalker threat, rookie bodyguard Sierra Cavendish goes undercover as his memoirist. But what begins as a security assignment spirals into a tangled chase involving a secret diary, long-lost Da Vinci clues, and danger as beautiful—and deadly—as northern Italy’s scenery. Milan — Glamour Meets Mystery Milan is a city with layers—fashion-forward modernity gliding effortlessly over centuries of art and intrigue. Street cafés buzz with conversation and espresso steam, elegant boutiques line cobblestone walkways, and tucked between sleek architecture stand remnants of Renaissance genius. Walking through the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, I was struck by how Da Vinci felt everywhere—his engineering marvels, sketches, flying machines, and inventions whispering of puzzles waiting to be solved. That spark ignited the treasure thread in Redwood File: a secret belonging to Derrek’s late mother, embedded in her diary, holding clues to a long-lost Da Vinci legacy. Sierra may be pretending to record Derrek’s life story, but the pages she really seeks are those that history lost—pages some would kill to find. Lake Como — Beauty With a Chase Scene Then there’s Lake Como, where the mountains fold into glittering water like nature’s own amphitheater. Villas perch on hillsides, gardens bloom in impossible colors, and the lake’s surface shimmers like polished glass—until the moment danger breaks it. I drove those roads, awed by the winding shoreline and dramatic tunnels carved into stone. In the book, serenity shatters as Sierra and Derrek navigate a harrowing car chase through tight lake roads and cliffside curves. Engine roaring, tires gripping ancient pavement, the lake becomes both witness and accomplice to their escape. Beauty makes the danger sharper, the stakes higher, and the romance more electric. Golden Fleece Glamour & Secret Shadows As Derrek films his role chasing a mythical treasure, real treasure becomes the true hunt. Between red-carpet charm and paparazzi flashbulbs lies a far more ancient story—one stitched into Da Vinci’s brilliance and a mother’s secrets. Sierra is no starry-eyed fan; she’s sharp, strategic, and utterly unprepared for how deeply she begins to care for the man she was hired to protect. Italy’s romance and shadow play fit them perfectly:
Pack your virtual passport—because some treasures don’t glitter in gold; they beat in the hearts of those brave enough to chase truth and love at once. 🇮🇹❤️🔐
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BEHIND THE SCENES - DEEP DIVE DIARIES  Norse mythology has always captivated me—its fierce gods, haunting landscapes, and sprawling cosmology full of monsters, giants, prophecies, and doomed destinies. There’s something both wild and intimate about Norse lore, where family betrayals, world-ending battles, and magical bloodlines weave together into stories that feel ancient… yet eerily modern.
So naturally, I wrote my own twist on it. My Shadow Guardians Trilogy is an urban fantasy romantic suspenseadventure where Ragnarok already happened, humanity survived, and over thousands of years the bloodlines of gods, giants, and monsters quietly mixed with mortals. Now, three sisters—with their future partners at their sides—discover they’ve inherited ancient magic and an even older war. Their destiny? To stop the reincarnation of Hel and her diabolic mission. But before I dive into how that world came to life, here are some of my favorite Norse mythology fun facts that helped inspire the series. ❄️ Fun Fact #1: Ragnarok Isn’t the End—It’s a Beginning Many myths end with destruction, but in Norse lore, Ragnarok is a cycle. After the world burns and floods, new land rises, survivors repopulate the world, and forgotten magic stirs again. This cyclical idea became the heartbeat of my trilogy. In my world:
