Author Interview with VICKI DELANY

Vicki Delany is a Canadian author with two mystery series to her credit, as well as three other novels of mystery/suspense. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she spent a year travelling across North America and another eleven years living in South Africa. She now calls “bucolic, rural Prince Edward County, Ontario” home and seldom wears a watch. She has been known to write to the accompaniment of a cup of tea and Bruce Springsteen (on tape, not in person).

Before retiring, your professional life included computer programming. What started your writing career?

I have three children and one year I decided to write them all a personal story for Christmas. I thought I did a pretty good job, so signed up for creative writing classes with the aim of writing for children. That idea died mighty fast, but I found that I did have a knack for it, and so I continued!


How long have you been writing? You write in several genres, tell us about the pros and cons.

I’ve been writing, on and off, for more than 15 years. Most of those years I was working full-time, so it’s only been the last two years that I can say I’m a full-time writer. I write standalone psychological suspense, a traditional police procedural mystery series, and a humourous historical series. A mixed bag, as you say. I think the strength of standalones is that you can deal with the characters' problems in great depth. A standalone should see the main character struggling with, and possibly defeating, whatever demons she has to deal with as well as the crisis that forms the crux of the plot. I think standalones can be more realistic – how many times in one’s life does one have that great adventure? Whereas in a series, the main character has to come back again in the next book. In a series, you can draw out the resolution to the character’s personal problems very slowly, and also have her dealing with other people’s problems, and helping other people resolve their own issues. I find that series books are faster to write, after the first one, because you don’t have to spend as much time working out the details of the setting or the regular characters’ backgrounds. My books are all quite different in tone and style--the standalones are fairly serious, the Constable Molly Smith books are sort of medium-boiled, and the Klondike books are funny and mad-cap. I find that I like writing in all those different ways, and if I put it all in a book, or even in a series, I’d have a real mess.


You have received much praise for the settings in your books. Tell us why setting is important to you and how to create praiseworthy settings.

Thank you for saying so. The most important thing about setting, I believe, is detail. Not only what does the place look like, but what are the people like (I mean the people who don’t even have a word to say in the book), what does it smell like, what’s the weather like, and how does that weather affect personalities, what local issues are the people dealing with? It is possible, but difficult, to write about a place you’ve never been. Historical writers, of course, have to write all the time about someplace they’ve never been, but they can still go to the physical place, and see what the light is like at night, the colour of the trees. Sometimes you simply can’t go there--a friend of mine is writing a book set in Iraq in the 1990s, and she is certainly not going to go to Iraq to see how the light moves across the sky. But she is able to talk to people who’ve been there, read books, look at photographs, etc. In the absence of going there, you just have to do a lot of leg work. I set my books in places I love, so I guess that makes it easier to create a sense of place.


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

I left this question to answer last, because I really can’t think of anything. It was hard when I was working full-time and had kids at home to find the time to write, but most of us have been through that. I think that sometimes it can be an advantage to have to move into a writing career slowly, you really find out if it’s what you want to do and that time you do spend writing becomes something you don’t want to waste. So, other than that, I really haven’t had many challenges.


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

Winter of Secrets will be released on November 1st by Poisoned Pen Press. It is the third in the Constable Molly Smith series set in a small town in the Interior of British Columbia. Writing this book was a complete departure from my usual writing method. I had an idea for the first scene and it went from there with no idea of where I was going. I sort of felt like the police themselves, sifting through the clues and trying to make sense of it all. It begins on Christmas Eve when the storm of the decade has settled on Trafalgar. Molly Smith is on duty, and spends the night running from one mishap to another. Then, at the stroke of midnight, she and Constable Evans get a 911 call: a car has gone into the frozen river. The bodies of two young men are pulled out, apparently having died of exposure in the river. But the autopsy reveals something else. There is lots of skiing in the book—Smith is a top-notch skier and the powder is falling fast. The book will be available at the independent mystery bookstores, and all the online outlets such as Amazon and B&N. The big chains might not have it in stock but they will always order on request. The second book in the series, Valley of the Lost, will be released in paperback at the same time, and like all my paperbacks, should be on the shelves at Chapters stores in Canada.


