Happy Tuesday Folks,
Well, I have a treat for you...
Mystery author, Laura Childs, agreed to do an email interview with me and so I have the pleasure of introducing her to you.
I've mentioned her novels on my blog before, and I recently (oh a few weeks ago, I guess) finished reading number 11 in her Tea Shop Mystery series, The Teaberry Strangler. Her mysteries are fun and "cozy", so you can sip your tea and go sleuthing at the same time.
Laura Childs is the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
So, folks, here's the interview I did via email with Laura Childs:
Me: What made you go from marketing into writing novels – specifically mystery novels?
Laura: I was CEO/Creative Director of my marketing firm for more than 15 years, so the time was ripe for a change. Since I’d already written professionally and had a love for all things mysterioso, I figured I should give mystery writing a shot. Luckily, it all worked out!
Me: What made you choose the various locales you did for each of your three series?
Laura: The Tea Shop Mysteries are set in the historic district of Charleston for a number of reasons - it’s highly atmospheric, filled with history and mystery, and is home to the Charleston Tea Plantation. The plantation is something like two hundreds years old, so a perfect tie-in!
The Scrapbooking Mysteries are slightly edgier books that take place in New Orleans. My main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is always getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans is perfect because you’ve got your above-ground cemeteries, wanna-be vampires, and the madness that is Mardi Gras!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries are set in Kindred, which is a fictional town in the Midwest. I kept if purposefully vague so everyone could see a little bit of their home town in the setting and characters. In this series, three forty-plus women who have all lost their husbands run a cozy little café called the Cackleberry Club.
Me: Where do you come up with the recipes you include at the back of your books?
Laura: They tend to be my mom’s recipes, a few from my aunt, and sometimes a friendly tea shop owner shares a recipe with me. I think the recipes add authenticity. When you read about Golden Monkey Yunnan Tea, Angel Biscuits, or Chicken Bog, you're just naturally curious about these things and want to know more. Plus, readers tell me there’s something very satisfying about reading the story, then making the chowder or scones. There’s a kind of “interactivity” at work.
Me: Are all your characters pure inspiration or are they based on real people?
Laura: All authors borrow dribs and drabs of persona from various people we know. Of all my characters, Drayton (Tea Shop Mysteries) is a slightly more posh version of a very fussy art director I once worked with.
Me: If you could actually meet any of your characters in person, which ones would you want to meet and why?
Laura: I’d love to travel to England with Theodosia and Drayton and do a tea tour through the Cotswolds. And who wouldn’t want to celebrate Mardi Gras with Carmela and Ava! Those ladies are wild!
Me: What do you like best about writing mysteries?
Laura: I’m a bit of a control freak, so I love being able to control my characters and their situations. Of course, sometimes they go a little off track (all story lines are fluid!) so that gets bizarrely interesting.
Me: Your 11th Tea Shop Mystery was just released. Are you planning to write more books about Theodosia and the gang?
Laura: Absolutely. I’m almost finished with SCONES & BONES and then I’m under contract for 3 more books. Quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface on the permutations of tea and crazy murders those characters can get pulled into.
Me: What piece of advice for writing has been most helpful to you?
Laura: Grab people by the throat from the get-go. Jump directly into the murder and, for heaven’s sake, don’t clutter up your first chapter with too much back story.
Me: Do you have any “writing words of wisdom?”
Laura: My writing philosophy is a lot like Nike. Just do it. Sit down, sip a little Diet Coke, develop a story outline, then just keep chipping away at the writing. You don’t need personal assistants, incense, feng shui, or anything remotely tricky!
Find out more about Laura Childs
at www.laurachilds.com
Thank you so much, Laura, for doing this! I appreciate it :-)
Have A Tea-Terrific Tuesday, Everyone!
YA Author, Bethany Averie's Blog
Monday, April 12, 2010
To Outline Or Not To Outline
Happy Monday All,
I might have touched on this before, but it's been on my mind lately due to a story I'm working on and it's come up more lately, too.
There's been things I've read or heard about the pros and cons of outlining or not outlining.
With outlining the pro is you sort out your ideas...you get it out on paper and you can brainstorm in a more tangible way. You make the changes you want and it's all there for you in some concrete form. A con is, if you look at the outline and can't figure out how to begin.
When not outlining you play with several ideas and just start off with an idea and begin writing right away. That's the pro. The con is, if you don't have enough of the story playing about in your head you could end up writing yourself in a corner.
Of course, there's always the combination of the two.
What it all boils down to is what works for you. What helps you write at your best. What gets your juices flowing and your ideas simmering.
On another bend...if you're writing a series and outline can help you keep up with the characters and know who is who and what they did.
When I was writing Surreal I didn't have an outline, but I did pick up important dates or people and set up pages where I could pull it up real fast if I needed to know something and didn't want to search for it. But I did that while I was writing the story.
With this other story I'm writing I actually have an outline that I've changed about three times and re started the story about 3 times as well. I've got the idea, but the concrete forming of it takes time. Things are beginning to take shape, though and I like dreaming things up (for me that's part of the fun of writing).
So...what works for you?
Have A Marvelous Monday!
I might have touched on this before, but it's been on my mind lately due to a story I'm working on and it's come up more lately, too.
There's been things I've read or heard about the pros and cons of outlining or not outlining.
With outlining the pro is you sort out your ideas...you get it out on paper and you can brainstorm in a more tangible way. You make the changes you want and it's all there for you in some concrete form. A con is, if you look at the outline and can't figure out how to begin.
When not outlining you play with several ideas and just start off with an idea and begin writing right away. That's the pro. The con is, if you don't have enough of the story playing about in your head you could end up writing yourself in a corner.
Of course, there's always the combination of the two.
What it all boils down to is what works for you. What helps you write at your best. What gets your juices flowing and your ideas simmering.
On another bend...if you're writing a series and outline can help you keep up with the characters and know who is who and what they did.
When I was writing Surreal I didn't have an outline, but I did pick up important dates or people and set up pages where I could pull it up real fast if I needed to know something and didn't want to search for it. But I did that while I was writing the story.
With this other story I'm writing I actually have an outline that I've changed about three times and re started the story about 3 times as well. I've got the idea, but the concrete forming of it takes time. Things are beginning to take shape, though and I like dreaming things up (for me that's part of the fun of writing).
So...what works for you?
Have A Marvelous Monday!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Read Anything Good Lately?
Happy Friday Folks,
One of my nephews was talking about a story called The Light Princess by George MacDonald where a princess loses her gravity. He says it's a good one. I'll have to check it out.
Okay...as I said in a previous post I'm reading Georgette Heyer's Sprig Muslin, but I'm also reading Confessions Of A Werewolf Supermodel by Ronda Thompson. Both are good so far.
On a note of personal opinion, I think Heyer has a wonderful way of incorporating humor into her Regency Romances. There are several of her books that are just awesome.
I've never read Ronda Thompson before. She's got some interesting and fun ideas in her novel and I'm intrigued to know how everything pans out.
I'm going to be reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North And South soon as well as Debbie Macomber's Midnight Sons Volume 1.
And don't think for an instance I've forgotten about Kim Lenox's book, Darker Than Night that's recently been released...I'll get my hands on that one soon, too. Just you wait! :-)
What books are you reading (or are on your list to read)?
Have A Fabulous Friday!
One of my nephews was talking about a story called The Light Princess by George MacDonald where a princess loses her gravity. He says it's a good one. I'll have to check it out.
Okay...as I said in a previous post I'm reading Georgette Heyer's Sprig Muslin, but I'm also reading Confessions Of A Werewolf Supermodel by Ronda Thompson. Both are good so far.
On a note of personal opinion, I think Heyer has a wonderful way of incorporating humor into her Regency Romances. There are several of her books that are just awesome.
I've never read Ronda Thompson before. She's got some interesting and fun ideas in her novel and I'm intrigued to know how everything pans out.
I'm going to be reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North And South soon as well as Debbie Macomber's Midnight Sons Volume 1.
And don't think for an instance I've forgotten about Kim Lenox's book, Darker Than Night that's recently been released...I'll get my hands on that one soon, too. Just you wait! :-)
What books are you reading (or are on your list to read)?
Have A Fabulous Friday!
We Interrupt This Program For Updates
Happy Thursday Everyone,
Let's see...updates...
Well earlier this week I did some more editing on Surreal, so that's good. Ideas are simmering for some other stories. :-)
We have several books coming out this April:
Kim Lenox's 3rd book in the Shadow Guards series was released on April 6th. Darker Than Night is now available for your reading pleasure. (I'll be getting that one! I've read the other two and I own them). [She has an excerpt up on her blog].
