What genre do you write and why?
Ever since I read my first Nancy Drew, mysteries
have been my favorite genre. My passion is writing mysteries for young adults.
Teaching gave me insight and understanding into writing about teens and for
teens. They want novels to relate to their lives and make them wipe their eyes,
gasp, or laugh out loud. I think Beyond
Suspicion is a thrill ride that will appeal to young adults.
Tell us about your latest book.
Beyond
Suspicion is a mystery about fifteen-year-old, Shelby Palmer. An average
suburban teen from a small town, Shelby’s life changes when her mother
remarries and has a baby. Resentful at being the built-in babysitter stuck at
home while her mother and stepfather enjoy a social life, Shelby comes home
from school looking forward to a night away from home at a best friend’s party.
To her dismay she’s told she can’t go because she has to babysit again.
Following a huge argument, Shelby takes her infant
half-brother, Josh, to the park where he’s kidnapped. After hours of questioning, an angry detective confronts her with a
copy of her text messages and, to her horror, twists their meanings to accuse
her of murder. Disbelieved about being stalked by a couple in a
white van, hounded by national and local media on the street outside her home,
and hated by the kids she thought were friends, Shelby knows if Josh is to be
rescued she’s going to have to do it.
Who is you favorite character in your book and why?
Shelby is my favorite.
Refusing to feel sorry for herself, Shelby does whatever she has to do to save her
brother.
How do you research your books?
Besides visiting locations
for settings and doing research in the library or on the internet, a retired journalist
encouraged me to interview people. I was reluctant to do that but in the
next Whispering Springs Mystery a murder is committed with a gun important
to the plot. I know nothing about guns so a relative introduced me to a woman who’s
an amateur expert on handguns and she invited me into her home. I explained
what I needed and asked her advice. She brought out a small black gun. “Your
killer would use this. A compact Bersa 380 and this bullet is made to take your
victim down.”
With a notebook filled
with notes, I drove home silently thanking that journalist for this enriching
experience. Personal interviews have now
become a primary part of my research.
How long did it take you to write your book?
It took two years to write the final draft
of Beyond Suspicion. After the rough
draft was finished, it went through a critique group and many revisions. Then I
put it away to “simmer” for a few months. When I pulled it out and read it with
fresh eyes, it went through a few more revisions before I decided it was ready
for submission.
What advice do you have for other writers?
Keep writing and don’t give up no matter how
discouraged you become. I cannot remember the author who shared this idea a few
years back, but above my computer on my bulletin board I have a sign like hers
that reads: Someday I may give up. But
today is not that day. This reminder has helped spur me on when rejections
filled my inbox.
What's the best thing about being a writer?
The best thing for me
about being a writer is getting lost in the story being created. I love it when
my characters come to life on the page and insist on doing things I never
dreamed of having them do which makes the plot unfold in surprising twists and
turns.
Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I credit my parents for instilling in their
children the love of reading. They introduced us to stories and books long
before we could read, took us to the library regularly, and generously bought
books to fill our bookshelves. Those beloved books by talented authors made me
want to become a writer.
Does your family support you in your writing career? How?
My family is totally amazing. At first I
was nervous to tell them my dream of becoming a writer but once I did they
became my soft place to fall as well as my cheering section with every small
success.
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I am not reading
I work in my garden. Since the long term drought has arrived, my garden has
been downsized dramatically, but discovering ways to have my plants as well as
conserve water has become a marvelous learning experience.
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4 Comments
Thanks so much for introducing us to this author. Terrific interview! And Beyond Suspicion sounds like a really intriguing YA mystery.
ReplyDeleteJo, I loved doing this interview! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI was hooked on Nancy Drew mysteries too - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Fabulous interview!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story! Loved the interview.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.
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