Volumes 1-2 should be read together as they form a complete, continuous story. The same applies to Volumes III-IV. As for whether you can start the series with Volumes III-IV instead of I-II, of course you can, but it might be interesting to read I-II first, if only to appreciate the characters' development, enjoy the occasional references to past events made in III-IV, and, most importantly, avoid spoiling certain plot twists from the I-II series. 

Very early on, as soon as I started reading. Marveling at comic books in elementary school, and then at youth novels like Bob Morane, I wanted to transition from reader to author to enhance my enjoyment. So, I started with comics around 1962, then novels at age eleven, in November 1963. It was a need stronger than anything else.

First, write in the genre you enjoy as a reader – this way, you'll convey a lot of enthusiasm to your audience. As maritime action author Clive Cussler says in a YouTube interview, why not imitate the structure of a successful author you admire? It's not plagiarism, but copying, Clive Cussler clarifies. There's a nuance. Adopt the style and plot development methods of someone who has proven successful. With this model, you'll feel much more confident afterwards.

An author is an entertainer. Therefore, they must cultivate effects. For thrillers, as the name suggests, you need to build suspense, include surprises and plot twists, and know when to reveal and when to hide things to spark curiosity. Readers will fear more for characters they feel close to, having learned about their personalities, emotions, experiences, and families…

Next, you need to do your homework, following the American tradition exemplified by authors like Dan Brown. This means: 1- featuring main characters who are relatable through their emotions and experts in their field; 2- paying attention to colorful secondary characters; 3- conducting research on locations, history, techniques, and so on.

I quickly overcome it whenever that dreaded feeling appears. In such cases, instead of aiming for a big ten-page day with complex actions and dialogues (which can be overwhelming and send me back to my favorite couch for a nap, haha), I settle for a very simple action: writing a sentence about an object or a place.  

There's no need for a wealth of imagination to describe the facade of a hotel or the handle of a Russian knife. But, miraculously, as soon as I start putting something undemanding on paper, my imagination kicks in, the floodgates open automatically, and the knife handle turns into a knife fight, the hotel facade becomes a chase through the corridors, and so on.

I start with a broad theme, which is the core concept: a biological weapon terrorist plot or an impending ecological disaster, for example. Many things are planned far in advance. However, I often surprise myself as I write.

There isn't the same requirement as in cinema, where you have to manage a large crew and equipment and stick to a strict schedule, if only because millions of dollars are at stake.

I'm like authors such as Joël Dicker and Lee Child, who admit they don't control everything from the first to the last chapter; otherwise, they wouldn't entertain themselves.

The 'God's Secret' series is expected to gain a fifth volume. I'm already revising the manuscript. After the eruption of Mont Tremblant in Volume III, which covered Montreal in ash, terrorist bombs will rain down on iconic parts of the city. Hence the working title, Pythagoras' Bomb. Additionally, the romantic relationships of our star couples, Kristen – Quentin and Daria Polienko – Preston Willis, will develop further, including some sexy scenes.

Will motherhood be in the cards for Kristen? That's the question she asks herself with her morning Clearblue test. But what's clear is that Kristen's future baby will become a major plot point in the story.

I definitely plan to be at the next Montreal Book Fair 2024 at the stand of my Quebec publisher, Goélette Éditions. I love interacting with my fans who tell me where they read a particular novel, what they'd like to see in the next 'Secret'...

Well, I must admit that I gave a significant role to Willis and Robin Forbes in Volumes III-IV following a question from a reader who came to see me at a past Book Fair, asking if these characters would return, which he wished for. By the way, I'm thrilled by all the comments. For example, when a female reader tells me she developed a love for reading after opening Volume 1 at her mother's house, or when a male reader confides that he enjoys rereading each volume of the series. Such testimonials are so precious, even moving. They inspire me to continue, as a major motivation is to provide moments of happiness. (image: Montreal Book Fair 2015).

Volume I has already been contracted for international English rights. The London-based publisher in the United Kingdom expressed great excitement about this thriller. The novel is set to be released in bookstores under the title The God’s Secret. It's fascinating to see your work translated into another language, with your characters taking on a global dimension.