A Captivating Debut Novel
ABOUT THE BOOK
Book Title: A Knock on the Door by Roberta K. Fernandez
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 392 pages
Genre: Crime Fiction / Thriller
Publisher: Subplot Publishing (Imprint of Amplify Publishing Group)
Release date: October 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. The book deals with heavy themes, murder, and violence
Lori Crawford’s world is turned upside down when her husband dies in a car accident. After twenty-five years of marriage, she thought she would forever live an uncomplicated, happy life with Jack. But just as Lori feels she’s coming out on the other side of her grief, Jack’s assistant at SpringWare, Rita Johnson, discovers information that convinces her that Jack was murdered.
The two women vow to bring the perpetrator to justice. But time is running out, and their names are on someone’s kill list. The truth takes them down a path they never could have suspected. They set out to bring down one of the most powerful men in the country: the director of the National Security Agency. But who will believe them? And how many more will die before they do? Now, they have to decide if they have the courage—and the ability—to finish what they started.
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Meet The Author and Interview
In her sixty-three years of life, Roberta Fernandez, a board-certified hypnotist, didn’t know that she had a story waiting to be told.In 2006, she attended a weeklong memoir-writing class conducted by a bestselling author, Joyce Maynard. Joyce worked hard to bring out Roberta’s best work, in spite of her self-perceived lack of talent. While it was an awesome experience to be instructed by a well-known author, Roberta determined that writing about herself was not a talent she possessed.
As a first-time author, Roberta now understands she was simply destined to write in a different genre. She enjoys creating relatable characters and watching the story unfold as she types. Like her readers, she wonders what’s going to happen next. A sequel is already being written as this book is published. Who knows what words will flow across the page in the next fifteen years!
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
- The story features two strong, older women. Was that intentional?
Absolutely. So many o the highly successful writers in this genre portray protagonists as younger and male. Even when male/female counterparts are featured, the male is often the lead. Half of the readers in this genre are forty to sixty-year-old women, so I wanted to represent them. I’d somehow like to believe they share characteristics I’d find in myself if I were in their shoes.
- You’ve also written a second book. Has your writing process changed since the first book?
Not the process so much, but And the Two Shall Meet is a more complex story. My process is still unique. I practice self-hypnosis daily, and the words flow when I am inspired to write. I don’t force myself to write or map out the story. I am as surprised as I hope the reader is at where the story goes and how it ends!
- You are a brand-new author, finding your way. What have been your most significant challenges?
The business side. I’m a serial entrepreneur, having founded seven different businesses over forty years. The publishing world has been a big learning curve. Whether you have success doesn’t just involve being a good writer. Many great writers are struggling to find their place and make a living. Unless you are one of the relatively few successful fiction writers, the industry is not on the side of helping authors earn money. By the time everyone gets paid and gets their share first, figuring out how to break even is undoubtedly my biggest challenge!
- What has been your greatest moment of satisfaction or pride?
My first inclination was to say when I opened the case of books and saw it for the first time, but that’s a close second. I was very resistant to publishing A Knock on the Door. I had so much encouragement from people who know and love me, saying how much they liked it, so I hoped it was good. But when the fantastic Net Galley reviews started coming in from strangers with no agenda, well, that made me feel like a real author.
- If you could dream of the best outcome to illustrate this book’s success, what would it be?
That my books become part of Reese Witherspoon’s book club, and she plays Lori Crawford in both movies. Hey, you asked me to dream. I only know how to dream big.
- Looking forward, what excites you most about your sequel?
How the plot line and characters are more evolved and complex. I never understood what authors meant when they said they were attached to their characters. I fell in love with all my characters and wanted them represented appropriately. I managed to achieve that balance for them. After A Knock on the Door, I can’t imagine not writing a series about them. Though perhaps, one day, they may outgrow me.
- Are you on social media, and can your readers interact with you?
Yes! You can find me at Roberta Fernandez, Author on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. I always respond to comments. You can also find more information on my website, RobertaFernandez.com
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram
A KNOCK ON THE DOOR Book Tour Giveaway
I have seen this book elsewhere and it looks really good, thanks for sharing!
You bet. I agree with you.