It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Dr. Kimberly Morton Cuthrell, author of Splinters of My Soul

Author’s Bio: Dr. Kimberly Morton Cuthrell is an author, attorney, mediator, doctoral-level clinical therapist, and currently a medical school student with a quest to create new inroads to suspense novels with behavioral health twists to destigmatize perceptions.

Kimberly’s writing evolved from reading books, crafting her dissertation, writing proposals for grants and contracts, composing corporate compliance and policy/procedure manuals within provisions of state and federal laws, and developing behavioral health national/international accreditation manuals whereby she secured a corporation’s Three-Year Accreditation three consecutive times.

In her fiction work, Kimberly draws from thought-provoking imaginary situations, the art of wisdom, and diverse viewpoints. When she is not writing, Kimberly can be found playing her favorite board game and spending time with her family. She is from North Carolina and spent years residing in Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Spain where she became proficient in Spanish. A lifelong learner, she enjoys promoting confidence and wisdom in others.

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?

Kimberly Morton Cuthrell: The inspiration for writing Splinters of My Soul was to intrigue readers’ minds about potential real-life situations, inspire them to advocate for positive change, and make meaningful impacts in their communities.

DL: How do you handle writer’s block?

KMC: I have handled writer’s block by writing daily—even if it is only one paragraph.

DL: What is your writing process?

KMC: My writing process is to draw from thought-provoking imaginary situations, the creativity of character development, the art of wisdom, and diverse viewpoints.

DL: What do you think makes a good story?

KMC: A good story has powerful and intriguing character development that uniquely showcases how characters persevere to work through various trials (one worse than the other), but also allows the characters’ tears to come with catharsis as they rise above challenges to become great pillars of their community.

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?

KMC: Some of the challenges of writing Splinters of My Soul were the ones exploring the heartfelt agony of a sexual assault with unflinching honesty as well as delving deeply into social issues like police corruption, the stigma associated with behavioral health disorders (mental health and substance use), and marital conflicts that sadly happen to real people.

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

KMC: The best writing advice I have ever received was, “No one knows your stories and characters better than you. So, write and keep writing until you no longer have a story to share.”

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book?

KMC: The keys to marketing my book are 1) connecting with readers; 2) maintaining a presence in the literary world through social media, interview blogs, book clubs, etc.; and 3) developing professional rapport with other authors.

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from Splinters of My Soul?

KMC: Sure, here you go:

Tiffany’s eyes darted around at the standing bodies. “This place isn’t prepared for major surgery, but we should have enough to do what needs to be taken care of right now!”

Nurse Brooks carried the sobbing mother out of the room and back toward the anxious crowd. The door swung shut behind them.

Nurse Petrina administered a dosage of medication to the little girl, which would soon render Christy totally unconscious. She wouldn’t feel when the smooth edge of the knife pierced her soft skin or when the needle tugged at the soft folds of flesh as stitches were applied to her fragile body.

“Who in the world would do this?” Tiffany asked, searching Christy’s golden brown face for an answer that she knew wouldn’t come soon. Her long sandy brown hair spread over the white cloth.

The child’s eyelids fluttered open. Soft brown eyes focused on the light. Then Christy’s gaze locked on Tiffany before she whimpered in pain.

The sound stabbed at Tiffany’s heart even more than the sight of the injuries—which were more than any woman could withstand, let alone, a child of eight-years-old. Small, delicate hands reached for Tiffany, ignoring the nurse’s efforts to keep her still so the anesthesia could kick in.

Tiffany, pulling on another set of gloves, leaned in as the girl tugged on her white lab coat, parted her lips and uttered a single name barely audible . . . .

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?

KMC: I am currently working on two suspense novels: Silent Whispers of Hope and Butterfly Dancer.

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book?

KMC: Readers can get more information here: