When did you realize you wanted to write novels?
Many years ago, at least twenty, I started to write for children, back when an author submitted work via snail mail. I was published in a few children's magazines but had no luck with my novels. After a few years, my interest turned to reading cozy mysteries. They were fun and quirky, so I tried my hand writing them.
How long did it take to realize your dream of publication?
It took about 5 years to write my first cozy, Kibbles and Death. Then I got lucky. I submitted it to Gemma Halliday Publishing and within three weeks I had an offer from her. I was really fortunate. Gemma is what is called a boutique publisher. She specializes in cozy mysteries. I'm lucky to be counted amongst her many authors.
Where do you write?
In a small bedroom at a small desk. The operative word here is small, but it works for me.
Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?
For me silence is golden. My characters are creating enough noise in my head when I sit down to write.
How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?
I'm fortunate in that my hubby is a retired Pennsylvania State Policeman and I often pick his brain about the cases he handled over his 26-year law enforcement career. I often incorporate people I know in my characters. I'll ask them if they want to be a victim or murderer. They've always said murderer. Go figure.
Describe your process of naming your character.
I derive a number of my characters names from people I know. If I go to a function and there is a program, I may lift one or two from it, just changing it a bit to keep me from getting into trouble.
Real settings of fictional?
The settings of my cozies are based on real towns in upstate New York. They are so unique that I couldn't improve on them if I tried.
What is the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Well, I guess it isn't so quirky in today's world anymore, but my eightyish character Gladys O'Malley dyes her hair to match the change of seasons or various holidays or events—red for Valentine's Day, orange for autumn, and so on.
What is your quirkiest quirk?
Oh, my I am very dull. I can't say I have a quirky bone in my body. I was raised back in the day when kids towed the line and didn't dare step out of it.
If you could have written any book which one would it be?
Hmmm, good question? I really love Catherine Bruns Cookies and Chance series. Talk about quirky characters! The books may be murder mysteries, but you laugh out loud reading them.
Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What's yours?
My do-over would probably have started writing cozy mysteries, but then I did learn a lot writing my children's stories. I grew from all of it.
What's your biggest peeve?
I guess my biggest peeve is lack of manners. It only takes a second for a person to be polite and kind, and it doesn't cost a thing.
You're stranded on a desert island. What are three must- haves?
My family, dachshunds, and chocolate. With those three, I have it all.
What was the worst job you've ever had?
Locker room attendant at a swim club when I was sixteen. Being stuck in the locker room when everyone was outside enjoying the sun and swimming was not my idea of a fun way to spend a summer.
What's your all-time favorite literary character? Why?
I can't say I have one all time favorite. I love it when I fall in love with a series and its characters. I can't get enough of them and am anxious for their next book to come out. Like yours, Lois.
Ocean or mountains?
I guess I'd better say mountains since I live at the base of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. They're beautiful every season of the year.
City girl or country?
Country, definitely. Don't care for the hustle and bustle of city life. In fact, I love it when all the "downstaters" who flock up to this area in the summer go back home. Yeah, I know, I'm being a curmudgeon.
What's on the horizon for you?
Hopefully, to continue enjoying writing my Samantha Davies Mystery series and having my readers enjoy them.
Anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself and your books?
Right now, I'm busy working on book 6, Mistletoe, Mutts and Murder, in my Samantha Davies Mystery series. I hope to have it released around November of 2024. Sam's parents are coming to visit from sunny Florida for Christmas. Unfortunately, murder follows them north.
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A Samantha Davies Mystery, Book 5
It's Saint Patrick's Day weekend in upstate New York, and Samantha Davies is excited about the annual outdoor games put on by the local fire company...that is until the grumpy rival fire chief is found dead on the ice! To make matters worse, Sam's fingerprints are all over the evidence at the murder scene. Can Sam find the killer and clear her name before the Luck of the Irish runs out for her?
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