Uncharted Horizons is the sequel to Uncharted Waters. I knew when I wrote Uncharted Waters that the story wasn’t over. What inspired me most was that after using the first book to set the tone of the world, I wanted to delve even deeper and further deepen the character development and take the characters on a crazy ride. Everything is bigger in this book. There’s more sex, murder, and deception than the first installment. I wanted to make it as juicy as possible for new readers.
What can we expect from you in the future?
There will definitely be a third installment in the Uncharted Waters Chronicles. And more books within the same world, but with new characters.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in the books?
Kingston Lang is reeling from his newfound fame and struggles to find his place in Uncharted Waters, which causes him to trust the wrong people, leading to very dangerous circumstances. Claire Buckingham is busy planning a wedding she doesn’t want to have, but is forced into by her mother. We see her “perfect society girl” image going into a downward spiral. Kurt Nitro never thought he would return to the Hamptons, but he’s back, with a secretive new girlfriend. And Amelia Colombo, a new homeowner, gets a very sexy, but very mysterious new neighbor.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
Uncharted Horizons was my chance to deepen the characters arcs from Uncharted Waters. The whole theme of the series is to explore new situations and venture into unknown territory. I approached each character and thought, “how can I make them completely vulnerable and stripped down?” I incorporated new characters to challenge my main characters and give each of them a shock to the system, while still telling a cohesive story that entraps all of them in a grisly murder mystery.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
The main character’s names are based on my best friends, while the new character’s names are ones that are specific to their place of origin.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I loved describing the character’s innermost emotions. There is a scene where one of the characters explores their sexuality for the first time and it was a fun experience to further take the character into “uncharted horizons” and describe what the feeling of exploration is like in adolescence – fear, excitement, anticipation. It’s something everyone can relate to, no matter what the new experience is.
Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?
Kingston is motivated by adoration – he’ll do anything to be loved, which could be his downfall.
Claire is a perfectionist trying to manage an imperfect life. The stress overwhelms her and throughout the book she is heading toward her breaking point.
Kurt is much less cynical in Uncharted Horizons than he was in Uncharted Waters. He leads with his heart instead of his head in this book.
Amelia is motivated by the truth, and a little bit of lust. She desperately wants to find out what the real story is with her new neighbor, and to see if he’s the one to whom she’ll lose her virginity.
How did you come up with the title of the book?
The title evokes the coastal nature of the Hamptons, but also is in keeping with exploring new territory.
Who designed your book covers?
The first one was an artist I worked with, and the second one was me!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope, I am so so proud of Uncharted Horizons.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I learned how to construct a mystery. Uncharted Horizons is very much a murder mystery, which is a hard thing to write because you first have to know the truth, and then go back and not only throw off the characters, but also the readers. It was a lot of work!
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
I think about this often. Because I have an acting background, I would love to play Kingston Lang. Brittany Snow would be my first choice for Claire Buckingham. And the rest I’ll let the readers weigh in on.
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I want them to really give this book a shot. By the end, they’ll be taken for quite a wild ride. The book is entertaining, but also resonant for college-aged readers.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
They are more exaggerated versions of my core group of friends from college. They have inspired me so much.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
This is interesting. I definitely feel like through exceptional character development, which I put a lot of time into, the story begins to tell itself. As the author, I don’t feel like I don’t have control, but when you have strong, well-developed characters, it’s much easier to let them direct the flow of what happens in the plot.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
Uncharted Horizons is a must read because it has everything a guilty pleasure book should have. As I mentioned, there’s sex, murder, and deception, which all make for a compelling plot. But there’s also a ton of heart and self-realization. Readers will be entertained by what happens, but they’ll also be reflective and think about wanting to go to the Hamptons, or look into their own lives and take inventory of those crazy relationships they had, or the times that they were a fish out of water and feel understood. What more could you want?
Have you written any other books that are not published?
Not yet! But I have already started on one.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
There is a local candlemaker based in the Hamptons named Hamptons Handpoured. Her “East Hampton” and “Montauk” scents are perfect for this book.
What did you edit out of this book?
I edited out a different version of one of the murders because it didn’t fit with the overall plot. I was really proud of it. Maybe I’ll release it to my VIP readers…?
Is there a writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
I would like to pick someone like Nick Horny’s mind who creates such incredible characters that no matter what, you like. Despite their flaws. That’s skill.
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