Shelf Media hosts the annual Shelf Unbound Indie Best Book Competition for best self-published or independently published book. You can find the winner, finalists, long-listed, and more than 100 notable books from the competition in the December/January 2023 issue of Shelf Unbound.
Vonny Kwan wakes up in a Nevada hospital, the victim of a hit-and-run accident she doesn’t remember. As she struggles to recover from her injuries, she learns that she also has no memory of the past nine years, including her marriage and what she was even doing in the West. While she’s still reeling from the shock of her amnesia, two detectives visit and inform her that her husband, John, was recently murdered. As more information comes to light, Vonny grows increasingly suspicious of everyone around her. Vonny realizes she must piece together the last decade to uncover the truth. The missing chunk of time holds secrets about the person she became, the mysterious man she fell for, and the life she never wanted.
About The Author: Danielle M. Wong
Danielle M. Wong is a bicoastal author with a permanent case of wanderlust. An extended trip abroad inspired her debut novel, Swearing Off Stars. The book was published to critical acclaim, garnering an Independent Press Award, a Benjamin Franklin Award, and an International Book Award. Danielle’s writing has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, HuffPost, PopSugar, and Writer’s Digest. She is currently working on her next novel.
Interview with Danielle M. Wong
Tell us a little about your book.
DMW: Last Liar Standing is a high-octane thriller with complex characters, emotionally-charged scenes, and a flurry of plot twists.
Vonny Kwan wakes up in a Nevada hospital, the victim of a hit-and-run accident she doesn’t remember. As she struggles to recover from her injuries, she learns that she also has no memory of the past nine years, including her marriage and what she was even doing in the West.
While she’s still reeling from the shock of her amnesia, two detectives visit and inform her that her husband, John, was recently murdered. As more information comes to light, Vonny grows increasingly suspicious of everyone around her.
Vonny realizes she must piece together the last decade to uncover the truth. The missing chunk of time holds secrets about the person she became, the mysterious man she fell for, and the life she never wanted.
What was your inspiration for the idea?
DMW: The book’s opening line, “The average person has thirteen secrets right now,” was actually inspired by a psychological study I read. The findings gripped me intensely and eventually sparked a story idea. Thirteen secrets almost sounds unbelievable! It’s fascinating that we conceal so much—our thoughts, actions, and desires—from other people. I knew I wanted to write something centered around that concept.
What was the experience of writing this book like for you?
DMW: Writing Last Liar Standing was an entirely different process than penning my debut novel, Swearing Off Stars. It felt invigorating to experiment with a new genre, and I was relieved to learn that I enjoy creating thrillers as much as I love devouring them.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing this?
DMW: My first book required a fair amount of historical research and fact-checking. While that made for an informative experience, I was definitely ready for a change when I began drafting Last Liar Standing. Writing it gave me a new appreciation for thriller and suspense novels. They demand a strategic balance of quick pacing and well-executed twists to keep readers engaged and drive the plot forward. I didn’t fully understand how challenging it was to strike that balance until trying my hand at it!
What is the one thing you hope readers take away reading this book?
DMW: I hope people feel equally stunned and satisfied after the last scene ends. Beyond that, I’d encourage readers to consider the emotional weight that secrets carry, the power they wield over us, and the true cost of protecting them.
What are you working on next?
DMW: I am currently writing another psychological thriller about a struggling young reporter. After being given a career-making assignment, she quickly realizes that the opportunity is too good to be true…
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Article originally Published in the December/January 2023 Issue “2022 Indie Best Award Winners”