Hel, daughter of Loki, rules the underworld and oversees the dead who did not die in battle. She’s often portrayed as half-alive, half-corpse—a symbol of duality. In the myths, she isn’t pure evil; she’s a necessary force. But in my trilogy, the reincarnation of Hel has a new agenda: Raise an army of the undead and finish what Ragnarok started. She becomes a multi-layered antagonist—part tragic, part terrifying, fully determined to end Midgard as it should have ended millenia ago. Hel is not just a villain—she is the shadow the entire trilogy fights to outrun. 🪓 Fun Fact #3: Norse Gods Were… Not Subtle Thor smashed giants with a hammer. Freyja collected the dead for battle. Loki shapeshifted into everything from a salmon to a pregnant mare. Odin traded an eye for wisdom. Norse magic is bold, visceral, and elemental. My trilogy leans into this intensity:
Just like the gods they descended from. 🧊 Fun Fact #4: The Nine Realms Are All Connected by Yggdrasil In the myths, Yggdrasil—an immense ash tree—links every world. Its roots and branches stretch into realms of light, fire, mist, giants, gods, and the dead. I loved this idea of interconnected worlds. In my trilogy:
🦊 Fun Fact #5: Shapeshifters & Magical Creatures Were Everywhere Loki wasn’t the only shapeshifter. Norse myths include:
And, of course, their love interests each hold a sliver of mythic magic too—complements, foils, and partners in both danger and desire. ⚔️ How It All Comes Together in the Shadow Guardians Trilogy Imagine:
The sisters aren’t just saving the world. They’re rewriting a myth. PASSPORT TO PLOTLINES 🌆❤️Chicago has a rhythm all its own—a blend of soaring skyscrapers, historic streets, and the kind of energy that makes it the perfect backdrop for a high-stakes romantic thriller. I’ve wandered its avenues many times for medical conferences, but when I imagined Sullivan File, I saw the city through a different lens: one where romance, scandal, and danger lurk around every corner.
Magnificent Mile: Glitter and Grit Walking the Magnificent Mile, it’s easy to get lost in the bustle. Storefronts glint like jewels under the Midwestern sun, tourists and locals mingle along the wide sidewalks, and the smell of street food drifts from every corner. In the book, this iconic avenue isn’t just a shopping haven—it’s a place where secrets can hide in plain sight. Lincoln Park: Nature Meets Intrigue Lincoln Park offers a striking contrast: leafy trails, hidden benches, and quiet corners tucked behind the bustle of downtown. Here, romance blooms in subtle ways—long walks, whispered conversations, stolen glances—but beneath the serene beauty, Chicago’s secrets pulse. It’s perfect for moments where characters reflect, plot twists simmer, or an unsuspecting encounter could tip the scales in a high-stakes scandal. Deep-Dish Delights at Giordano’s No Chicago experience is complete without Giordano’s deep-dish pizza. Thick, cheesy, and rich, it’s comfort on a plate—yet in a thriller, even a cozy meal can feel suspenseful. Imagine tense discussions over slices, hushed voices in a crowded restaurant, the clink of silverware masking whispered plans. Food becomes a stage for intrigue, while the warmth of melted mozzarella mirrors fleeting moments of tenderness in the storm of a second-chance romance. Chicago’s Dark Charm Chicago’s architectural grandeur and lakeside beauty create a stunning backdrop, but there’s an edge here—the wind off Lake Michigan, shadows cast by towering buildings, alleys where secrets hide. It’s a city where glamour and grit coexist, perfect for weaving suspense into romance. High-rise offices, riverside walks, and hidden speakeasies all give writers a playground for plotting, flirting, and danger. Why Chicago Works for Sullivan File The city isn’t just scenery—it’s a character. The energy and the sensory delight juxtaposed with scandal and danger while amplifying every heartbeat of the story. Chicago gives Reece and Jess their second chance at love and the perfect stage: thrilling, stylish, and just a little dangerous. If you want to stroll its streets with suspense around every corner and feel romance ignite in unexpected moments, Sullivan File awaits. Sullivan File BEHIND THE SCENES  Writing may be my world, but visual creativity is my sister’s. She’s an incredibly talented graphic designer who now runs her own design team. She’s the kind of designer who can take a concept, a mood, or a scribbled idea and turn it into something polished, artistic, and meaningful.
