1–What is the title of your latest release? HAVE YOU SEEN HER 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A woman who is running away from her life in New York joins the search and rescue squad in Yosemite but soon gets embroiled in the disappearance of a young couple. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? My sister and brother-in-law worked search and rescue in Yosemite for five years, so I had some inside scoop. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Definitely. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Naive, brave, trusting. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? A lot of technical rock-climbing terms. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? I edit as I write, but a chapter at a time – so each chapter I read over once or twice and then move to the next. 8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence? Can Cheese Pringles be considered a “foodie” indulgence? 9–Describe your writing space/office! It’s a room in the basement of my house. There’s a lot of books in it. 10–Who is an author you admire? Ruth Ware. 11–Is…

Jennifer Vido: What’s the inspiration behind PLEASE JOIN US? Catherine McKenzie: Several years ago, I received an invitation to a vague women’s organization. They wouldn’t tell me who recommended me, or give me the name of anyone who belonged, but promised that I’d be “surprised” by the members. They had to “experiences”— four-day retreats in Idaho and California, I think. I was seriously considering going until I mentioned it to my husband. He was convinced it was a cult. I was convinced it would be great book research. I didn’t go, but the idea stuck with me and that was the genesis.   Jen: What’s happening in Nicole’s professional life that’s causing her angst? Catherine: Nicole’s almost forty and she’s a partner, but it’s still not good enough. She’s done everything everyone asked of her for the last twenty years and she’s still on shaky ground. She lost a big client and her “points”, i.e., her annual share of profits, have been cut. She feels like she’s going backwards and is desperate to reach the goals she set for herself.   Jen: Why does the idea of joining Panthera Leo appeal to Nicole so much? Catherine: I think Nicole went…