Get ready to learn more about the book Through the Storms in this discussion with sapphic author Rita Potter.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Rita Potter about Through the Storms, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Divorced Character category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Through the Storms?
Previously, I’d written a book about whitewater rafting and the eruption of Mount St. Helens, and readers told me that I excel at writing action. And since I love disaster movies, I thought why not feature tornado chasing. For the record, I wrote Through the Storms before Twisters came out.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
This is a cop out, but I love them all for different reasons. I say all because this book is written from four POVs. I love Oakley Pierce for being a playful risk taker. She is a storm chaser after all. While her long term girlfriend, Lana Monroe is the local weather woman and very competent. And we all know, competence is sexy. Riley Gatlin and Chloe Crawford round out the main characters and are on the storm chasing tour. Chloe is just sweet and kind but a little lost, and I just want to give her a hug. My wife would tell you the character most like me is Riley Gatlin, at least personality wise.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
All the research! I am a stickler for making sure my books are accurate. Even though I thought I knew quite a bit about tornadoes, I didn’t.
Actually, the research wasn’t the hard part, it was NOT putting all the research into the book. Everything I learned was so fascinating, but I knew if I put too much in it would ruin the flow of the story. I did indulge myself in one part of the book where Oakley describes hail. My mind was BLOWN when I learned about it.
What part of Through the Storms was the most fun to write?
As much as I enjoyed writing the storm chasing scenes, I’m still a social worker at heart. There were two couples in this book, one established and one pair who met during the storm chasing trip. My favorite scenes to write were the ones where the characters dropped their shields and were vulnerable with each other.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
This year I have been enhancing my writing space. I purchased a small monitor that folds up like a tablet that connects to my laptop and allows me a second screen. I bought a cool pair of Shokz earbuds that don’t go inside the ear. I HATE earbuds that go inside the ear, but I’ve had to endure them until I found these. And I just purchased a laptop stand which will allow me to raise my laptop when I write, so I won’t have to sit all the time.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I’m pretty boring. My two favorite snack breaks when I write is a pomegranate (when in season). Yes, they are a pain to “peel”, but so worth it. My other is Greek yogurt and honey.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
I’ve answered this questions before, but it changes every time, so today I will choose Frieda McFadden. I REALLY want to write suspense thrillers. I have been voraciously reading thrillers to learn as much as I can. Frieda McFadden is an indie author who has taken the genre by storm and been hugely successful. I just checked Amazon and she has seven books in the Top #50 in all of Amazon, not just her genre. Which mean more than 10% are hers. She’s not the “best” writer in the world, but she knows how to write a page turning story.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I have a bit of a White Knight Syndrome, so I’m always falling in love with my characters. Seriously, being a social worker, I have a soft spot for people who are struggling and feeling broken. Of course, in the end, I’m all about the character rescuing themselves, maybe with a little help from their love interest, but never the love interest saving them. I find it yucky when a character becomes so dependent on another that they can’t stand on their own.
What books did you grow up reading?
It’s funny, but I used to read a lot more fantasy and science fiction than I do now. I’m not sure what changed. Anymore, I find that epic fantasy is too slow paced and too much world building for me. Maybe it’s because I don’t have as much time to read as I did when I was a kid, so I can’t devour 800 page books like I once could.
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
Lessons in Chemistry. I rarely read literary or women’s fiction which Lessons in Chemistry is. I also don’t care for the era, the late 50s and early 60s. I prefer the late 60s and 70s. Why did I chose to read it then? I kept seeing it everywhere and hearing the hype, and I finally relented. I was shocked how much I enjoyed the book. I think what one me over was the protagonist who was so well written that she felt like a real person. In addition, it several humorous moments.