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’ve finished the second in the Klondike series, titled Gold Fever, and it will be out in Spring 2010. The fourth Molly Smith book, tentatively titled Negative Image, is in the final stages right now. I expect it will be out in late 2010 or early 2011.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Your first book is the only chance you will have to have a first book. The first (published) book is not a stepping stone; it’s an elevator. In most cases it will let you off where you are going to remain. So don’t rush it.


You are a member of several writer’s organizations. What tips can you give new authors concerning their decisions about joining a writer’s group?

If you regard yourself as a serious writer, then you need to belong to professional organizations. Accountants join accountant groups don’t they? Networking is important. I regret not joining Sisters in Crime or Crime Writers of Canada before I was published. I’ve found that mystery writers are so encouraging of others, and so helpful in terms of giving tips, but no one can help you if they don’t know you.


Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

The last three months of the year are busy for me! I attended Boucheron in Indianapolis. Then it was off to Canada’s east coast with R.J. Harlick, another Canadian mystery writer on a book tour. In November and December I’ll be doing signings around Southern Ontario. I did a big tour to the Western U.S. in March and as much as I’d like to go again, just can’t swing it this time. Links to my schedule are on my web page, and I have a page at Booktour.com (http://www.booktour.com/author/vicki_delany) .


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

Just that it’s been a great pleasure talking to you.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

My web page is http://www.vickidelany.com/. I am part of a group blog of mystery writers at Type M for Murder (http://typem4murder.blogspot.com/) and I write a personal blog about the writing life, as I see it, at Klondike and Trafalgar (http://klondikeandtrafalgar.blogspot.com/).

New Release: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY by Stacy Juba

Journalist Publishes Mystery Novel Set In Newspaper World

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, the debut mystery novel of award-winning journalist Stacy Juba, was released October 27, 2009 by Mainly Murder Press. Juba started the novel while working in her former position as a staff reporter at a New England newspaper.

The book follows the story of obit writer and editorial assistant Kris Langley, who feels like the newsroom slave--that is, until she stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. Determined to launch her reporting career, Kris investigates the cold case of an artistic young cocktail waitress obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology. She soon learns that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris’s present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.

Like her main character, Juba began her journalism career as an obit writer and editorial assistant, where she spent a great deal of time compiling “25 Years Ago Today” columns from the microfilm.

“While the book is fiction, my newsroom background provided me with the realistic details to create an authentic setting and premise that I hope will be enjoyed by newspaper readers, journalists and mystery fans alike,” she said.

Juba notes that attention continues to be focused on unsolved murders due to the popularity of television dramas such as Cold Case and the increased involvement and public visibility of family members. According to the National Institute of Justice, recent advances in DNA technology also are allowing officials to take a fresh look at these cases. Along with these technological advances, the creation of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) has improved the chances of solving cold cases with DNA.

“The subject of cold cases is a timely one, and for the fictional scenario in my book, I challenged myself to create intriguing twists and turns,” said Juba. “I think that readers will like taking a crack at the puzzle along with my sleuth, Kris Langley.”

After years of working as a reporter, Juba now concentrates on writing fiction and freelancing. More information about Twenty-Five Years Ago Today can be found at http://www.mainlymurderpress.com/ and http://www.stacyjuba.com/.

Title: Twenty-Five Years Ago Today

Publisher: Mainly Murder Press

Format: Trade paperback

ISBN: 978-0-615-29011-9

Pages: 254

Price: $14.95

Author Interview with MARILYN MEREDITH

Marilyn Meredith is the author of two mystery series: the Deputy Tempe Crabtree and the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. In addition to her mystery endeavors, Marilyn also pens Christian horror novels. She is one of the first authors to embrace ePublishing and is also a writing teacher.

Your writing background is extensive: fiction in multiple genres, non-fiction, an 18-year stint as newsletter editor for The Association for Administrators of State-Licensed Residential Care Facilities for Youth, Adults and the Elderly, and as a writing teacher. When did you start writing, and why?

Like many authors I know, I began writing when I was a kid. I started by rewriting my favorite books including my own version of Little House on the Prairie. (Not the TV show, the book series.) I also wrote plays for the neighborhood kids to star in. During the summers, which seemed very long back then, putting on plays kept us all occupied. I also wrote and printed my own magazine which I sold for nickel to my friends. I won’t even go into how complicated that was in the days before all the many ways we have today. I wrote because that’s what I liked to do.


