Book Talk with Theresa Sederholt

Author Theresa Sederholt shares her book writing adventure.

What inspired you to write this book?

I volunteered at a domestic violence shelter for three years. I saw so many men come in with no place to go. They are the victims without a voice. If they could find services, they are very limited. I felt I needed to shine a light on this silent issue. Change can only come when we finally acknowledge that there is a problem.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Out of The Shadows?

Dane Johnson is a typical dad in his mid-thirties. He is married to Julie, his high school sweetheart. He goes to work, comes home and spends his spare time with his family. Except he has a secret he keeps hidden from the outside world. His wife is abusive to him and his son. He’s at a loss. He can’t get help, no one believes a man can be physically abused. Dane does what any loving parent would do to protect their child. He takes all the abuse thrown at him in order to protect his son.

Brady is thirteen years old. He’s at a point in his life where he’s trying to discover who he is and trying to deal with the turmoil at home and at school.

Danni is Brady’s best friend who just happens to be a girl. Like Brady, she is trying to find her way in life. She is the only one who knows everything Brady is going through. She wants to help him, but she doesn’t know what to do.

Julie is Dane’s wife. She is a very bitter person. Her jealously of Brady and Dane’s relationship is what fuels her rage towards Dane.

Abby is Brady’s guidance counselor. She was in an abusive relationship, so she recognizes all the signs. She tries to help but it might end up costing her, her life.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

Sadly, I saw many men come to the shelter for help and get turned away. That was my catalyst for the story. I put myself in Dane’s shoes. As a parent I wanted to feel what he felt. I thought back to when my son was thirteen. How would he handle what Brady is going through? The drama they have at that age changes drastically day by day.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

This was a very difficult book to write. I didn’t want it to be too long because the subject matter is difficult especially when children are involved. I needed to take the reader on a very gut-wrenching ride, yet I needed to make sure the reader felt there is hope!

Judging by all the reviews and messages I’ve received I think I shined a light on a subject that really needed it. People are now talking about it. Fighting against the stigma.

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Yes! I always do a lot of research when I’m writing a book. I knew that the available help was very minuscule. I was surprised to find some agencies that are offering help. However, so many people don’t know they exist. I included them in an author’s note at the end of the book.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I know this is a difficult subject. Please be advised I don’t hold back. This book will make you feel you are going through this with Dane and Brady. This could be a trigger for those who have experienced domestic violence.

About the Book

Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
Genre: Suspense, Family Crime

Synopsis

Dane Johnson was like every other man in his thirties except for one very big secret. One that, for him, was so horrific, he was determined to keep it hidden. He thought it would never see the light of day—that is until today. His fragile world has crumbled around him. The past exposed for the world to see. Now the boy he tried so hard to keep safe might be gone forever.

This is a journey into one man’s hell, with the hope that it will help others find the strength to be able to say, “I need help.”

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About Theresa Sederholt

Theresa Sederholt was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. She is a graduate of Campbell University in North Carolina, with a degree in Criminal Justice. Theresa now resides in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband – a professional chef – and her two adorable dogs.

Experiencing life first-hand is what she does best. Believing she can do anything has put her in some crazy situations; babysitting a pig farm and cutting the top off a mini truck. Her list is A-to-Z and full of endless possibilities.

As a flight attendant (there’s that list again), she would make up stories about all of her passengers as they came and went. It seemed only natural to put pen-to-paper and see where these characters would take her.

A story that started as a single woman having a cup of coffee – while trying to make it through life – quickly grew into a complex world of romance, mystery, and murder. The Unraveled Trilogy was born.

This trilogy may have had humble beginnings, but in 2015 it gained prestigious recognition. Shattered Lies (book three in the trilogy) won Inks & Scratches Book Of The Year along with Cover Of The Year. BTS (Book Trailer Showcase) Book Reviews gave Shattered Lies The Red Carpet Book Award for Honorable Mention Rising Star Readers Choice. Theresa can humbly claim herself as an Award-Winning Author.

Theresa’s beliefs are pretty simple:

There isn’t a luggage rack on the hearse.

Give a girl some Nutella and an espresso, then watch her change the world.

Theresa enjoys connecting with her fans.