Interview with Heroine of Killer Cargo by Dana Mentink

Today we're welcoming Maria de Silva, the heroine of Killer Cargo, Love Inspired Suspense, June 2008. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I’m a pilot, you see, make my living shuttling cargo. On the last trip I found a package stowed amongst the kitty litter and the dog kibble that was most definitely not supposed to be there. It’s the kind of package that people would die if they lost, or kill to get back. From the moment I found it, I was fighting for my life.

2. So, during the book you met Cy Sheridan. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Cy is an ex soldier and committed environmentalist. I first met him when I crashed a car in his creek. First impression? A ruggedly handsome and somewhat obnoxious hermit type. After I came to know him, I discovered there was a very good reason for his reclusive ways and his protectiveness. I guess when he was shot trying to protect me, it hit home that this wasn’t your average man. He loved me enough to die for me and at that moment I realized the feeling was mutual.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I am ferociously determined and independent. I don’t back down from a challenge, not a physical one anyway. Cy would say my greatest weakness is impulsivity. I admit, sometimes I start battering down the door before I check to see if it’s unlocked. Character flaw, I guess.

4. What scares you?

Facing what happened to my father because of me.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would erase that one moment in time when I was careless, that one moment that changed everything for all of us.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I’m ashamed to admit, I’ve been hiding from God.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

I’m ready to face my past and accept that God forgives and He wants me to as well.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? Psalm139:7

There is nothing too big for God to help you with and no place too distant to fly away from His grace and mercy. Unfortunately, I had to learn that the hard way.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

Oh finally an easy question. I’d be a platter of docinhos, my grandmother’s Brazilian treats filled with sweet cheese and soaked in sweetened condensed milk. Why that? It takes me back to another time when life was a simpler, less complicated thing. How’s that for sweet?

Dana Mentink
Writer of the wild, wacky and wondrous.
www.danamentink.com
www.heartsongmysteries.com
Trouble Up Finny's Nose, January 2008

Thank you Dana for sharing Maria with us. She's an interesting woman and I can't wait to read the book.

If you are interested in winning the four Love Inspired Suspense books for June, stop by Craftie Ladies of Suspense and leave a comment with your email address in the it.

Margaret Daley
Forsaken Canyon, Love Inspired Suspense, October 2008
The Power of Love/The Courage to Dream, Love Inspired Classic, July 2008
Family Ever After, Love Inspired, May 2008
http://www.margaretdaley.com
http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com