Over the years, her talent has slipped more deeply into my work than even she may realize. From maps to book catalogs to character inspiration, her eye for detail and visual storytelling has influenced both my writing and the worlds I build. In Meridian File and Michelle’s Miracle, her creative spirit became part of my characters’ artistic identities. This is the story of how her artistry helped shape mine. 🎨 My Sister’s Designs Behind the Scenes I’ve been lucky to collaborate with my sister on a variety of projects—each one combining her visual creativity with my stories: • Maps for My Worlds When I needed maps—intricate, aesthetic, and evocative—my sister brought them to life. Her designs helped readers visualize the geography, the stakes, and the journeys written across my pages. (see map at top) • My Book Catalog Most recently, she created a gorgeous, streamlined book catalog for me. A catalog might sound simple on the surface, but her version turned into a visual story of my writing career—clean layouts, compelling images, and branding that feels cohesive and professional. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes tools that makes authors look far more organized than we feel. 🎾 Graphic Design Meets Fiction: Amon in Meridian File In Meridian File, one of the central characters, Aurora, is a graphic designer nearing the end of her tennis career and preparing to transition into art full-time. Her character was deeply inspired by watching my sister build her own graphic design career—balancing creativity, business, and passion. Amon designs:
🎨 Art Inspiring Fiction: Michelle’s Miracle In Michelle’s Miracle, a novella in Romancing the Spirit, the main character is an artist whose emotional and spiritual journey intertwines with her creative one. While crafting Michelle’s character, I drew heavily from the energy, focus, and artistic presence my sister embodies. Michelle paints emotion, creating beauty from chaos. She sees the world differently—through hue, line, texture, and possibility. Those traits come from years of watching my sister start with a blank canvas—literal or digital—and transform it into something that breathes. 👩🎨 Creative Talent Runs In the Family… Even If It Shows Up Differently My sister paints with pixels and color palettes. I paint with words and worlds. But creativity is creativity—and having an artist in the family has shaped:
PASSPORT2PLOTLINES There’s something about Antigua that makes you want to dive right into adventure. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a breeze scented with salt and hibiscus—this Caribbean gem set the stage for the opening of Masters File, where Jenna Masters begins her story. I first experienced Antigua during a Caribbean cruise, and kayaking along the coast gave me the perfect inspiration for the scene where Jenna meets Ryan Walsh, a devilishly handsome bodyguard. Kayaking Into Chemistry In the book, Jenna guides tourists through Antigua’s sparkling coves, pointing out reefs and swaying palms, and Ryan joins—an imposing figure with a grin that promises trouble. Their second encounter happens on the water, just as I remember feeling while kayaking: the gentle sway of the waves, the spray of sea mist on your face, and the hush of the islands’ hidden coves. The turquoise sea sparkles under the Caribbean sun, the breeze whips through hair, and the calls of seabirds punctuate quiet moments. Jenna feels her heart race—not just from navigating the kayak through tricky channels, but from Ryan’s teasing confidence. The chemistry is instant, electric, and impossible to ignore. A Caribbean Interlude… and Separation But life isn’t all romance on calm waters. Despite the undeniable spark, Jenna and Ryan part ways after the tour ends, each returning to their separate worlds. The idyllic beaches, colorful markets, and distant shores remain behind them—but the memory of that first connection lingers, as vivid as the Antigua sunsets. Danger Looms Beyond Paradise Reality intrudes: Jenna’s later return home is far from tropical bliss. Kidnapped by the Cuban mafia, she faces peril she’s never known. And Ryan? He must rush into danger to save her. And the action and adventure don’t stop there. Their travels take them from Chicago to Miami to Moscow. The contrast between Antigua’s sunny beauty and the dark world Jenna faces later creates the perfect tension: a reminder that romance and suspense can coexist, just like shimmering coral reefs beside deep, shadowed waters. Where Real Travel Inspires Fiction Writing this opening scene while thinking back on my kayaking adventure in Antigua allowed me to capture the sensory details—the gentle waves, the salt on your skin, the sound of laughter echoing across coves—and weave them seamlessly into suspense. For readers, it’s not just a setting; it’s a stage for romance, intrigue, and the dangerous thrill of love and adventure. If you want to paddle into the Caribbean with Jenna and Ryan—heart racing, pulse pounding, danger around every turn--Masters File awaits.  Behind the Scenes: EMT-P  Before I was a physician, before I was a novelist weaving romance, danger, and adventure together—I was a paramedic.
