Oliana knows that every family has a secret, but she never expected hers to come from the grave.
High school senior Oliana Mercer dreams of attending the prestigious Reyersen Drama Academy and pursuing her acting career. But when tragedy strikes, Oliana discovers secrets hidden from her by her adopted parents, dimming the lights on her perfect world. As the sins of the past surface, Oliana finds herself caught up in a tug-of-war between two families while the love for her boyfriend is tested. Determined to find some form of happiness in life, Oliana becomes student director in the high school’s senior play. When her best friend, Devin Worthy, dies during dress rehearsal, Oliana is re-cast as the lead. Everyone thinks the death was a suicide, except Oliana, whose search for clues may be enough motive for the killer to murder again.
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult
Writing Interview questions.
What inspired you to write this book?
It was a continuation of my book Burned Bridges. Oliana’s life started in that book, and I wanted a chance for Oliana to tell her story.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
Oliana Mercer is at a pivotal moment in her life where she should be celebrating the upcoming transition of getting ready to graduate and prepare to follow her dreams. Instead, she’s thrown into a reality that makes her doubt who she is while dealing with the loss of her best friend.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
The three words that I’d use to describe Oliana are creative, curious, and determined.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Switching genres. I also write crime fiction, so it was a fun challenge.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No. Thank goodness. Although, I did have to revise my outline three times and rewrite my synopsis four times.
What are you currently working on?
The Director in the Oliana Mercer series will be released in September 2023.
Trapped, the second book in The Forgotten Daughter series, will be released in July 2023.
At this moment. I have a manuscript I’m working on, and it is practically writing itself. That makes me nervous because I know I will delete some chapters during rewrites. ☺
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
I’d suggest to aspiring authors who are having doubts about their writing abilities to attend a writer’s conference, research their genre, and keep on writing!
One of my favorites is that I enjoy learning something new every day about our craft!
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like building dollhouses. For me, it’s a great way to get rid of stress.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer. But my life went in a different direction, and I’m glad it did.
What’s for dinner tonight?
Leftovers: Beef Enchiladas.
What would you rather be eating?
Shrimp Scampi
What would be a perfect day?
Seventy-three-degree weather and walk on the beach. Snowstorms, which I’m stuck in one right now, I could do without! ☺
What is the best part of your day?
Family Time!
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Tea
Hot or cold: Hot
Movie or book: Movie
Morning person or Night owl: Night Owl
City or country: Country
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: Paperback
When Marguerite Ashton was in her twenties, she took up acting but realized she preferred to work behind the camera, writing crime fiction. A few years later, she married an IT Geek and settled down with her role as wife, mom, and writer!
Her blog, Criminal Lines: Settled Writer Past 40 is her outlet while building dollhouses and plotting out her next book.
Marguerite lives in Wisconsin and enjoys RVing.
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