Your fiction endeavors include two different mystery series and Christian horror. Tell us what drew you to these genres and about the challenges/rewards of each.

My first two published books were historical family sagas based on my own family genealogy. After I finished both sides, which were ultimately published, I decided to write a mystery because that’s what I read all the time. The Christian horror came from my love of horror films. I always thought if only the heroines in those movies were Christians they’d have a better idea how to fight the devil or demons that confronted them. I wrote three--and then I was done. Amazingly, they continue to sell.


What do you like to read in your “spare” time?

Really, I’ll read most anything. Mysteries are my favorite, but if someone recommends a book or gives me one, I’ll read and enjoy it.


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Having to spend so much time on promotion and selling has become a bigger and bigger challenge. I spent two days at our little town’s Apple Festival which meant getting up at 5 a.m., setting up my booth by 8, and sitting there all day long, smiling and talking to strangers about my books. Fortunately, many buy and it’s a profitable two days, but wearing. I go to other book fests and craft fairs that are close enough to drive to, sometimes spending one or two nights. This year, as I’ve done for several years, the first weekend in November, I’ll be heading down to Temecula (about a 4-hour drive) to give a talk about novel writing at the Erle Stanley Gardner Mystery Weekend Writers Conference. I’ll be giving a talk about my latest book to the local Rotary Club, and I’m signed up for two days during December to sell books at the art gallery in the next town. I also go to several other writers’ conferences and mystery conferences each year. Though this can be a lot of fun, it takes time away from writing. Since I’m writing two series, which means two new books a year, I really need time to write.


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

Dispel the Mist is my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. Tempe is a Native American deputy who is often called upon to help the violent crime detectives if a victim is an Indian or has ties to the local reservation. In Dispel the Mist, while investigating the unexpected death of a popular county supervisor with ties to the Hispanic and Indian communities, Tempe has an encounter with the local legend of the Hairy Man.

Published by Mundania Press, the book can be ordered from any bookstore or the publisher’s website: http://www.mundaniapress.com


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’m finishing up a Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel and beginning to plot the next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. However, the RBPD series’, An Axe to Grind, is expected right after the first of the year. Next September, Invisible Path, is the next in the Crabtree series.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. Share with us 3 tips you can give to new writers.

Read the kind of books you’d like to write. Learn as much as you can about the craft of writing. Write every day. Rewrite. Let someone read it who knows something about editing. Join a critique group. Don’t let rejecting stop you. My first book was rejected nearly 30 times before it was finally accepted by a publishing company. If I’d known enough to learn more about writing first and had an editor, I’d have saved a lot of my time and money.


What writer’s organizations claim you as a member?

Mystery Writers of American, Three Sisters in Crime chapters, Public Safety Writers Association, and Writers of Kern.


You were one of the initial authors to embrace ePublishing. Tell us about that.

I found a publisher for my police procedurals in the Writers Market. The first book was accepted by an electronic publisher. I had no idea what that meant. Unfortunately, at that time it was a difficult procedure to pay for and download the book and a nightmare to promote. As time went on, the Rocket eReader was invented and many e-Publishers came on the scene. E-Publishers were far more receptive to new writers, writers who mixed genres, and shorter and longer lengths of manuscripts. I quickly moved onto other, more savvy e-Publishers. And as everyone knows, many new e-readers have popped up all over the place. My books are now available in many formats for e-readers, including the Kindle, as well as trade paperback.


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

If you really want to be a writer, you must write. Most of my published friends write on a regular basis. No profession is more supportive than the writing community--and people like Linda Faulkner, who are willing to take the time to do an interview like this with a fellow author. Thank you, Linda. I do want you to know though, even if I’d never been published I’m sure I’d still be writing. When stories are floating around in your head it is necessary to put them in writing.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

My website is http://fictionforyou.com/
My personal blog is http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/
Every Tuesday, I blog at http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/
And the first and third Tuesday, I’m at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com

Author Interview with TARYN SIMPSON

Taryn Simpson is an award-winning novelist, Pulitzer Prize competitor, ghostwriter, screenwriter, and blogger. Additionally, Taryn has enjoyed success as a classically trained musician. She credits her musical creativity as a stepping-stone to her successful writing career. Her screenplay, Conversations with Pearl, was featured at the Southern Festival of Books in 2002. Her current novel, The Mango Tree Café, was written with co-author Alan Solomon.

