What if you woke up one morning and everything you had was gone?
In Author Debbie Stokes’s latest book titled, The Stranger He Knew, the main character David Wellington’s life is fabulous. He has it all: a beautiful home, prestige, power, and friends. His dream job as a high-powered executive at an investment company has allowed him to build a comfortable lifestyle for himself and his family.
Then, one day, it all changed.
After working diligently at the company for 20 years, David is called into his boss’s office. He is sure he will be getting a big promotion, but instead, he hears the shocking words… YOU’RE FIRED!
As time goes on, he is forced to fight for his life, and a shocking betrayal and dark secrets cause him to spiral dangerously out of control.
Are you interested in more? Just reading the synopsis for this thriller alone guarantees that it is a page-turner which is why we had to chat with the Author to learn more about the book!
Share with us what led you to release this book and what is the most important message in it.
I have always been a writer at heart growing up and it has been my dream to be a published author and screenwriter. So, from time to time, I would jot down ideas and stories that were in my head. But sadly, that was the furthest the ideas went because I didn’t have the courage to come from behind the shadows of my fear. So, my ideas sat dormant within me. Then, I started a women’s empowerment blog where I inspired other women to press on with their dreams, believe in themselves, and not give up. And for a while, I wasn’t practicing what I was preaching as far as going after my dreams, because although I knew what I wanted and what was the right thing to do, I let fear consume me. And so, I derailed my dreams and chose instead to help others pursue theirs through encouragement and motivation. One day, I asked myself, “Why not me?” That was the catalyst that changed my life. I believe everything happens at the right time for the right reasons in our lives, and one night when I went to sleep, I guess you could say it was my right time. As I lay asleep, a vivid dream woke me up and I wrote the gist of it down. Those ideas and words turned into my current book. In 2018, I actually finished the manuscript for it. However, the names and storyline have drastically changed but the message is still the same. So, on June 1, 2023, I published the updated version of my book, The Stranger He Knew. I’m so proud of it.
The message is no matter what we go through in life, even through our knockdowns, we can get back up. And many tests will come through people and things, but it’s not the tests that define us, but rather how we choose to handle them and then bounce back from them. I want people to know there is always hope and to never quit on yourself. Also, to be sure you really know who’s in your corner. They’re not the ones standing there when everything is good, but the ones standing there when your back is against the wall. Lastly, be sure you’re not trusting the strangers you know.
What has this journey toward authorship been like for you and what encouragement do you want to share with other aspiring authors?
The journey has been a trying one considering all the obstacles that blocked me: putting other people before me, being afraid to step out of my comfort zone; not to mention, the projects and previous obligations I was tied to. In 2018, after the dream I mention, I wrote the story idea down. Then, I came across a program that cost $100 to join, and they offered to pay it back in 90 days if I completed the manuscript. That was the motivation and the incentive I needed to write the book. And thank God I did; I was happy when I received my money back. Then, I started the blog in 2019, which distracted me from going to the next level with my manuscript. At least, that’s my excuse. Thinking about it now, I know it was fear. So, since I was passionate about inspiring others, I found joy in connecting with and interviewing people for my blog. Hearing their inspiring stories fueled me to the point where I became more empowered. Lo and behold, it made me discover a passion that I didn’t know I had. I’ve been inspiring ever since. And hearing their stories inspired me to pursue my dream despite my fears; and so here I am.
I would say to anyone who wants to be an author, you can do it. Your voice is important, so don’t let anyone discourage you from using your voice, whether through fiction or nonfiction. Another thing is if you are waiting for it to be the right time or for you to have enough money, ignore those excuses. Things will come to you at the right time when you need it and the right people will be there to assist you. God works things out in your favor when you least expect. So, get out the way and watch what happens. Also, if fear is holding you back, I understand, but what I know now for sure is, the worst thing in the world is to live life not pursuing your dreams… don’t live with regrets. You owe it to yourself to go for it.
What inspired the title of your book and what was the creative process like for creating this storyline?
The title, The Stranger He Knew, was inspired by all the strangers who live among us that we know. The concept was that we all have had experiences, whether in our families, relationships, on the job, and in our friendships, where we thought we knew someone until they did something so far off from who you knew them as…that it shocked you, brought you to tears, or broke up the relationship. I wanted this title to be relatable and resonate with people on a personal level. It was meant to make us think about the people we interact with regularly, but who are really strangers we know.
As I mentioned, the idea came to me in my dream in 2018. It’s funny, this book started out as a Christian fiction but when I picked it back up, I wanted it to have more action and excitement. I wanted it to be a realistic, relatable story that could inspire me at the same time. So, during my first round of editing, I considerably changed some of the character names, their intentions, the shock factors, and the storyline from a laid-back, heart-warming story to a story filled with action, intrigue, betrayal, and redemption. It was important to me that I kept the lessons in it. As I said, I love to inspire people and I think this story can and will inspire people who have been knocked down or dragged through the mud.
What will readers love about this book and where can it be purchased?
Readers will love the action, the intrigue, the storyline, and the rise of some characters, and the fall of others. They will be rooting for the protagonist, David, and with some people, they may see themselves in the story. It’s an inspiring story of a man who lost everything and had to fight to get his life back. That is such a relatable topic; losing yourself and in life, but finding the will to fight. So many can identify with that because it happens every day and may have even happened to some of your readers. They will love the fast-paced, page-turning story that manages to leave them with a great message about rising from the ashes even though it’s a thriller.
You can click this link, The Stranger He Knew to get a copy of my book.
5. What other books can readers be on the lookout for this year from you?
Well, I have started writing book 2 and have plans for a third book in the pipeline. I plan to make this book a complete series. The others won’t be out this year but I hope to have book 2 out next year and for book 3 to follow sometime after that. I also want to have the book turned into a movie. Follow me here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Website
Be sure to keep up with the Author Debbie Stokes and get your copy of The Stranger He Knew!
Follow Us On Social Media!
