Millenia recently published a novel that has a truckload ofsecrets. Although a novel, this story could easily depict an actual family. Welcome to Reader Views.

Juanita: Millenia, you have written a very thought provoking, emotionally charged novel that will surely keep your readers engaged. Why did you write "The Great Pretender”?

Millenia: Thank you very much for the compliment! I wanted to explore the possibility that one man could have two separate families and successfully lead two lives without getting caught.

Juanita: Have you ever been involved with a Great Pretender?

Millenia: Nope. At least not that I know of….

Juanita: Please tell us about the research you did for your book and how long it was in the making.

Millenia: I spoke with private investigators and divorce lawyers to identify patterns of behavior. That way I could incorporate them into my fictional "great pretender”, Reginald Brooks. As for how long the book was in the making, from beginning to end, I spent 2 ½ years writing it. I didn't work on it consistently, though. I'd go months at a time without touching it until someone asked, "So how's the book?” Then I'd go, "Oh, yeah!” and have to go back and read all I had written up to that point, pick up where I'd left off!

Juanita: In "The Great Pretender”, Reggie leads a double life for 6 years - married to one woman and living with another. What are some of the signs your partner may be leading a double life?

Millenia: Frequent or consistent travel. Ambiguous finances. Change in sexual appetite or behavior. Based on my research, I wrote an article called "7 Smoke Signals Your Man is Living a Double Life”. Everyone should know the signs!

Juanita: How common is bigamy or leading a double life?

Millenia: Well as you mentioned, in the book, Reginald Brooks isn't a bigamist (he was married to Tracy, but not Renee), but it's actually difficult to know how common double lives are. Many of these cases go unreported. Many times, we don't find out until someone dies—as in the case of CBS "On the Road” reporter Charles Kuralt who led a double life for nearly 30 years—or Laci Peterson's husband, Scott Peterson who wasn't discovered until the murder investigation got underway.

Juanita: How are some ways that someone can find out if her/his partner is cheating? And, what is the most frequent way 'cheaters' are caught in the act?

Millenia: Well, for one, inquiring minds want to know. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions when behaviors are clearly suspect. Secondly, when warranted, check their stories. Facts can be verified— looking up public records isn't unreasonable—don't ignore the possibility that your spouse (or potential mate) could have a secret…or two…or three.  "Pretenders” or cheaters are most frequently caught when something dramatic happens—like death. Tampa millionaire Douglas Cone's double life of nearly 30 years went undisclosed until his wife died. They'd been married 52 years!

Juanita: Let's say someone reads your book and the red flags go up. They recognize these signs in their own relationship. What can they do next?

Millenia: There are several things you can do, depending on the nature of the relationship (long-term, married, etc.) and your goals. Get the facts and follow through. Ask the necessary questions. Silence is not only acceptance, but condoning. If you don't get—or don't like—the answers, obtain proof and call the divorce attorney. It's time to choose dignity and respect—especially if you have children. They need a good example to live by.

Juanita: Do most people leave the relationship once their partner has admitted to leading a double life?

Millenia: No. Unfortunately, I don't think most people do. They get drunk on hope and on an overwhelming need for things to work out. As a result, they often wind up being the ones who get left because the "pretender” chooses the other woman over them. Which is why things can escalate into the tragedies we read about and see on the news, i.e. Betty Broderick, who shot her ex-husband and his new wife (the secretary he'd left her for after years of cheating with her) in their own bed.

Juanita: Your book is geared towards the man being the Great Pretender. How common is this situation with the woman being the deceiver?

Millenia: I've not heard of a case where the woman perpetrated this type of elaborate double family life. Of course, it's not impossible though. Like cheating, a woman can do it just as easily as a man. Signs, signs, signs.

Juanita: Do you think that the truth will always prevail in the case of Great Pretenders?

Millenia: Always? Absolutely not. Many men take it to their graves, as is the case with aviator legend Charles Lindbergh and CBS reporter Charles Kuralt.

Juanita: Where can your readers find out more about Great Pretenders and signs of cheating?

Millenia: They can get lost in a copy of "THE GREAT PRETENDER” and read more about the signs at http://www.milleniablack.com

Juanita: When can your readers expect your next book?

Millenia: My second novel is called "THE GREAT BETRAYAL”, and at present it's scheduled for released in November 2006. The prologue will be up on my website in the near future so readers can have a sneak peek!

Juanita: Thank you Millenia, for this very insightful interview. Are there any last thoughts you would like to share with your readers?

Millenia: Yes - I chat with all reading groups that choose "THE GREAT PRETENDER” and want to invite me to their discussion meetings! Just drop by my website to request chats, enter the contests, or join my announcement list and the 'Ask Millenia' newsletter, where I respond monthly to questions from visitors who think their mate could be cheating or living a double life……