Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Katie Specht is talking with Kim Rozdeba, author of Balance of Evil.

FQ: Tell our readers a little about yourself. Your background, your interests, and how this led to writing a book?

ROZDEBA: I’ve lived in Calgary, Canada, near the Rocky Mountains, for 30 years with my wife and three incredible adult children. My career was in marketing and communications, where I worked with Fortune 500 brands, sharpening my storytelling skills along the way. When I retired, I decided to finally pursue a long-time dream—writing a thriller novel. The process turned into a rewarding journey, and I’m thrilled to now share my debut political thriller, Balance of Evil.

FQ: Tell us a little about your book – a brief synopsis and what makes your book unique.

ROZDEBA: Balance of Evil is about Scott Barton, a retired CEO whose quiet life is shattered when he uncovers a dangerous global conspiracy full of corruption and political intrigue. Forced into a high-stakes fight, he teams up with his estranged daughter and a rogue hacker to expose the truth. What makes this book unique is its mix of high-stakes action and heartfelt themes like redemption, family, and resilience. It’s the thrill ride you expect from a suspenseful story, but with the added depth of meaningful human connections.

FQ: Please give our readers a little insight into your writing process. Do you set aside a certain time each day to write, only write when the desire to write surfaces, or something else?

ROZDEBA: I write in the mornings when I’m at my sharpest. Afternoons are reserved for long walks, during which I reflect on what I’ve written and work through plot challenges. I balance some structure with spontaneity. I outline key events and character arcs, but let the story evolve naturally. Some of the best twists emerge when I’m not overthinking and let my creativity take the lead.

FQ: The genre of your book is a political thriller. Why this genre?

ROZDEBA: I’ve always enjoyed thrillers—they’re fast, suspenseful, and keep you constantly guessing. Political thrillers, in particular, let me explore the fascinating dynamics of power and how personal and global stakes can collide. Writing in this genre challenged me to blend history, conspiracy theories, technology, and imagination all into one exciting narrative.

FQ: Who are your favorite authors?

ROZDEBA: I love Dan Brown, John Grisham, David Baldacci, and Daniel Silva. Each of these authors creates gripping plots, memorable characters, and suspense that leaves you on the edge of your seat. John Grisham’s clear, engaging storytelling has been especially influential to my own writing style.

FQ: As an author/writer, what famous author (living or dead), would you like to have dinner with, and why?

ROZDEBA: Dan Brown, hands down. I admire how he seamlessly blends fact with fiction, crafting stories that entertain and make you think. I’d love to talk to him about his research process and how he weaves historical elements into modern thrillers.

FQ: If you were to teach a class on the art of writing, what is the one item you would be sure to share with your students and how would you inspire them to get started?

ROZDEBA: Stop worrying about writing perfectly and just get words on the page. Your first draft doesn’t have to be good; it just has to exist. Everything can be refined later. The key is to trust yourself and your instincts. The more you write, the better you’ll get.

FQ: Where did the idea for your story come from?

ROZDEBA: The idea struck me while walking on a beach in Cabo San Lucas. That peaceful, reflective moment sparked thoughts about how any ordinary person could accidentally stumble upon a dangerous secret, and the story grew from there. I blended in my love of travel, history, and what-ifs to create a world that feels authentic yet unpredictable.

FQ: Did the story change as you wrote the book?

ROZDEBA: Definitely. I started with a general outline, but as I wrote, the characters developed their own personalities, and the twists began to reveal themselves naturally. It was exciting to see the story take on its own direction.

FQ: Are any of the characters based on real people you know? If so, how closely does your character mimic the real person?

ROZDEBA: Yes and no. My characters borrow traits from many people I’ve met over the years, but they’re not direct representations of them. Even Scott Barton, the protagonist, has hints of my own experiences, but he’s his own person.

FQ: What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring authors?

ROZDEBA: Focus on crafting a story you believe in, and don’t let the learning curve stop you. Surround yourself with skilled people—like editors and designers—who can help polish and publish your work. Most importantly, take every opportunity to connect with readers and share your passion.