Two years of intensive training, an associate degree, certification exams, and long shifts working through college shaped my worldview in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until many years later. The paramedic life is a strange mix of adrenaline and stillness, heartbreak and humanity. You see people on their worst days, and you learn quickly who you are when seconds matter. Those experiences found their way into my writing—sometimes without me realizing it until a character came alive on the page with instincts, compassion, trauma, or grit that looked suspiciously like my past. Here are a few places where the paramedic in me stepped out of memory and into fiction. 🚑 Rico in Cabrera File: Quick Thinking with a Big Heart Rico didn’t start out as a character inspired by my paramedic days, but the moment he showed up on the page, he felt familiar. His compassion with victims, the way he always scans a room for danger or injury, the quiet confidence he uses to calm Diz during their frantic search for her kidnapped roommate… those traits come straight from the ambulance. Paramedics learn:
🚑 Raymond & Cathy in McMillan File: Street Medicine, Street Pain Inner city EMTs and paramedics carry a particular weight—the weight of crime scenes, drug houses, domestic violence calls, and overdoses where you never forget the faces. Raymond and Cathy were inspired by the medics I knew and worked alongside. Raymond. He’s bitter when we meet him—burned out, jaded, carrying anger that masks unresolved grief. Many real medics hit that wall. The job demands heart, but sometimes it breaks the very heart you give. His arc is about rediscovering compassion… and finding someone who believes he can. Cathy. She’s steady, warm, and quietly resilient. She sees Raymond slipping and refuses to let him drown in cynicism. She reminds him why he started this work in the first place: to help people, not judge them. Their dynamic comes straight from ambulance life—the way partners become lifelines, mirrors, and sometimes the only person who truly understands what you carry after a twelve-hour shift. 💔 Terrible Tragedies, Incredible Moments Being a paramedic meant witnessing some awful things—accidents, violence, loss that stays with you. But in the middle of those tragedies were moments of astonishing grace:
That emotional balance bleeds into my fiction. My characters fight, rescue, grieve, hope, and love because that’s what real people do, even in crisis. 🏥 The ER Showdown in McMillan File: Truth Wrapped in Fiction One of my favorite behind-the-scenes stories is the scene where Raymond clashes with Dr. David Rider in the ER. Raymond calls in with a patient, confident in his street assessment and intended plan. Dr. Rider—sharp-edged, exhausted, and slightly arrogant—challenges him. This exact dynamic is one I lived. There’s sometimes tension between medics and ER physicians:
That’s the beauty of emergency work: pressure reveals character—sometimes good, sometimes messy, always real. 🔥 Fiction Born from Real-World Grit My paramedic years were filled with long nights, broken hearts, moments of triumph, and flashes of deep humanity. Those years gave me:
Being a paramedic didn’t just shape my writing. It shaped me, and through me, every story I tell. PASSPORT2PLOTLINES: Louisiana Louisiana will always hold a special place in my heart. I lived there from 4th grade through high school graduation, and later returned for paramedic school, spending two years immersed once again in the culture, rhythm, and spirit of the Deep South. It’s a state that imprints on you—lush, humid, fragrant, musical, mysterious, and endlessly alive.
Between rural southern Louisiana with its Creole flair and the energetic sprawl of Baton Rouge—a city built on grit, tradition, and good cheer (especially when LSU is winning!)—I grew up surrounded by stories begging to be told. So when I wrote Allison’s Alibi, it felt only natural to return to the bayous, the French Quarter, and the Cajun countryside for inspiration. Louisiana’s rich flavors and shadows made the perfect backdrop for a romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Here’s the real-life Louisiana that helped build the fictional world of Allison’s Alibi. 🐊 Swamps, Spirits & Alligators: The Rural Heart of Louisiana Living in rural southern Louisiana meant experiencing life closer to nature—and closer to mystery.
