There was a hit-and-run that killed a small child in my neighborhood about twenty years ago. I noticed a police officer there in the afternoons filming the intersection. I learned he was one of the first officers on the scene and was devastated by it. This image stayed with me.

Karen F. Uhlmann – 25 May 2025

The Back Flap

For fans of Emma Straub and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeny, a debut contemporary women’s fiction novel about obsession, forgiveness, and friendship between two unlikely people.

Style-guru Charlotte Oakes sells beautiful lifestyles, but her mentally ill daughter is an addict, her long marriage is dead, and she is pregnant with her ex-lover’s baby. Stunned after witnessing a hit-and-run in Chicago that leaves a child dead, Charlotte thinks she sees her Prius fleeing the scene. Her troubled daughter, Libby, is the only one who could have been driving.

His partner and best friend killed in a drug bust, police officer Ed Kelly learns that forensics has found that the fatal bullet came from Ed’s gun. Under internal investigation, Ed copes by filming cars at the site of the recent hit-and-run, hoping to catch the child’s killer. There, he notices Charlotte’s pilgrimages to the makeshift memorial, and over the weeks, the two become unlikely friends sharing intimate stories. But Charlotte won’t trust him with her most vulnerable secret of all: her suspicions about her daughter’s involvement in the accident.

When Ed finally learns the truth about, he struggles with his beliefs and duties. If he keeps quiet, he has breached his commitment to the law. But if he does the right thing as an officer, he may send Libby to jail—and lose Charlotte.

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing this about nine years ago but put the novel away for a while and worked on short stories.

How long did it take you to write it?

Five to six years. Too long!

Where did you get the idea from?

There was a hit-and-run that killed a small child in my neighborhood about twenty years ago. I noticed a police officer there in the afternoons filming the intersection. I learned he was one of the first officers on the scene and was devastated by it. This image stayed with me.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Many! It began as a simple story about an unlikely friendship. I felt it needed some umph. A twist. I struggled with that before I settled on a solution.

What came easily?

Writing about Chicago, as I have spent most of my life there. Although my life is very far from one of a police officer’s life, I enjoyed getting to know Ed who is one of my main characters.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are completely fictitious. I never talked to the police officer. I wanted to be able to write about my perception of him.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

So many. Elizabeth Strout, Sigrid Nunez, and Susan Minot to name a few.

Do you have a target reader?

I hope that the novel will appeal to all readers interested in quirky friendships and family dynamics.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I generally write in the afternoons. I have a small studio where I can work without distractions.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do not outline, but I probably should.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I do both. I edit as I go along but there were many revisions.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I am the kind of writer who needs quiet.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did but did not find one.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

She Writes Press appealed to me because it came with many of the perks of a traditional press such as beautiful covers and editing support. I knew that I did not want to self-publish.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

A She Writes Press artist did my cover which I love.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a publicist. Marketing in not in my skill set.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Realize that it’s a long process no matter how one goes about publishing a book. The work needs to be your absolute best.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Chicago and Milwaukee but I went to high school in Northern California.

Where do you live now?

Los Angeles

What would you like readers to know about you?

I have worked as a reporter, a caterer, and a magazine writer. I love food and food writing and am always on the hunt for new recipes.

What are you working on now?

Turning a collection of linked stories into a novel.

End of Interview:

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