Most of my story ideas are triggered by something, such as an encounter with someone, an observation, or a personal experience. Sometimes that inspiration is a twist on something I've read or seen that I imagined going in a different direction. Not so with Secrets So Deep, a tale that burst into my head suddenly, almost fully formed. These are my favorite stories to write, the ones that scream "Write me next!" The plot for this one unfolded in my head so quickly that I couldn't seem to get it down fast enough. It made me crazy because I already knew the twist, which comes at the end, and I can't write out of order. I'm too ... linear... right-brained ... compulsive.

Both of the characters have a real-life basis. It's a relatively common occurrence for a politician's widow to be tapped for his vacant seat. That's the premise behind my lead character, Glynn Wright. Other prominent widows who have ascended to office in the US Congress include Mary Bono, Beverly Byron and Margaret Chase Smith. In all, seven women have taken their husband's seat in the Senate; thirty-five have followed in the House of Representatives.

I confess. As I wrote this story, I picture the character of psychiatrist Charlotte Blue as one of the exotic dancers that played the Pure White Party last year during The Dinah in Palm Springs.