Interview with thriller author Monique Gliozzi

Today’s special author novelist is Monique Gliozzi to chat about her new thriller, Facets of the Past.

During her virtual book tour, Monique will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Born in Dublin, Dr Monique Gliozzi, a graduate from the University of Western Australia medical school, has a keen interest in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She works as a psychiatrist in Perth, with ties to the UWA School of Psychiatry, where she has had a role as a senior clinical lecturer. Her love for teaching granted her a nomination for an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.

Monique also holds an interest in aviation. She trained at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, where she obtained a commercial pilot licence. Following this, Monique completed her instructor rating and is now working on a casual basis as a senior flight instructor.

Monique rekindled her passion for writing starting with the fictional thriller Foresight, followed by Hunted and ghostly encounters in Vestige. Her latest book, Diversity, is a compilation of entertaining short stories of different genres.

Welcome, Monique. Please tell us a little bit about your current release.
When Hank Gild is given the opportunity to take up his dream job, he accepts the offer with excitement. As a tour guide at the historical imperial castle on Lake Starnberg, Hank delights his guests with stories of the late Bavarian emperor-his antics, his precious artifacts and the mystery shrouding his death in 1886. But it seems that not all the castle’s visitors are of pure heart. Before long, Hank is forced down a path of greed, deception and danger with no way out. A once happy and simple life unexpectedly becomes a treacherous nightmare. Who can he trust? Can Hank save himself before learning the ultimate lesson?

What inspired you to write this book?
Facets of the Past was inspired by growing up in Munich (Bavaria) and attending school close to where this story takes place. Furthermore, being a lover of history, I wanted to combine some tragic historical facts with a fictional murder mystery with a touch of the paranormal. So, after watching documentaries about historical royal tragedies of the world on You – Tube, one early morning I found myself engrossed in generating ideas for this fictional tale. It became apparent to me that listening to certain types of music, such as Gregorian chanting, ideas would flow more freely as my fingertips danced across the keyboard. I guess this is one of my quirks fuelling a certain level of creativity.

Excerpt from Facets of the Past:
Sliding behind the tapestry immortalizing the king’s coronation, then positioning my flashlight to take full advantage of its beam, I went to work. The old lock cracked within seconds. The click echoing around the room appeared loud to my already adrenaline-laden senses. With a heart pounding like a jackhammer, I reached for the handle, savoring the feeling of cold brass against my clammy palm. The little secret door was finally ajar.

Anyone familiar with old doors would know that they never open quietly, their hinges invariably will creak. This one was no different. A rush of cold musty air rushed past me. Shining the torch, I could see that behind this partition was a short narrow corridor leading to a set of steps. Glancing at my watch, I noted there was still time before a second security sweep would be needed.

Tentatively, I walked into the unknown, first tackling the corridor and steep set of winding stairs to another locked door. As I prepared to pick its lock, images of an archaeological expedition crossed my mind – Tutankhamen. The oppressive musty air, steep dark tunnels and unlawful intrusion were some similarities taunting with my moral compass. I hoped that there were no microorganisms in this space causing a mysterious and deadly affliction or, worse, a curse.

Sweat built on my brow, the tools slipped from between my moist fingers, but eventually I opened the second door, revealing yet another very long tunnel. The ceiling was arched and low, suitable for anyone of shorter stature than my six-foot frame. As I walked bent over like the hunchback of Notre Dame, I calculated the approximate length of this tunnel to be eight hundred yards. Finally, reaching its end, another door beckoned to be unlocked. Putting my skill to good use, within seconds I found myself in a small underground room.

Shining the beam around the space, a sense of uncanny familiarity befell me. Then, at the far end of the antique wine cellar, I recognized a set of wooden steps. I was in the cellar of my cottage! Relieved at having completed this little adventure unscathed, I decided to retrace my steps back to the castle.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Hank!”

Startled, I spun around, my flashlight catching a dark hooded shape emerging from the shadows.

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” The harshness of my tone barely disguised my fear. The figure slowly stepped toward the middle of the room, his head bowed and face still concealed by the hood of what appeared to be a monk’s habit. He stood in silence.

“Who are you?” I demanded. Then, slowly lifting his head toward the light, revealing a sunken midface, sharply jutting jaw, a long beaked nose, and black penetrating eyes, the stranger answered, sending a chill down my spine.

“Call me the Handyman.”

What exciting story are you working on next?
At the moment I am towing with a couple of ideas for another suspenseful narrative, but can’t quite make up my mind just yet. You’ll just need to be patient with me dear reader, hopefully by next year we can talk again! Thank you for the wonderful support and interest in this latest piece.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
It seems like a lifetime ago when as a young girl did I first begin writing short stories, now after so many years this rekindled passion has led to another chapter in my life – as an author. As a child my dream was to become an archaeologist and to work for the National Geographic. Well, my journey turned out quite different – I’m not complaining. In 2017 after a tumultuous year, it was my father who encouraged me to begin writing again and to see where it would lead. Never in my dreams could have I imagined that it would culminate into actual publications and being hosted on a virtual book tour – what a blessing!

So to answer your question, probably three years ago after publishing my first two books Foresight & Hunted. You may have gathered after reading my BIO, that I am a part time author, committed to juggle a career as a psychiatrist, my passion for aviation and family life here in Australia. There’s never a dull moment in my day.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I guess being disciplined in managing time has been one of my strengths, courtesy to authority figures at school. Growing up with the notion of “the sooner you do your chores/homework, the more time you have left for fun,” has been embedded in my psyche for the last four decades. It has served me well thus far. I tend to write early in the mornings when all is quiet and my ideas flow more freely (especially in the company of soothing tunes playing in the background).