🎭 The Magic & Mystery of New Orleans Some of my favorite memories come from the city where history and celebration dance together:
In Allison’s Alibi, the French Quarter’s haunting charm echoes through the psychic detective’s gifts, the ghost of Allison’s father, and the whispers of danger around every corner. 💜 Baton Rouge: Home of Grit, Gumbo, and Tiger Pride Baton Rouge has personality. Big personality. I spent years there for paramedic school, absorbing the energy of a city where:
🔮 How Louisiana Became the Soul of Allison’s Alibi The story follows Allison, a researcher whose colleague is murdered—leaving her with no alibi and mounting evidence pointing her way. Louisiana’s mystique offered the perfect setting for a suspense story tinged with paranormal threads. Enter: 1) A psychic detective with seductive Southern flair Inspired by the charm and depth I saw in many Louisianans—equal parts easygoing and inscrutable. 2) The ghost of Allison’s father, a spectral presence shaped by Louisiana’s long tradition of reverence for the dead, spiritual storytelling, and the blurred line between this world and the next. 3) A killer hiding beneath Southern politeness. Because Louisiana hospitality is legendary… but its shadows are deep. In this book, Louisiana is more than a location—it’s a character. It’s the humidity clinging to each scene, the heat fueling tension, the music vibrating beneath fear, the flavors woven into emotional beats, and the mystery rising from the swamp like morning fog. Writing Allison’s Alibi allowed me to relive the Louisiana I loved, feared, explored, and grew up in. It felt like coming home—but with a fictional twist and a dead body. Allison's Alibi Passport to Plotlines:Why Atlanta Became Home to the Rider Team Atlanta has been a recurring stop in my life—an energetic, sprawling Southern city I’ve visited more times than I can count. It’s a place steeped in culture, charm, grit, and international reach, blending modern skyscrapers with tree-lined neighborhoods, luxury dining with hole-in-the-wall gems, and small-town warmth with global influence. So when I began crafting my romantic suspense series, The Rider Files, it wasn’t long before Atlanta became the perfect home base for Rider Security and Investigation. And the story behind choosing Atlanta is almost as fun as the series itself. 🍷 A Glass of Wine, a Conversation, and the Birth of the Rider Team Years ago, over a quiet evening and a glass of wine, I told my husband I wanted to write a romantic suspense series centered on strong female characters—women who take charge, solve crimes, fall in love, and save lives. He listened, smiled, and said, “Let’s build you a team.” That night, Rider Security and Investigation was born—named after Maxine Rider, retired Marine who built her company around diverse specialists and rooted it in a city big enough to house all their high-stakes missions. My husband is from Atlanta, so as we talked, he sprinkled in stories, favorite spots, traffic disasters, hidden gems, and local color that helped shape the fictional landscape. It became a beautiful melding of memory, imagination, and partnership. 🌐 Why Atlanta Was the Perfect Setting for Rider Security 1. An International Hub With Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—one of the busiest airports in the world—the city provides seamless access for Rider’s operatives to jet off to trouble spots in:
2. A Blend of Grit and Glamour Atlanta offers the right mix for suspense:
3. Personal Connection Being married to an Atlantan means Atlanta never feels generic to me. It feels lived-in. Loved. Familiar. And that authenticity trickles into the pages—locations feel real because they are real. 🍔 Favorite Atlanta Landmarks I’ve Featured (or Should!) One of the best perks of setting a series in a city I know is weaving in the iconic spots I’ve visited, revisited, and fallen in love with. ✨ The Varsity “What’ll ya have?” A classic Atlanta staple—perfect for quick bites, undercover meets, or lighthearted moments between tense scenes. ✨ Bones Restaurant Elegant, old-school, and the perfect place for Rider operatives to celebrate victories or conduct discreet negotiations over a world-class steak. ✨ Georgia Aquarium With its breathtaking whale sharks and ethereal underwater tunnels, it provides the perfect backdrop for introspective scenes… or meet-cutes. ✨ World of Coca-Cola A fun, colorful stop that blends nostalgia with whimsy—ideal for lighter moments in a high-stakes series. ✨ Piedmont Park Scenic, sprawling, and a perfect place for outdoor scenes, quiet conversations, or unexpected plot twists. ✨ Centennial Olympic Park Vibrant and full of history—its fountains and walkways bring energy and motion to any scene. ✨ Midtown & Buckhead Trendy, modern, fast-paced areas filled with restaurants, offices, and upscale hotels—great for corporate intrigue or luxury-level suspense. Atlanta lets me play with all these textures. And the Rider team thrives in that variety. 🔥 Atlanta in the Rider Files: More Than a Setting In The Rider Files, Atlanta becomes:
And every time I write a new Rider story, I feel that same creative joy I felt years ago, sitting with my husband, dreaming up a team of powerful, brilliant women and the men who help—or try to keep up with—them. Atlanta gave the Rider Files a home. And in return, I get to revisit the city again and again—on the page and in my memories. Check out the Rider Series! ROMANTIC THRILLERS  Behind the Scenes: My horseback riding ties into writing Once up a time, I was a teenager who fell in love with the world from the back of a horse. My after-school hours were spent with DeeDee, our sweet Arabian mare who tolerated my inexperience with saintly patience and delighted in learning new tricks.
