Fiction Scribe

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe, Ms. Riley.

Let’s start with getting to know you a little better. List five things you feel define you as a person.

Defining characteristics for me are honesty, integrity, intelligence, compassion and spirituality. When I think of these defining characteristics I am reminded of the things I have learned through training with the military and with my profession as a Registered Nurse. Integrity and Trust are essential ingredients in all areas of my life.

Where did the inspiration for Embittered Justice come from?

Inspiration for the book started when I had the personal misfortune of spending time in a court room. I listened carefully as cases were presented and the fates of defendants were left in the hands of the defense, prosecution and a judge. The types of cases were diverse but the single common element was about making a deal or plea agreement. I watched in horror as the conversations in the hallway were whispered about what a defendant would accept and how lives would be changed forever.

It didn’t seem to matter what the elements of the cases were; only that the outcome was based on the networking experience of the attorney. The secretive proceedings would cast doubt in my mind on the legitimacy of the system that had no respect for the defendant, innocent or guilty. Legal or administrative bodies with strict ruling and secretive proceedings metaphorically are sometimes called star chambers. This term is intended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of proceedings in the judicial system.

Your main character, Jennifer, moves to a tightly knit community in Norfolk, Virginia. Do you have a connection with Virginia? Why that location?

Yes I lived in Norfolk Virginia a few years ago while on Active Duty and wanted to move there again to be close to my son. I chose Norfolk as the main location in Embittered Justice because I had the opportunity to witness the court room proceedings there and I am familiar with the area.

Tell us a bit about Jennifer. Is she a part of you or someone completely different?

Jennifer is definitely part of me and all the characters in the book are similar to people I know. Jennifer Campbell is a Registered Nurse and moves to Virginia to be near her son after a tour on active duty as a mobilized reservist in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Her dream of living near the beach and managing a company come true when she moves to Norfolk.

Mysterious things start to happen to Jennifer when she buys the dream house and her life will never be the same. Jennifer had always been able to deal with any crisis in her life with ease until now. The once stoic woman becomes an emotional wreck and her stable life unravels as she fights for justice. She has never been dependent on anyone in her life but finds that she must accept assistance from those that love her to get through a horrible situation.

What are your dreams for your writing? Where do you see yourself in five years both as a writer and as a person?

My dreams for writing are to be able to write full time and write several books and maybe a movie deal…it is nice to dream. Of course I want to be a best selling author, doesn’t every author have that desire? Through the process of writing Embittered Justice I have discovered my own weaknesses as an author and strive to improve with every book.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given/learned in your life as a writer?

Write the story…get the editing finished when you have it completed. Write the way you speak and the process is much quicker. Don’t worry if your first book isn’t accepted some of the best writer’s books were not accepted…at first. Don’t give up; the world is waiting for your story.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers here?

Check out my website at http://www.michaelariley.com and watch the Book Trailer of Embittered Justice. A personal autographed copy is available on my website.

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with your tour and Embittered Justice.