Your first career was in music, which you credit with being the foundation of your writing career. Tell us about your musical background.

Sure, I had a love for music that began early in my life. I was always drawn to percussive sounds which began my interest in drumming. So I became involved in marching band throughout school which garnered me a scholarship to college where I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music. I had auditioned at The Juilliard School when I was 17 and discovered that Manhattan and Juilliard were too expensive so I went to college locally. My background in music reflects classical training where I played in orchestras, operas, musicals, and percussion ensembles, master classes with Leigh Howard Stevens and other notables. I’ve also played in concert bands, jazz bands and even a steel band! You name it, I did it.


What got you started writing? Tell us about all the different genres and types of writing you do.

When I was around 4 years old, my mother made sure that I learned how to read before I attended kindergarten or elementary school. She is a voracious reader and felt that if I became one as well, all types of opportunities would come my way. As a result of early reading, I also learned to write poetry and short stories from her. She wasn’t formally trained, but had a natural talent for it, so I had a built in teacher. My favorite genre is fiction, although I’ve only come to love it within the last 10 years or so. John Grisham opened the door for me on that one with The Firm. So, I began writing fictional thrillers. After that, I developed an appreciation for literary fiction. Norman MacLean, Wally Lamb, and others have also shaped my writing. As a ghostwriter, I enjoy writing memoirs for clients, as well. You meet some really interesting people along the way. I still like writing short stories and blogging. I have a personal blog where I talk about my growing up years, politics, pop culture, and life in general. I love to read words that cause me to pause.


Your current book was co-authored with another writer you’ve never met in person and who lives in China. Give us the scoop about this!

Yes, that’s correct! One day, I suspect that Merriam Webster will have an entry that states: Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson--See Serendipity. To give you the background, a writing colleague of mine called one day and asked if I would be interested in ghosting a fiction book for a client. I asked for the client’s phone number so I could get more information about the job. She chuckled and said, “You might want to email him. He lives in Beijing.” I couldn’t believe it. I emailed the client, who turned out to be Alan Solomon. I began asking him questions about the project and he stopped me and simply said, “Read the first chapter. If you hate it, no harm done, we’ll part ways and go about our day. If you like it, we can discuss further.” I read the chapter and fell in love at first read. I knew this would not be a ghostwriter job. The novel needed some tweaking, rewriting, and polishing and I was determined to be the one to do it. We always kid each other that we can never meet now, neither on the phone nor in person: It would mess up our chemistry for writing!


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

There are times like other writers where I get blocked. I’m going through that right now with a novel I am working on. But, I find if I give myself time and space, the right direction will come about. But I the biggest challenge, I would have to say, is to be truthful. I remember when I was watching the movie “Biloxi Blues,” there is a scene where the nerdy guy in the barracks is sneaking a read from Matthew Broderick’s journal. He read some unflattering thoughts about the nerd and he was confronted about it later. Broderick felt badly about it and tried to erase the hurtful passage in his journal. The nerd cautioned him to always own what you write. It takes courage to write the truth. I’ve never forgotten that scene and try to be true to the written word. No matter how vulnerable it might make me feel.


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

The Mango Tree Café, Loi Kroh Road by Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson is the latest one to be published. The synopsis: Imagine owning a restaurant near the jungles of Thailand that sits upon the most legendary mystical road in the world. Legend states that whoever walks upon Loi Kroh Road will be forever changed or shall never be seen or heard from again. In fact, the English translation of "Loi Kroh Road" is "Wash Your Bad Luck Away." Larry, the main character, is seductively lured to the world-famous street to purchase this restaurant. The restaurant serves as a place where he observes world travelers, such as himself, as well as locals who discover their fate upon this historic road. He is on a journey to discover his mission in life as he is guided by a ghostly figure that appeared to him as a child. On his adventures, he comes face to face with his greatest fear, his lingering questions of mortality, and his soul's lonely reflection.

The book is available on both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble’s website, as well as other online book retailers.