Nothing felt more liberating than gripping the reins, leaning forward, and flying across a field with the wind in my face. That feeling—freedom, partnership, trust—became part of who I am, and inevitably, it found its way into my books. Here’s how horses and horseback riding shaped my writing, my characters, and more than a few dramatic chase scenes. 🐎 My Riding Beginnings: DeeDee the Patient & Playful Arabian DeeDee was my first real introduction to horse partnership. She was gentle, curious, and endlessly forgiving as I learned:
That mix of beauty and unpredictability is something I still weave into every horse scene I write. 🐎 Riding Through College, Medical School, and Beyond My love of riding didn’t stop when life got busy. In college, a friend’s family owned horses and graciously let me ride. Later, the owner of the paramedic company I worked for kept several horses and also opened their pastures to me. Even in medical school, I somehow lucked into friends who welcomed me into their barns. These experiences gave me exposure to different horses, personalities, and challenges: #Henry – The Clumsiest Horse I’ve Ever Met Henry tripped constantly. Once, he stumbled so spectacularly that we both ended up in the mud in an undignified heap. We were fine—just muddy and laughing—but it’s a reminder that even sure-footed animals have their off days. #Baby – The Spooky Speedster Baby had a reputation for meanness, and it took four months of steady groundwork before I finally rode her outside the corral. The victory was short-lived: a flock of birds burst from the trees, Baby bolted for the barn, and when I tried to rein her in, she bucked up a 45-degree incline. I flew over her head and landed flat on my back. Shaking, sore, and adrenaline-filled, I climbed back on to ride her around the corral once--because you always get back on. And then I never rode Baby again. Those experiences—sweet, funny, terrifying, empowering—shaped the way I write riders and horses alike: with respect for the animal, awareness of danger, and appreciation for the exhilaration. 🐎 Where You’ll Find Horseback Riding in My Books If you love horseback scenes as much as I do, you’ll spot them galloping through several of my stories—sometimes dramatic, sometimes romantic, sometimes downright cinematic. Black Gold Lillian makes a brave, desperate dash on horseback to escape oil thieves in Kenya. It’s one of the most adrenaline-fueled moments in the book, blending fear, freedom, and raw survival as she rides for her life. Sharp File Santino delivers a spectacular riding sequence inspired by The Man From Snowy River—one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s bold, daring, and a little swoon-worthy, showcasing both his horsemanship and heroic streak. Sky Fall (Shadow Guardians, Book 3) Sky rides into the final showdown with Hel atop her loyal horse Thunder across Iceland’s wild landscape. Their bond—built from trust to battle—makes this moment powerful, emotional, and mythic. Gray Horizon Jonathan (Lillian’s brother) pulls off a high-speed horseback escape through Paris, very much in the spirit of True Lies(yes, that scene). It’s cinematic, chaotic, and one of my favorite action moments. Rosalyn’s Run (a Shadow Guardians novella) In one of my favorite twists, Rosalyn is literally a shape-shifting horse, rescuing Apollo from the clutches of Hel herself. It’s magical, fierce, and probably the most literal example of “horse girl energy” I’ve ever written. Winds of Destiny, Olympian Awakenings And then there’s Tyler, our resident shapeshifter… who becomes a horse for Layla to ride. But that’s not all he becomes. Let’s just say his talents go well beyond the stable… 😉 You’ll have to read the series to find out. From Kenyan plains to Icelandic battlefields to Parisian chaos and mythic transformations, horses keep showing up in my stories because they represent everything I love in fiction: freedom, danger, loyalty, beauty, and the thrill of running headlong into the unknown. And honestly? I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing them in. |
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