It was kind of freaky (pun intended) when I realized in the thriller portions of my books all the directions that I could take with the characters and the stories. And for me, there had to be a purpose in the madness for the villian(s), not just random. I wanted the intensity and build for my story.

And personally, I can’t do gore – wounds and battle injuries I can handle. Some pictures I don’t want in my head. However, I could weave an intriguing strategic mental torment, confrontation, and battle between the characters. Emotional. Harsh. The things that cause nightmares, especially with past memories and pain.

Nature provided me obviously a world of choices for extra tension, action, and excitement. What are characters afraid of, what is their weakness, what do they see, what do they smell, or what could bite them?

Action is my thing too. I like a mixture of movement with the characters or otherwise I will take a nap.

Then I think about the body and what it would feel during all those conflicts as it came close…and touched them.

Then I had to know my character’s probable response. Fight. Flight. Scream. Anger. Freeze. Panic.

And feel it for them.

To me, and I repeat, to me, the thriller part of my stories show what the target, or victim, can become, as well as what they are made of. Survive. Thrive. Awareness. Purpose. Victory. Warrior.

A purpose to move forward in life makes a huge difference, and ‘why’ matters in my stories.

So, each time I sat down with all this research, understanding, awareness, and plan, I was able to release my imagination and see how my story could play out. One scene at a time.

Did I mention how much I hate my villain(s)?

Isn’t that the point?