Local author pens novel

Published 7:55 pm Friday, June 15, 2012

When Washington resident Toni Moore Cameron watched the film “A Few Good Men,” she was struck with the idea that she could write a courtroom thriller, too.

“I’ve spent most of my life in the courtroom,” said the 36-year-old assistant district attorney from Elizabeth City.

“Travel Check” author Toni Cameron will be signing copies of the courtroom thriller at Salon Unique from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. (WDN Photo/Mona Moore)

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Cameron will be signing copies of her self-published effort, “Travel Check,” at Salon Unique at 4571 U.S. Highway 264 West. The book is available on or at Kindle, Amazon, Page after Page Bookstore in Elizabeth City and River Walk Gallery in Washington.

“Right now, I’m selling it out the back of my trunk,” Cameron said with a laugh.

“Travel Check” is the story of Gary Parker, an assistant district attorney who gets into serious trouble after he uses office checks meant for travel expenses during court cases to cover personal expenses.

Cameron said she was inspired by the recent scandals and court cases of public figures like John Edwards, Eliot Spitzer and Kwame Kilpatrick. She added a few plot twists and surprises to the memorable scandals.

“It’s an interesting read. You’ll feel like you know the characters because of the familiar scenarios that they’re in,” Cameron said.

Writing the novel became her new hobby. When her husband turned on a basketball game, Cameron retreated to the computer room and got to work. After a few chapters, she said, her husband was sending her to the computer, anxious to see what would happen next to the protagonist. Now, he and a swelling fan base are awaiting her sequel, she said.

“I’m on chapter eight of the sequel. I think I can squeeze a third book out of it (the series),” Cameron said. “Feedback has been encouraging.”