What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Death Panels?
My career passion was repairing America’s broken health care system. Upon retiring from a 40 year career as a health care executive trying to create health reform, I realized my efforts had fallen short. I turned to a bucket list idea- writing a novel- and discovered this could also be an outlet for my unfulfilled career dream. Why not write entertaining books about American medical care, that also educate Americans about how the health system got to be the way it is, and how to fix it? Turns out there was more than one novel in me- now three and still counting.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Death Panels, what would they be?
“Things Have Changed” by Bob Dylan.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Historical Fiction.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
James by Percival Everett. Trying to improve my writing by reading other recognized books.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The escape scene. I worked so hard to imprison my heroes in a health care horror, and then had to figure out how to get them out!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Nothing very quirky. Try to write everyday when a book is under development.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Erleichda. Coined by the late great Tom Robbins. Essentially means to “lighten up”- advice that was invaluable during my working days in health care.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Life is precious, and our health care system is incredibly important to almost everyone, at some point in their life. The people working in the system are talented, committed and smart, but toiling within a very flawed system. We can do much better.
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