Interview with Becky Komant, Author of ‘The Controlled’

My guest today is life and fitness coach Becky Komant, author of the suspense thriller The Controlled. In this interview, Becky chats about her inspiration for the book, her muse, discipline, and the celebration of her novel, among other things. 

Learn more about Becky at her website.

Congratulations on the release of your latest book, The Controlled. When did you start writing and what got you into adult suspense thrillers?

Thank you.  Over the years I have written small articles for my life and fitness clients, but nothing on this level.  I always wanted to write a book, but more in the health and wellness area. As I met and trained people over the years, I realized there are commonalities in the types of problems and emotional battles we all face. A plot for a suspense thriller began to take shape. The Controlled came to life as a fiction that reveals some of the darker things that many of us face at some level. Insecurity. The need to control. Poor choices. Drawing on inner strength. Reshaping one’s future. Love. Loss. And so much more. I wanted to write something that would not only entertain, but touch on these real life issues as well.  The Controlled did that.

Did you have a mentor who encouraged you?

I was fortunate to connect with one of my fitness clients who is a professional writer and also a very dear friend. She is my writing coach and mentor.  Her support in every area of my life is very special. I consider myself lucky.

Did you have any struggles or difficulties when you started writing?

Writing takes time. However, I didn’t consider it a difficulty to find the time, because it was something I knew I had to do. I love a good challenge so I tend to work harder when given any obstacle. So, I turned the difficulty of finding the time to write (while still wearing all the other hats I wear in any given day) into a test of my own determination. It was time consuming and hard work, but I felt victory after every writing session.

What was your inspiration for The Controlled?

For me, writing The Controlled was proof that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and work hard at. My inspiration was keeping my eye on my desired end result so that, in turn, I could show my kids that they can reach their goals.

What do you tell your muse when she refuses to collaborate?

It’s time for a glass of wine!  Then, I help her refocus.

Many writers experience a vague anxiety before they sit down to write. Can you relate to this?

I am competitive by nature and perform better under pressure than I do when all is calm. If I ever want to fit my writing time in, I need to take advantage of the time when I have it available to me. You might say I don’t have time to get anxious about it, I need to just do it!

Do you have a writing schedule? Are you disciplined?

Feeding off of the answer above, I am all about routine. Between my kids and life and fitness clients, I must fit writing in when I can. I would not have done well competitively if I wasn’t disciplined. This has carried over into my writing.

How do you celebrate the completion of a novel?

I hosted a release party at a new local hot spot. It was invite-only and I was joined by approximately 125 friends, family, and media. We enjoyed wine from a local winery (Kelowna is known for its fabulous orchards and vineyards) and delicious tapas. It was a night of great fun.  I was overwhelmed with all the support.

How do you define success?

Success cannot be judged by a trophy or dollar figure. One is successful if he or she puts 100% into whatever they are doing. Following through and accomplishing something is what I would consider success.

What do you love most about the writer’s life?

I would have to say seeing my book on a bookstore shelf is pretty cool!

Where is your book available?

On Amazon and B&N, and as a eBook.

Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

Follow your dreams. Anything is possible if you believe!