Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Reality of Cyber Terrorism with Danielle Spencer
Welcome to Mind the Typos! I had the pleasure of interviewing Danielle Spencer, a Washington, DC native and the author of "Digital Assassins: Surviving Cyberterrorism and a Digital Assassination Attempt." Her book, a gripping narrative of her journey as a whistleblower against a formidable debt collection organization, unveils the sinister tactics employed by powerful entities to silence dissent.
1. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your book?
My name is Danielle Spencer, and I am a Washington, DC native. I wrote a book, Digital Assassins, to document the events I endured after becoming a Whistleblower. Digital Assassins will be a three-book series; the second book will be released soon. All three books are fictional stories inspired by actual events. In book one, Digital Assassins: Surviving Cyberterrorism and a Digital Assassination Attempt, Danielle Spencer becomes a whistleblower against the federal government. Book one documents the various retaliation tactics the federal government uses against her, her family, and her friends, tactics such as illegal monitoring and surveillance, misuse of government records, violation of trusted agreements with third-party organizations, and fabricated financial documents. The second book in the series is a follow-up to the first book. It documents the continued harassment of and retaliation against Danielle Spencer by the federal government and Danielle’s attempts to use the federal and state court system to stop the retaliation.
In book two, Danielle learns how federal and state courts, state government officials, lawyers, and various oversight entities, including the state bar association for lawyers, are manipulated to be part of the cover-up. Based on actual court and state complaint filings, this book documents the methods used by federal government officials to manipulate these organizations to ensure that federal government officials are not held accountable for their bad behavior. This book also documents how the federal government can manipulate private, for-profit companies to achieve their goal of using technology to retaliate against Danielle.
2. What inspired you to write your book, and can you tell us about it?
I was inspired to write Digital Assassins to document the events I endured after becoming a whistleblower. During my whistleblower journey, I have experienced things such as illegal surveillance, privacy violations, hacked bank accounts, fabricated financial documents, and excessive access and monitoring of my tax account. It is my belief that not only can these types of tactics be used against whistleblowers but also to discriminate against underserved and minority communities, people fighting for their religious freedom, and freedom of speech. As such, I am looking to share my story so that citizens can unite, mobilize, and network so that we can demand change.
3. What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from your book?
My core message is that data theft and digital assassination are real; that it isn’t something that happens to ‘someone’ else. Technology is advancing rapidly; laws and policies are not. Everyone should know and understand how technology can be abused and how current laws and policies do not protect us.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that influenced your writing style or inspired you?
No, unfortunately. I don't consider myself a true writer; I am an IT Specialist. However, writing is something that I was forced into doing so that I could document and share my story.
5. In what ways do you think your book stands out from others in its genre, and what do you hope sets it apart for readers?
I think my book builds on the foundation of other whistleblowers, such as Eric Snowden. He warned Americans about the federal government's spying capabilities. I believe my book tells the story of how these capabilities can be used against US citizens to weaken the rule of law and violate our constitutional rights to privacy.
6. Can you discuss any research or preparation you undertook while writing your book, particularly if it involved exploring new topics or settings?
There was no research needed; everything both book 1, Digital Assassins, and book 2, Digital Assassins II, was based on my personal experiences as a federal government whistleblower.
7. Can you provide an excerpt of a specific scenes or passages in your book that hold particular significance?
Yes. The following excerpt talks about the government asking inappropriate questions to one of my references while vetting me for employment. It shows how the government violated my privacy trying to obtain information concerning my sex life and my family's financial condition in an attempt to discredit me:
Ruth answered the standard set of questions with no problems, the process was completed quickly. However, then came the special set of questions.
Investigator – “Do you know anyone who knows anything embarrassing about Danielle of a sexual nature?”
Ruth - What the heck! “Excuse me, what did you ask me?”
Investigator – “Do you know anyone who knows anything embarrassing about Danielle of a sexual nature?”
Ruth - “No, I don’t know anything about her sex life.”
Investigator – “Do you know if Danielle has any illegitimate children?”
Ruth - “What do you mean by that?”
Investigator – “Does she have any children that she hasn’t or doesn’t acknowledge?”
Ruth – “Not to my knowledge. As far as I know, she has never been pregnant.”
Investigator – “Has Danielle ever hacked into any computer systems?”
Ruth – “No. To my knowledge, Danielle has never had a clearance, so, she never had the opportunity to have access to classified materials.”
Investigator – “Is there anyone in Danielle’s family that is bribable?”
Ruth – “No, not to my knowledge. But then my relationship is with Danielle, not her family.”
Investigator – “Thank you for your time.”
8. Can you provide insight into your future writing plans or projects? Are there any upcoming releases or ideas you're excited to explore?
I am currently editing the second book in the series, Digital Assassins II: Taking the Whistleblower fight to the Judicial Branch of Government.
9. Lastly, could you provide your contact information or social media handles for readers who would like to connect with you?
For those inspired by her story, or who want to engage in thought-provoking discussions with Danielle, here are her socials that you can find her at: 📱📲 💻:
Danielle's story is a poignant reminder of the power of in illuminating the shadows of injustice. Digital Assassins transcends the confines of fiction, serving as a rallying cry for transparency, accountability, and above all, resilience in the face of adversity. Until next time, keep exploring the realms of literature, and always remember to mind the typos!
