The Reckoning, by Tanya Parker Mills

The great thing about books is that by reading them we can have adventures and experiences that we'd have never thought of on our own. For example, how many of us know what it's like to live in Iraq?

What is your book’s name?          
"The Reckoning."

Is your book fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction

What was your inspiration?
My own childhood in Baghdad, Iraq (and my father's undercover work in that country), as well as the approaching war.

What is the setting of your book?
Northern Iraq and Baghdad in the months leading up to the U.S. invasion.

Who are your main characters?
American journalist, Theresa Fuller; her Canadian cameraman, Peter; and their Iraqi captor, Captain Tariq al-Awali.

In what ways do you think you are like them?
I'm like Theresa in terms of sharing a childhood in Baghdad and having epilepsy...also her affinity for solitude; I'm not much like Peter; and, as for Tariq, I also have an appreciation for other cultures besides my own.

In what ways are you different?
I'm not questioning my faith in God, as Theresa does; I'm not superstitious like Peter; and I like to think I would never have worked for Iraq's secret police as Tariq did, regardless of the circumstances.

What is your favorite scene in the book?
Towards the end, when Tariq's grandfather stands up to the bad guy, Colonel Badr.

After you wrote the book, how long did it take you to get it published?
Five years...I came close to getting a traditional publisher once, but it fell through, so I finally decided to publish it myself.

Have you been published before?
No, except for newspaper and trade publication features.

Please share a brief description of your book.
When journalist Theresa Fuller is captured inside Iraq in August 2002, and imprisoned by Iraq's secret police, visions of her childhood in Baghdad begin to haunt her. Tormented by the relentless Colonel Badr, she only finds relief in her growing attraction to Tariq al-Awali, the Iraqi captain who took charge of her capture. Before American bombs begin to fall, Theresa must find a way to escape the cruelty of an oppressive regime and save those she cares for most.

Where can we purchase a copy of your book?
You can purchase "The Reckoning" at Amazon.com, and an eBook version is also available on Kindle. Unfortunately, it's not available in bookstores...yet.
You can also check out Tanya's book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awRkdBpsZUE.