When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t write. I wrote my first book in second grade so at least since I was 10 or so. After I finished school, I wrote a little less because work got in the way. I kept saying I’m going to write a book someday. Then one day I wondered what was stopping me and the only answer I could come up with was me. So, I started to pursue writing as a career. I think I was about 25 at that time.
What genre do you write and why?
I write humorous mysteries because I love them. I first became acquainted with them when I read Anne George’s books. I was hooked from the first chapter. I realized, “Yep, this is for me.”
Tell us about your latest book.
A Grand Murder is the first book in the Catherine O’Brien mystery series. I know, “groan” another series, but each book can stand on its own I think.
What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?
I’m not very good on the marketing front. I’m on twitter and Facebook. I have a blog and a website. I’ve done a few giveaways, which I think were really useful. I got some great feedback from those events. I’ve participated in two blog tours now, which are a lot of work, but very fun.
I was in a bookstore where a woman was looking at the same book I was, and on the cover was a review quote from Publisher’s Weekly. I turned to her and asked if she knew what that was and she told me she didn’t really pay attention to those reviews, but that a friend had told her the book was good. I decided after that encounter, that my marketing plan was to get the book into the hands of as many readers as possible. Word of mouth sells books.
What formats is the book available in?
A Grand Murder is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to spend time with my family. I’m getting to be a pretty decent cook, so I like trying new recipes. And of course, what writer doesn’t say they like to read as much as they can!
Who are your favourite authors?
Harper Lee, Stephen King, Anne George, Christopher Moore – the list can go on and on. It’s ever evolving, but Harper Lee, Stephen King, and Anne George are always there.
What advice do you have for other writers?
Read outside your genre. You can discover so many techniques that other writers employ in literary fiction, romance, horror, etc. that you might not have come across if you were just reading in your genre. Reading widely gives your writing more depth. If you haven’t read a classic since high school (or ever if you were a Sparknotes person), you should pick one up now if you write.
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| Stacy Verdick Case |
What's your favourite quote about writing/for writers?
This quote is expressly for writers, but it’s a favourite from Techumseh of the Shawnees: “When the legends die, the dreams end, there is no more greatness.”
I like this quote, because as writers we are story tellers. We are the keepers of legends, and it’s our duty to ensure that dreams continue.
What's the best thing about being a writer?
The ability to solve problems you couldn’t ordinarily effect in real life. In my books, there’s always justice, which is so lacking in the world today. As a writer, you can end world hunger, create peace, anything you want – at least on paper.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
I’m always happy to have people visit my website www.StacyVerdickCase.com or my blog SoStacyThought.WordPress.com.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to sit down with me today! And thank you for hosting this interview.
