Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sierra Maze's medical thrillers different??
I'm a practicing critical care physician with over a decade in the ICU trenches. While other medical thriller authors rely on research and imagination, I write from the chaos of 3 AM codes, the politics of hospital hierarchies, and the moral complexities I face every shift. My stories don't just get the medical details right—they capture the authentic emotional intensity of life-and-death decisions. Plus, I know which medical equipment actually malfunctions in dramatically convenient ways (spoiler: it's usually the stuff that shouldn't).
Are the medical details accurate?
Absolutely. Every IV line, medication dose, and piece of equipment in my novels comes from real ICU experience. I draw from actual cases I've handled (with complete HIPAA compliance, of course—patient privacy is sacred). When I venture into specialties outside critical care, I consult professional journals and colleagues to ensure accuracy. If a character performs CPR in my book, you can bet it follows proper protocol... unless they're the villain.
Do I need medical knowledge to enjoy these books?
Not at all! I write for thriller lovers, not medical textbooks. While healthcare professionals might catch extra nuances (about 50% of my readers work in healthcare), I make sure every medical detail serves the story first. Think of it like watching a great legal drama—you don't need to be a lawyer to follow the plot, but lawyers might appreciate the authentic courtroom details.
How intense/graphic are the medical scenes?
My books are quite graphic—just as graphic as the real-life experiences we medical professionals live through every day. I don't sanitize the reality of critical care medicine or tone down the intensity for comfort. If you work in healthcare, you'll recognize the authentic weight of these scenes. If you don't, be prepared for an unflinching look at what really happens when lives hang in the balance. The graphic elements serve the story and the realism—this isn't gratuitous gore, but it is honest medicine. Think less "gentle medical drama" and more "this is what 3 AM in the ICU actually looks like."
Are these based on real cases?
My stories are fiction, but they're built on a foundation of real ICU experience. I've seen enough hospital politics, equipment failures, and moral gray areas to fuel a dozen novels. Every "that could never happen" moment in my books? Yeah, I've probably seen something similar at 2 AM on a Tuesday. Of course, I follow strict HIPAA guidelines—patient privacy is non-negotiable, but the authentic atmosphere of critical care medicine is all there.
Where can I connect with Sierra Maze online?
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of balancing ICU shifts with writing deadlines. Fair warning: my social media style involves medical humor, literary sarcasm, and the occasional rant about why hospital coffee exists to test human endurance. Follow if you want to laugh, learn something about critical care, or see what happens when a sleep-deprived doctor tries to be witty at 3 AM.
What books are coming next?
Spring 2026 brings "Juno Rising"—the story of Juno Knox, a vigilante shaped by trauma and redemption in both juvenile and adult prison. Then in August 2026, "Almost Human" explores a neurologist who designs award-winning medical technology using AI and machine learning, featuring a love story between her and her AI partner.
And for fans of "White Coat, Black Heart," get ready for the sequel: "White Coats, Black Minds" coming Summer 2026. Some killers can't stop—they only learn to hide better. Dr. Elise Navarro returns as a nameless predator finds a new home under bright tropical skies, where medicine isn't just used to heal, but to manipulate, control, and destroy.
I'm aiming for at least 3 books per year, though balancing ICU shifts with writing deadlines sometimes feels like performing surgery during an earthquake.
Does Sierra Maze do book clubs/speaking events?
I'd love to! My ICU schedule is unpredictable (12-hour shifts, sometimes weeks without a break), but I'm always open to virtual book club discussions or speaking events that can work around my medical commitments. Reach out through my website—I particularly enjoy talking about the intersection of medicine and storytelling, or how to write authentic medical scenes without putting readers to sleep.
What's Sierra Maze's background?
I'm a critical care physician with over a decade in ICU medicine, which provides endless material for suspenseful stories—hospital hierarchies, moral complexities, and the thin line between heroism and hubris. When I'm not keeping people alive or writing about fictional people in mortal peril, I try to maintain my sanity through the occasional workout and some snowboarding when possible.
What is Brainchild Publishing?
Brainchild Publishing is Sierra Maze's imprint—essentially a fancy way of saying "I wanted to look professional and cool in front of other authors instead of admitting I'm just winging it like everyone else." It's the home of authentic medical thrillers written by practicing healthcare professionals (i.e. Me) who bring real ICU experience to every page. Think of it as our official stamp on stories that blur the line between medical reality and fictional mayhem.
Does Brainchild Publishing accept submissions?
We're authors first, which means we're focused on our own writing projects rather than building a traditional publishing house. We're not currently accepting unsolicited submissions, but we're always open to connecting with other medical professionals who write authentic healthcare fiction. Fair warning: our standards are as high as our caffeine tolerance, and we've seen enough real medical drama to spot fake hospital politics from a mile away.
Can I sign up for updates on new releases?
Absolutely! Join our mailing list to receive:
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