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’m working on a novel that is tentatively entitled The Long Road to Extradition where you will meet Nicholas, a precocious yet sensitive teenager who is also the black sheep of the family. He witnesses a horrific act that tears his family apart. From the time he is 13 years old, he makes his way through the foster system until one day he escapes his life of misery. Through his journey, he meets unforgettable characters along the way who make lasting impressions upon him, which prod him to delve into his bruised emotional issues to make peace with himself. His extensive travels prove that his problems will always be a cumbersome and heavy burden that will sit upon his shoulders until he has his day of reckoning with his emotional baggage. His journey by foot is a long one, but his journey to made amends is even longer. It is through his journey that he discovers "The Long Road to Extradition." Sheesh, I hope to have this one completed by the end of the year and published soon after.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Do not take any writer’s advice as “the gospel.” That may seem strange advice coming from a writer, but I have learned that there is no one correct way to do anything. Some writers break all the rules and enjoy success. Think outside the box! Follow your bliss! Be creative and take control of your career.


Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? How has membership/lack of membership affected your writing career?

I’m a member of Book Marketing Network; Authors, Speakers, Coaches & Podcasters; The Freelancer’s Union; and Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group. Being a member of all these different groups help you to see what others are doing with regard to writing or marketing their books. Sometimes it can spur some ideas of your own.


Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

Actually, we are working on that as we speak, but nothing is set in stone yet. You’ll be the first to know though when it does happen!


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

Well, aside from The Long Road to Extradition being a work in progress, Alan and I are also co-writing another novel titled He Played the Game, which takes place in England. It centers around a well-to-do family; their lives are forever changed when the father announces one day that he is leaving for no apparent reason. The eldest son begins his search for his father and the reason why he left his family so abruptly.

I am also co-writing a couple of children’s books with Nancy Mura, a very talented child author who penned the book series, “Willie Whistle.” The two books we are writing together are called The Table and Chair and Rosie and Baby. I will have my hands in a lot of different type of projects in which I’m thrilled to participate.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):
Alan’s and my blog: http://solomon-simpson.blogspot.com/
My online Press Kit: http://www.taryn-simpson.blogspot.com/
My personal blog: http://musings-from-a-writer.blogspot.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mangotreecafe and www.twitter.com/writer4762

Book Review: THE MIRROR AND THE MASK by Ellen Hart

This book sucked me in on the first page.

The protagonist, restaurateur Jane Lawless, is at a crossroads in her life: her two-year romantic relationship just ended and her business faces financial challenges. Into her life walks Annie Archer, a woman in need of a job to support her search for her stepfather--and the answers she's been seeking since she ran away from home in high school. Jane hires Annie to work in the restaurant and promises to consult her friend, a private investigator, to see what can be done about locating Annie's stepfather.

And so begins The Mirror and the Mask, the complicated, emotion-filled, seventeenth book in the Jane Lawless series by Ellen Hart. Deceit abounds, as does a wonderful supporting cast: Cordelia, Jane's melodramatic best friend (I loved her!); Jack Bowman, the filthy rich owner of a construction company who turns out to be Annie's sleazy stepfather; Jack's stepchildren: Sunny, a not-so-sunny eighteen year-old and Curt, a tragically depressed fellow who immediately snares Annie's sympathies and her presence as his roommate. Oh, I forgot to mention Susan, Jack's wife. Susan winds up dead.

Following her P.I. friend's advice (most of the time, anyway), Jane exercises her sleuthing talents to unravel the twisted history of Annie's past, which now seems to include the death of Susan Bowman and the psychological issues of her children.

The Mirror and the Mask has an engrossing plot and three-dimensional characters who elicited my laughter, sympathy, disdain, irritation, fascination, admiration, and an entire host of other emotions. It also ended with a terrific and unexpected twist. I'm on my way out to buy the first sixteen books in the series.

My rating: (5 Star) Read it in one sitting, staying up ‘til the wee hours even though I had to work the next day. You’ve GOTTA read it!

The Mirror and the Mask will be released in hardcover on November 10, 2009 by Minotaur Books - ISBN 978-0-312-37527-0. Visit the author's website at: http://www.ellenhart.com/ or contact Anne Gardner, St. Martin's/Minotaur at (646) 307-5553 or anne.gardner@stmartins.com.