Gone Mia Deadly Deception received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Tess Raynes.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Gone Mia Deadly Deception; July of 2024
What’s the book’s first line?
According to the data, Mia’s 2020 Toyota Camry should be the safest sedan she could have chosen.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Gone Mia is a story about love, manipulation, survival, and rediscovery. Mia starts with hope for love, but manipulation and betrayal strip away her sense of self, leaving her emotionally lost or MIA “missing in action.” As she unravels the web of lies around her, she must dig deep to rediscover herself reclaim her life. The title Gone Mia reflects both her name and the way she lost herself in the process.
Pitch- “Mia walks away from everything she thought she knew, chasing a fresh start and the life of her dreams. But as cracks form in her seemingly perfect new world, a web of lies and betrayal begins to unravel. Stripped of her sense of identity, Mia must find the courage to reclaim herself and fight for the life she thought she left behind.”
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
“A deeply personal experience with a domestic situation inspired this book. Though the details differ, the pain and impact on lives were unforgettable, and writing became my way to process those emotions.”.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
“This is a thriller that hits close to home, showing how ordinary lives can be turned upside down in an instant. If you enjoy suspenseful, relatable stories, this book is for you.”
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
“Mia reminds me of Erin Brockovich (from the eponymous story), not because of their external circumstances, but due to their shared inner resolve to reclaim power and truth amidst personal and external challenges. Mia also has elements of Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit; a character who faces struggles that force her to dig deep and rediscover her strength and sense of self in a way that feels both inspiring and authentic.”
When did you first decide to become an author?
After an early retirement to care for ailing parents, a world pandemic, and other family tragedies, I sought therapy and she suggested it as a form of therapy. Writing changed everything for me, just thinking about story ideas, researching, and filling my days with positive energy, purpose and hope.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
“Yes, Gone Mia: Deadly Deception is my debut novel, and it represents a deeply personal journey into storytelling.”
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
“Writing is now my full-time career- Prior to Retirement I was a Chief Operating Officer in the Healthcare Industry.”
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
“I dedicate at least 40 hours a week to writing, treating it like the full-time career and creative outlet it is.”
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
“The best part of being an indie author is the creative freedom to expand my knowledge of writing and continually develop skills. The hardest part? Marketing, promotion, and building a following. Tasks like managing social media, running ads, gathering reviews, and maintaining a website are time-consuming and unrewarding for me.”
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
“If you truly want to do this and be successful, you have to work hard and put your time in. This type of career is no different than any other career. If your successful over-night, Congratulations, you are a rare flower!”
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
“On days when marketing feels overwhelming, I might consider going traditional. But overall, I value the freedom to write what I love at my own pace, which makes indie publishing fulfilling.”
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
“I’m motivated by the hope of seeing a return on my investment—whether in classes, conferences, or editing—while staying focused on creating stories that resonate with readers. Fame is less of a priority for me.”
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
“I admire Gillian Flynn for her masterful storytelling and ability to craft deeply complex characters.”
Which book do you wish you could have written?
“I wish I could have written The Silent Patient. The way it weaves psychological depth and suspense is truly inspiring.”