I first started writing novel-length stories at seventeen. I’ve always
wanted to travel and in writing, I could go anywhere in the world. I think that’s
what really prompted my writing in the first place. The stories back then were
mostly historical romances.
Can you
summarise your latest work in just a few words?
Thrilling,
unexpected and twisted.
What was
the inspiration for this book?
My inspiration
for Catalyst at Night is mostly the continuation of Mishka Vald’s story. With
this character, I’m able to explore the dark sides of love, romance, and life.
Did you do
any research for the book?
I did quite
a bit of research for Catalyst at Night. From Pinterest to mafia roles, I had
my work cut out for me with Mishka.
What does
a typical writing day involve for you?
For me, a
typical writing day involves coffee, country music, and breaks where I surf the
internet. Unfortunately, the latter seems to happen more than I’d like, but it’s
a routine that seems to work for me. I try to write when the story flows and
take breaks when it doesn’t.
How do you
decide on the names for your characters?
Interestingly enough, I chose some of the character names in my Russian
mob series from personal experience. During the day, I work at a law firm and
we had a client who was accused of murder. I won’t say which character I borrowed
his name for, but it is definitely one of the more dastard men. The other names
were researched extensively because of the Russian theme. Only a few readers
thus far have pointed out that my main character’s name, Mishka, is typically a
male name. Of course, I had a reason for doing that and readers will find out
in book three.
Do you
plot your novels in advance, or allow them to develop as you write?
I try to plot as much of my novel before I start writing. Typically, I make
a plot line with the scenes and movements of the story then later translate
them into short paragraphs so when I start writing, I know exactly where I’m
going. Other times, I let the characters and story guide me as I write. I believe
it’s a healthy combination of both.
Which
writers have influenced your own writing?
So many
writers have influenced my writing. It’s difficult to pin it down to just one
person when it’s a cluster of all the authors I’ve read at one point or
another. I greatly admire Robert Ludlum and the way he intricately puts twists
in his stories.
What has
been the best part of the writing process…and the worst?
The best part of the writing process for me is holding my completed
book in my hands. It’s surreal since I’ve dreamed of it since the very first
time I wrote a story. The worst part of writing is the block that inevitably
happens. Usually at the worst possible times too.
Now the
book is published and ‘out there’ how do you feel?
I feel
very proud of my dedication and work with these characters. They’re as much of
me as I am so I’m excited to have readers dive into Mishka’s world.
Is there a
message for the reader?
The only
message I have for readers is to remember that authors write fiction and the
characters will do as they please. Some people try to say that the author controls
the story, but I believe the characters drive the story instead with the help
of the writer.
Do you
have any advice for new writers?
My advice for
new writers is to never give up. It’s easy to do and I’ve seen many aspiring writers
put their passion aside because they were told to ‘grow up’. Breaking into the
writing world isn’t easy, believe me, but in the end it’s worth it.
What can
we expect from you in the future?
I have one historical murder story I’m
editing right now that I believe readers would love. It’s a little different than
my Russian mafia series and has more romance involved. As for afterwards, I
have a few ideas brewing.
What would you do if the mystery to your mother’s death lay with your employer?
After years of unanswered questions, Mishka Vald sets out to uncover the skhodka’s involvement in her past. What she doesn’t expect is to join forces with men who push her to become a double-agent and confirm her future. While hunting down leads, the ruthless assassin realizes a life in the shadows is the only way for her to protect those she loves.
For Mishka, forbidden love is worth the pain when it comes to Eddie Harper, a military man turned cop. Her affection waivers when duty comes first and she joins forces with an elite Russian soldier, Alexei Petrovich. With a blackmailer threatening her school love, she seeks refuge with a fellow assassin, Nickolas Volkov. And when pushed too far, she’s ushered to a secure location…and straight into the arms of mysterious handyman, Dylan Kain. As the pieces fall into place, their mangled order reveals each man’s true intention. Whose deceit can she accept and whose will obliterate her?
All roads lead back to the woman she thought dead – her mother. Now, as weddings are crashed and alliances tested, Mishka uncovers a deadly game and the players involved. Her heart, once unable to budge, is thrust into action, but which man can keep her soul intact?
Catalyst
at Night
The
skhodka isn’t done with their best assassin yet.
Too
bad for them, as a rivaling mob – the vory – holds Mishka Vald captive. The
real kicker? She’s trapped in her mother’s clutches with the two men she loves,
with no escape from the devious scheme Alena Vald cooked up to destroy the
skhodka.
After
spiriting across the globe with one man in tow, Mishka comes face to face with
her past. Piecing together the distorted memories would be easy if someone
hadn’t tampered with them.
Can
Mishka slip through the grips of warring Russian mobs for a chance at a normal
life? Find out in Catalyst at Night, the sequel to Assassin by
Day.
mybook.to/catalystatnight
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me on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tessa-robertson
