Q&A with Geri Dreiling, author of THE POISON DART
TELLUS ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK, THE POISON DART.
In thisnovel, reporter Debbie Bradley investigates a fentanyl overdose death. Throughher investigation, she uncovers a complex web of family secrets and thesurprising reach of drug-trafficking cartels into the Midwest. The story istold with empathy and reveals shocking connections between the characters. Thisis the second novel in the Debbie Bradley Mystery Series, and it continues toexplore the personal relationships of Debbie Bradley, Chase Laclede, BethHughes, and Detective Flannery.
HOWDID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE FOR THIS BOOK?
The PoisonDart has a double meaning. It is the name of the drug cartel at the center ofthe story, as well as a symbol of the needle involved in the overdose death.
WHATDRIVES THE CHARACTERS IN YOUR STORY and HOW DO THEY GROW?
The novelfeatures a diverse set of characters, each explored throughperspective chapters that delve into their past and motivations. Here area few noteworthy examples:
Debbie is a determined youngjournalist driven by ambition and a strong sense of justice who often grappleswith the conflict between personal ambition and moral integrity.
Macie Holloway is haunted bythe memory of her dead best friend, struggling with grief, guilt, and fear, allof which shape her decisions.
José Rodrigo “J.R.” sought abetter life for his family but found himself ensnared by the grip of thecartel, trapped in circumstances beyond his control.
WHATWOULD YOU SAY IS A PIVOTAL SCENE IN YOUR BOOK AND WHY?
In thepivotal scene, the main characters converge in a single location. The pathsthat lead them to this moment are as unique as each character. The outcome oftheir lives hangs in the balance, depending on their choices during thiscrucial moment.
HOWIS YOUR BOOK DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER BOOK IN THIS GENRE?
The Poison Dart is a grippingcrime thriller that treats the characters and subject matter with humanityrather than sensationalizing them.
IFYOUR BOOK WERE TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE, WHO WOULD BE YOUR CAST?
Debbie Bradley: SaoirseRonan
Beth Hughes: LauraLinney, Kate Winslet or Laura Dern
Chase Laclede: JharrelJerome
Detective DanielFlannery: Jon Hamm
Captain JackFlannery: Jeff Bridges
José Rodrigo:Michael Mando
Macie Holloway: JennaOrtega
Caleb and Connor Webb(Twins): Timothée Chalamet
WHAT CRITERIA DID YOU USE WHEN SELECTING THE COVER FORYOUR BOOK?
I'mlucky. My husband is an excellent cover designer, a beta reader, and afantastic listener. He understands the mood and emotional resonance I wantedthe cover to convey. I tried to capture not only Debbie's voyage through thedarkness but also that of many characters. Despite the darkness, a glimmer oflight subtly splits the art into a dart.
WAS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR BOOK THAT YOU WERE TRYING TOCONVEY?
As someonewho worked in a prosecutor's office, as a criminal defense lawyer, and as aninvestigative journalist, I've met people from many walks of life. Sometimes,they've made bad decisions that landed them in trouble. Others have foundthemselves in a difficult situation despite their innocence. I aimed to explorelife's nuance and complexity while crafting a compelling thriller.
WHATARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A WRITER?
Carving outuninterrupted time to focus. I’ve found that writing for the first few hours ofthe morning to be my most productive.
DOYOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW WRITERS?
Read. Read. Read.And devise a writing schedule that works for you. When you miss a day becauseof, you know, Life, forgive yourself then reset and resume.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE READERS CAN VISIT FORUPDATES, EVENTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS?
THE POISON DART is Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Poison-Dart-Bradley-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CR9JSKF9/
