Get ready to learn more about the book Too Strong To Die in this discussion with sapphic author Erin Wade.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Erin Wade about Too Strong To Die, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Mexico category in the 2026 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Too Strong To Die?
I had been fairly successful writing mainstream action adventure novels when I decided to begin making my main characters lesbians. Everyone loves suspense thrillers and I wanted to cast our community in books where they were involved in mystery, romance, action and adventure. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Texas Ranger Ricky Strong. She is a take charge woman with a soft side seldom seen by the criminals she peruses. She is fearless and determined to accomplish what she sets out to do.
What inspired the idea for Too Strong To Die?
I love a good “who done it” and wanted to write a book with strong female characters so I discovered Ricky and Christine as they took form in my mind. The serial killer in the book was as big a surprise to me as it has been to my readers.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Finding a place to end it. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and was surprised at the things my MCs could do. My books often take over and write themselves. I just go along for the ride.
What part of Too Strong To Die was the most fun to write?
Their trip to Mexico where they were kidnapped.
How much research did you need to do for Too Strong To Die?
This book required a ton of research from the law enforcement standpoint. I am from Texas and we traveled to Mexico often when we were in college. We don’t do that anymore because of the safety issues but loved Mexico and know a lot about the border.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
I am writing it now. The Title is “Doomsday Cruise.” If you read “Too Strong to Die”, you will learn that Christine’s family owns a huge shipbuilding company. In “Doomsday Cruise,” her company builds the first ship for a lesbian only cruise line. During the cruise the ship is taken over by pirates. The story is about how eight women join together to save the ship and the lives of everyone on it.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“If you think I’m baring my chest in the name of ratings your insane. I am a damn good news woman. I’m not some pole dancer.”
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I have an office on the far side of our house where others seldom venture. I have a place for Tank and Fast Eddie to lay and they usually sleep while I write. Fast Eddie does tend to want to help me write.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Fast Eddie is the sweetest cat ever. He is very affectionate and loves to sit on my shoulder while I write. He is also a very large cat so I can only function with him on my shoulder for about an hour then I pull out the cat treats and put them on the desk.
What are three words that describe your personality?
I am a typical Taurus, reliable, practical and determined. I have a tremendous work ethic and love to keep busy so I’m handy around the house. I would call VBW and me femmes, but I’m more butch than she is. I take out the trash, take care of the yard and anything mechanical. I keep the cars filled with gas, etc. She loves dresses and heels while I love slacks and loafers. My wife works full-time outside our home so I take care of things around the house which is ideal for us since I am slightly OCD.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
At night before I go to sleep, I go over what my characters will do the next day and something totally unexpected pops into my head. I make notes on my phone all during the night when ideas come to me.
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
I loved putting my “evil characters” through the ringer. My favorite bad guy was Baird Lancaster in “Left for Dead – You Should Have Killed Me.” I enjoyed coming up with ways to make Baird’s life a living hell. He was pure evil.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I fall in love with all my main characters. If I don’t love them how can my readers? Most of my MC femmes are fashioned after my wife. She is truly the finest person I’ve ever met.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I love books with surprise endings. I don’t care if they are mainstream or lesfic. I love a book that makes me go, “Well, I didn’t see that coming.” But it can’t be something pulled out of left field at the last minute. It has to be something that makes me go, “Oh, yeah, I saw that but didn’t think they were the killer.”
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I loved Agatha Christie. Her books always held my attention and the ending surprised. I didn’t like her series so much as I liked her stand alone books. I hope I give my readers just half of what she gave me.
What book do you wish you had written?
The Day After Tomorrow by Allan Folsom. I totally did not see that ending coming.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
Bed
