What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?
My husband died two years before my author got involved in my life. I was looking for something to recharge my interest in living, something where I could use my previous skills and knowledge to make a difference for others. As I was a retired lawyer and judge, I thought of an ad litem position, representing a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, children, the frail, and the elderly. Protecting their legal rights seemed like it would give me a purpose and value to living. My author found out that, “my used-by date” for such a position had expired, so instead, we became involved in solving the murder of one of my dear friends who lived in my 55+ Community.
What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?
I appreciate my deductive reasoning skills, and I enjoy problem-solving.
What do you like least about yourself?
I tend to jump to conclusions too easily. Having been a judge, I am infrequently but notably opinionated.
What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?
She is always so suspicious of everyone’s motives. She forces me to accuse innocent people, especially those I am beginning to like, of crimes or being devious. It's so embarrassing. I find myself apologizing all the time.
Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?
Occasionally, mostly because she gives Bess the best dialogue.
What is your greatest fear?
I have always feared being insignificant or without a purpose for living. I don’t ever want to just occupy space when there is so much that needs to be done.
What makes you happy?
I’m happiest being in touch with nature, working in my flower garden. Also, spending time with my good friends, especially Bess, my childhood friend. I enjoy my 55+ community, having coffee or enjoying happy hour with the women’s groups, yoga, and driving my Mustang convertible. The best, though, is solving problems through deductive reasoning and having the result enhance others' lives.
If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?
I would speed up my relationship with Enrik, I just don’t know where I stand with him. I mean, we are really good friends, but is there a chance for maybe some romance? My author doesn’t seem in a hurry to find out. It's frustrating. Also, Bess always gets the best lines in our conversations, I wish I had more humorous comebacks for her.
Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most?
My daughter’s ex-husband, the detective who found the body of my friend.
Why?
He is always doubting my deductive reasoning. I seem to irritate him, and then he contacts my daughter, expecting her to “control” my actions. She hates being the go-between, and I obviously resent her interference which causes conflict.
Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with?
Bess, of course.
Why?
She is so fun-loving and carefree, and as above, has the best dialogue lines.
Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?
Her bio states that while growing up in Toledo, Ohio, she wanted to be a writer, and she wanted to be Nancy Drew. Her parents directed her to nursing, a more acceptable, self-supporting profession. She currently holds a Doctor of Nursing degree, and recently retired from teaching future nurses. Learn more about her at her website.
What's next for you?
I’m going Glamping in Palm Springs. Having solved the Mystery of the Smoldering Mattress, I’m looking forward to relaxing at the Shadow Mountains Glamping Resort with a few of the 55+ Community residents including Bess and her latest heartthrob. My author hints that foul play may be involved. I hope she’ wrong!
A Nancy Drouillard Mystery, Book 1
Nancy Drouillard, a retired lawyer, had hoped that a position as a guardian ad litem attorney, providing a voice for those who are unable to represent themselves, would reignite her passion for her profession. She lost her husband two years ago and was ready to re-engage in life again. However, the law firm attorney she spoke with rejected her application as if her “used by date” had expired.
She is frustrated and angry when she arrives at her 55+ community to find her friend Hilda dead. The death-at-home detective, Nancy’s former son-in-law, said it appears that smoke inhalation was the cause. Nancy is skeptical, Hilda never smoked in her condo, let alone in her bed. How could she be found on her scorched mattress topper? Who would want Hilda dead?
Would Hilda’s daughter know something about her death? Was the large sum of money missing from Hilda’s account a clue? Would the man who threatened Nancy know why Hilda died? Could it be murder? Would finding answers to these questions and justice for Hilda restore Nancy’s sense of purpose? Reflecting on her childhood role model, Nancy Drew, she decides to investigate herself.
After all, she was named after the girl detective. Armed with a lifetime of reading Nancy Drew mysteries and her own ingenuity and deductive reasoning, intrepid Nancy Drouillard was determined to solve this mystery.
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Lois, I always so enjoy the format of this blog. And Kathryn your protagonist sounds like she's a hoot! You got a chuckle out of me about her frustration with you for not moving her potential romance along faster.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam! Always nice to year from you.
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