Get ready to see author K.C. Mills like you’ve never seen her before with the release of her first thriller. I recently spoke with her about Innocent Intent.
Tell me about your latest book.
A wife and criminal psychologist, Cassidy Evans becomes the prime suspect in her husband’s murder.
Cassidy is the blueprint. As a criminal psychologist, Cassidy is a savant. She spent years solving groundbreaking cases by sifting through the minds and behaviors of those driven by the darkness that controls them. After years of dedicated field work, Cassidy decides to retire and share her expertise of killers’ mentalities as a novelist. She also falls for a handsome man who she builds a future with.
Unfortunately, she misses the mark when it comes to her personal life. Regardless of how brilliant Cassidy is, she marries a man who isn’t what he seems. When her husband ends up murdered, Cassidy becomes the main suspect.
The story is suspenseful, full of plot twists that will keep you hanging on to every word, and you also get a little spice when Cassidy finds herself getting close to the detective that’s trying to prove her guilt while she’s advocating for her innocence. A complicated web of deception that will satisfy all your suspense and romance needs.
Why did you decide to write it?
I love to challenge myself. When I was presented with the opportunity to try a new lane with my first traditionally published work, I decided to go all in. Suspense/thriller is a huge market but not one where women of color have typically excelled in the past. As of late there have been several who have changed the game, and I wanted to add my own creative spin to this genre as well.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
Cassidy is this brilliant woman who seemingly has it all together, but her heart led her to a man who wasn’t worthy of her love. Because of this decision, she finds herself at risk of losing everything.
No matter how intelligent and successful we are, when it comes to matters of the heart, lines get blurred. You have to give yourself grace and understand that your brain and emotions won’t always align.
When this is the case, that doesn’t mean we’re less than for making decisions about our lives that aren’t the best, it simply means we’re human and won’t always have control over who we love and how we love.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
Believe in your passion. The universe functions off energy, good or bad. If you unequivocally believe in your passion, you will be successful in all aspects of your life. After I wrote my first book, I turned in the manuscript and quit my job prior to it being published. Writing is what I wanted, so I believed with every fiber of my being that I would be successful. That also meant doing the work, but the biggest part of my commitment was understanding that if I truly wanted to be successful, I had to believe success—by my standards—was not just a possibility but a guarantee. I’m still here sharing my passion with the world.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Photographer, classical dancer, artist-painter. My creativity extends beyond writing. I’m simply a creative being from the depths of my soul. Although I’m barely a novice with those three things, I could see myself existing in those spaces and thriving. I write about these three things a lot as an extension of my imaginary, alternative careers.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve always been a creative writer—as a child, mostly poems and short stories. I truly fell in love with [the] written word when I crafted a young adult series for my daughter. She was a freshman in high school, and we lived a small Southern town where we were the minority. I wanted to give her a fictional world where her beautiful brown skin was honored and appreciated. I wrote stories about the high school experience from the perspective of a young woman who looked just like her and lived the life she was familiar with—honored and loved. Her reaction solidified my belief that I should share my passion with the rest of the world.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a sociable recluse and a professional procrastinator. I enjoy being in my comfy corner void of others. It’s my happy place, but if I truly feel comfortable with you, I can be the most sociable recluse you have ever met.
I’m also a professional procrastinator, which is a terrible trait for an author. However, I work best under pressure. When I have too much time, I second guess and overthink, so my best work is when I’m pressed for time. I just craft and don’t get in my own way.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I’m nearly always in the act of creating, so my time to read for leisure isn’t plentiful! I do however understand that you do yourself a disservice when you don’t read as a creative so when I’m long overdue, I make time to explore new titles and authors. I also have a few favorites that I circle back to as my comfort reads.
What books are you excited to read?
Whatever piques my interest the next time I have some free time to read. I don’t have any specific titles in mind, as I am a mood reader who picks up whatever my spirit craves at the moment.
What’s next for you?
I have a million more stories I would love to share. I have two romance suspense thrillers, which will be traditionally published in 2025–2026. I am also working hard to navigate into the world of TV and film.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Innocent Intent by K.C. Mills.
To learn more about K.C. Mills, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.theauthorkcmills.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kcmills
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