Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR
What is it really like to be a spy?
The recruiting and handling of spies or sources is a complicated process that involves many different people. The primary case officer handles the actual recruitment and handling of the spy, or source, who reports on foreign governments and terrorist organizations. But quite a bit is involved in identifying a potential source before a case officer even considers recruitment. That is where a targeting officer—my former job—comes in handy.
The recruitment and handling of spies is very, very dangerous work—a responsibility that no one takes lightly. When you read the book, you will catch a glimpse of this frightening world that only few really know.
What was your most frightening experience as a spy?
In 2008, I found myself sitting in a hotel lobby in the Middle East, waiting for a high-threat meeting, after having identified a source with actionable intelligence on a terrorist organization. I planned to meet with him alongside case officer and a foreign intelligence officer. The first meeting with any potential source can be nerve-racking. Most often, these individuals are terrorists themselves, or have been at one point. I had done a good deal of research and analysis that indicated that the source did not mean to do us harm, but there was always a chance that I had missed something. Fortunately, this source’s intentions were not nefarious, although this is not always the case.
Did you have to keep your career a secret?
My close family knew—my parents, my husband, and my siblings. Although, I suspect my close friends knew too. That being said, I’m also certain that the entire makeup and perfume section at Dillard’s probably knew—my mother is a bit of a loud mouth.
Are your characters based on anyone in real life?
Juliet
Female intelligence officers are bold, daring, intelligent, and unapologetically assertive in their quest for the truth. They also have an artful ability to see beyond religious and cultural barriers to find what unites us, not divides us. I wanted Juliet to embody all these qualities and more, attributes that I had witnessed in almost every female case officer or targeting officer. It was also important to me that Juliet not solely be portrayed as some sexual dominatrix, but instead, stand more on the laurels of her intellect and skill, as real female intelligence officers must.
Mariam
Mariam is based on two courageous women.
Shukria Dellawar, whom I am honored to call my good friend. Shukria has served as a peace, gender equality, and human rights advocate for Afghanistan over the last decade, and she is ultimately who inspired me to write the book.
Princess Ameerah al-Taweel, whom I’ve admired from a distance. Princess Ameerah is head of the al-Taweel foundation and boldly speaks on behalf of Saudi women empowerment.
Graham
Graham is a character who morphed as I wrote him. He started as this kind of hunky combination of Diana Galbadon’s Jamie Fraser and Star Wars’ Han Solo. But as I moved deeper into Juliet’s psyche, I realized that his past experiences needed to mirror hers. For her to connect with him on a more profound level, he needed to encounter his own pain that resulted from war. It is through that shared experience of loss that they derive their strength as a couple.
Why did you write the book?
I think through literature that we can reach each other on a deeper level. It's my hope that through reading the book, people will gain a more accurate depiction of modern female spies. I also hope that it can help to stimulate more of a dialogue on women’s rights in the Middle East, and how we can empower those powerful voices that have been marginalized.
