Interview with Author Mandi Tucker Slack

Mandi Tucker Slack has been married for 12 years and is the mother of two boys and a little 3 year-old girl. She and her family spend most weekends rock hounding or exploring new places. She loves the desert and mountains, and has been interested in everything from archeology to paleontology. One of her favorite hobbies is collecting and searching for fossils in the desert. She also grew up frequenting museums and accompanying her parents on archeological digs in San Rafael. Like a true author, she loves to incorporate her hobbies and interests into her writing.

“If you want suspense, action, drama all in one book, this is the one you want to read. I was instantly hooked and couldn't put the book down.”

Hello, Mandi. Your book is one of those where you have to sit on the “edge of your seat.” Please tell us about your suspense novel.

Jacey Grayson is a recently divorced mother who learns some frightening news about her ex-husband, John. Frightened, she and her son Blaze flee to Utah to hide among rural Mormons. The main theme in The Alias is Jacey’s attempt to overcome years of abuse and develop a sense of who she really is. As the story progresses we see her desire to change and grow. She struggles with feelings of guilt and remorse for staying with her ex-husband so long and exposing her son to abuse, but as the story progresses we also see how she uses the lessons from her past to move forward into a more promising future. 

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

My story ideas usually come from a conglomeration of different events that touch my life. At the time, a close friend was pursuing a divorce where she had suffered some spousal abuse. I was struck by the amount of strength it would take to leave behind such a marriage and the amount of courage needed to build a new life. One of the main themes in The Alias is domestic violence. Jacey, the protagonist, is attempting to build a new life for her son after leaving behind an abusive and controlling husband. One reviewer said, “Having had some spousal abuse myself, the author handled the topic with a maturity I appreciated.” I’ve really tried to portray that quiet strength in this novel.

A Reviewer wrote, “I literally couldn't put it down and when I had to, I became agitated… while I was reading it this morning my heart was pounding and my hands were sweating wondering what was going to happen.” Wow! What a wonderful review! But this is only one out of many who have said that your book was hard to put down. Tell us your thoughts about this. What is your secret in writing an intriguing book?

I love suspense. I love to read any sort of story that gets your heart thumping. So, it is only natural that suspense is what I love to write. I like mysteries and I like to keep readers guessing. 

What does your family think about your writing?

My boys are always so supportive. When The Alias was first released, I gave each of my young boys their very own copy. My oldest, who was in Kindergarten at the time, carried it around with him for days. It just warmed my heart. My husband has been so supportive and without his help, I couldn’t do it. He has always gone the extra mile to help me when I’m at a point where I just can’t put down my computer.

You have a wonderful husband. I can just imagine your little son carrying around your book. How adorable! Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I was a kid, my dad joined the Army and we moved to Germany to live for 4 years. During that time, we visited many near-by castles and palaces and during one of those visits my sister and I met a little German girl who was about my age. We couldn’t communicate, but we all immediately became best friends and my mother brought us to the castle nearly every week to play with our new friend. I loved exploring the grounds, towers, dungeons and the great halls. The time spent at the castle has always been some of my best memories.

Wow! What special memories you have! Thanks, Mandi, for this awesome interview. It was fun meeting you at the book festival, and now… getting to know you here at my blog.