A Conversation with Cindy Drake on: The Story Behind the Story

Writing as E.N. Chanting, Cindy Drake brings together suspense, emotion, and resilience in Force of Corruption. What began as a reaction to injustice grew into a powerful fictional narrative, one that explores corruption, strength, and the idea of fighting back, even when the odds feel overwhelming.

In this conversation, she shares how the story took shape, what lies beneath the surface, and why it matters so deeply to her.

The Conversation

1. What first sparked the idea for this book? Was it a moment, a feeling, or something that stayed with you over time?

Force of Corruption grew over time. A person I knew was publicly, wrongfully accused of a crime, and it stuck with me. It showed me how a public official in a position of authority can abuse their power for personal gain. The injustice of it made me angry, and I sought a way to tell what really happened. The story took shape over a few years and once I decided to write it, there was no stopping me. Although this story was inspired by actual events, it is a complete work of fiction used to illustrate the theme of corruption in a trusted organization.

2. Is there something about the story that readers might not immediately see, but that matters deeply to you?

The main female character Paige Patterson is a badass in many ways. I’m partially disabled and my physical limitations make me dream of a body that is much more capable than my own reality. I wrote Paige to be physically and mentally strong. I wanted her to be a human superhero who could fight back against the evils in her world. This is important to me because I want every person to be as strong as they want to be. I don’t want anyone to be limited by physical restrictions. Through Paige, readers can do things they may not be able to do in their everyday lives. She also breaks through the gender barriers by being good at things typically thought of as male activities. Such as target shooting, MMA fighting, and dirt bike riding.

3. Did the story change as you were writing it? If so, how?

Force of Corruption has a large cast of characters who are found family. The owners of Savage Enterprises (a security company), Rhett, Ace, and Thomas, are just three of the many people who work there. Rhett becomes Paige’s love interest, and she’s introduced to the rest of the team. They are a fun group of people who work hard and believe in a cause. When I started the book, I thought it would just be about Paige and her wrongfully accused friend, Tim. But it became so much more with each character coming into their own personality and finding their own story. I never expected it to become a series. But in book two Force Majeure, Rhett’s little sister finds her fairytale love and her share of trouble. Then in book three Force of Attraction, Thomas the playboy finds out what true love is with Keiko. Book four (Force of Addiction) is in the works, it’s Ace’s story and it goes places I never expected.

4. Was there a part of the book that felt especially difficult or personal to write?

In FOC, Paige finds herself in the midst of a human trafficking nightmare and it was difficult to write some of the scenes. There’s no graphic SA on the page, but it’s implied and as a survivor and mother of a survivor from abuse it was personally painful. My daughter and I had some deep conversations, and I would say it led us to a better place even though the road was rocky. I also worry as an author about how to portray this type of scene in a way that will be provocative and rewarding in the end but not harm anyone in the process. It’s a fine line to show the evil of some and the resilience in others.

5. Looking back now, what does this story represent for you?

Looking back at the finished product, Force of Corruption is a personal triumph. Not only did I tell the story I wanted to share, but I finished it, published it, and can hold it in my hand. Paige is a hero in my mind, and she finds her happily ever after. It’s what everyone wants, it’s what I look for in every book I read. I’m happy I was able to provide the suspense and humor in a journey that seemed almost impossible at some points, to meet a satisfying conclusion where good wins. I hope readers will find it entertaining and inspiring.

A Gentle Invitation

Some stories come from imagination. Others come from something that refuses to be forgotten. If this conversation resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on the strength it takes to turn pain, anger, and lived experience into something that can empower others.

Stay Connected

Hidden Voices is a space for stories that carry both truth and transformation. If you connected with Cindy Drake’s journey, consider sharing this interview or exploring more voices that remind us of resilience, courage, and the power of storytelling.