Online for Authors Episode 8-19-25

​Thrills in the Arctic: One Scientist’s Deadly Mission with Author Brooke L French

​Hello Readers! I'm Teri, your host from Online for Authors. Today, I'm thrilled to share my engaging conversation with the talented Brooke L French, the author of the gripping novel, "Unnatural Intent." Join me as we dive into Brooke's thrilling world of suspense, science, and what it takes to craft such a compelling story. If you're a fan of thrillers or just intrigued by how authors weave their magic, this post should be right up your alley!

Listen to the Audio Version

Watch the Video Version

Getting to Know Brooke L French

"Unnatural Intent" is Brooke's second book in her Letty Duquesne Thriller series. Her stories are set in a fascinating world where nature's balance has shifted dramatically. As a disease ecologist, the main character finds herself amidst zoonotic diseases and unusually violent animals—certainly a setting for suspense!

During our chat, Brooke explained her long-standing attraction to thrillers, describing them as high-energy and fast-paced escapism. Her passion for creating intricate plots filled with tension and excitement clearly fuels her writing. For Brooke, it’s all about crafting the edge-of-your-seat experience that thriller readers crave.

The Inspiration Behind "Unnatural Intent"

Brooke's inspiration often springs from her love of research. She eagerly shared how she found herself captivated by articles on zoonotic diseases, which ultimately led to the central theme of her book. With the help of scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Brooke was able to authentically portray her protagonist’s adventures, despite never having visited the Arctic herself. Her dedication to research ensures authenticity in the storytelling, a commitment her readers will truly appreciate.

Balancing Research and Storytelling

As an author, Brooke strikes an impressive balance between scientific depth and narrative flow. She believes that while research enriches a story, it's crucial to avoid overwhelming readers with excessive information. Instead, she carefully picks what propels the story forward, ensuring that the science doesn’t overshadow the thriller's dynamic pacing. Indeed, keeping that balance is key to ensuring her books remain engaging and entertaining.

Brooke’s Writing Process

One of the fascinating aspects of my conversation with Brooke was her discussion on writing processes. For her, plotting is essential, especially within the thriller genre. She meticulously plans her novels, deliberately placing every reveal and twist to maintain pace and suspense. Her background as a lawyer feeds into her love for structure and efficiency, something she finds essential when crafting her stories.

Insights for Aspiring Writers

Brooke shared valuable insights for writers, emphasizing the need to give characters autonomy. Sometimes, characters may take unexpected routes, but oftentimes, these lead to even better stories. She encourages writers to trust their characters and the journey they demand.

What’s Next for Brooke?

Currently, Brooke is working on a standalone thriller set in Atlanta, with plans to explore new characters and potential series in the future. She's busy creating and contemplating upcoming projects that are sure to keep her readers excited.

For those who want to dive deeper into Brooke's world, head to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, where you can enter a drawing for a digital copy of "Unnatural Intent." Participate by sharing what you enjoyed or learned from this post or podcast—your insights are more than welcome!

I'm grateful to Brooke for sharing her thoughts and processes with me—it’s been a wonderful exchange! Her dedication to crafting thrilling, precise, and science-infused narratives is inspiring. "Unnatural Intent" is not just another thriller; it's a well-researched journey that grips you from start to finish. Don't miss out on experiencing the thrill for yourself, and remember to review the book—because reviews are treasures for authors.

Happy reading!

Purchase Unnatural Intent on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/46glyBe
Ebook: https://amzn.to/46glyBe

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.