Richard Paul Evans also had a book released on April 6th. The Walk is now available for your reading enjoyment. (I'll have to check it out, I've liked several of his books).
Lynn Kurland will have a new book out on April 27, 2010 entitled One Enchanted Evening. (It's one of her de Piaget/MacLeod books--love those books, so I'll have to pick it up!)
CONTESTS:
There's still time to take advantage of the early entry discount for the NWHRWA's Lone Star Contest! There's several categories to choose from. Check here for details.
Shannon O'Donnell of Book Dreaming lists several contests in the margin of her blog. (There's a whole bunch listed--all different kinds, so if you're interested hurry and go check it out).
What's your news?
Have A Thoughtful Thursday!
Let's see...updates...
Well earlier this week I did some more editing on Surreal, so that's good. Ideas are simmering for some other stories. :-)
We have several books coming out this April:
Kim Lenox's 3rd book in the Shadow Guards series was released on April 6th. Darker Than Night is now available for your reading pleasure. (I'll be getting that one! I've read the other two and I own them). [She has an excerpt up on her blog].
Richard Paul Evans also had a book released on April 6th. The Walk is now available for your reading enjoyment. (I'll have to check it out, I've liked several of his books).
Lynn Kurland will have a new book out on April 27, 2010 entitled One Enchanted Evening. (It's one of her de Piaget/MacLeod books--love those books, so I'll have to pick it up!)
CONTESTS:
There's still time to take advantage of the early entry discount for the NWHRWA's Lone Star Contest! There's several categories to choose from. Check here for details.
Shannon O'Donnell of Book Dreaming lists several contests in the margin of her blog. (There's a whole bunch listed--all different kinds, so if you're interested hurry and go check it out).
What's your news?
Have A Thoughtful Thursday!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What's In A Name?
Happy Wednesday Everyone,
Titles are important. They tell us what or who something or someone is. In the writing and publishing world they serve another purpose...they're one of the first things a potential reader sees. It's possible that a reader will pick up, look at a book and even read and/or purchase it simply because the title was so intriguing.
How do I know? Because this has happened to me.
Example: Author Christie Craig (and someone I'm pleased to know--she's such a fun person, by the way) has some really clever titles (I don't know if she has any input in the titles, 'cause sometimes in publishing they get changed) but whomever is doing the title work, they are geniuses (Christie, if you get to keep your titles, then you're a double genius 'cause I already think of you as a genius).
Christie has titles like: Gotcha! and Divorced, Deceived & Delicious I mean, seriously...someone is on a roll. Her book coming out in May is another example of Title Genius at work: Shut Up And Kiss Me.
Now come on, that's intriguing...especially if you read or write romances (which, obviously I do LOL).
Another example: In general I'm wondering if Confessions Of A title is what everyone is doing, 'cause you see it a lot. However, you don't usually see this: Confessions Of A Werewolf Supermodel (book by Ronda Thompson).
Now before Tuesday afternoon, I didn't know about this book or Ronda Thompson, but I'll tell you what, that last part of that title, the whole: Werewolf Supermodel got my attention.
I picked up the book. I checked the synopsis. I said, "Okay, I'm gonna have a look at this." I'm gonna be reading this book simply because the title was the first thing that got my attention.
Sometimes an author's title isn't the one she or he started out with, but sometimes it is. Regardless, titles are important. They might be the very reason our stories get picked up and read. You just never know.
What are some clever titles you've come across?
Have A Write Wednesday!
Titles are important. They tell us what or who something or someone is. In the writing and publishing world they serve another purpose...they're one of the first things a potential reader sees. It's possible that a reader will pick up, look at a book and even read and/or purchase it simply because the title was so intriguing.
How do I know? Because this has happened to me.
Example: Author Christie Craig (and someone I'm pleased to know--she's such a fun person, by the way) has some really clever titles (I don't know if she has any input in the titles, 'cause sometimes in publishing they get changed) but whomever is doing the title work, they are geniuses (Christie, if you get to keep your titles, then you're a double genius 'cause I already think of you as a genius).
Christie has titles like: Gotcha! and Divorced, Deceived & Delicious I mean, seriously...someone is on a roll. Her book coming out in May is another example of Title Genius at work: Shut Up And Kiss Me.
Now come on, that's intriguing...especially if you read or write romances (which, obviously I do LOL).
Another example: In general I'm wondering if Confessions Of A title is what everyone is doing, 'cause you see it a lot. However, you don't usually see this: Confessions Of A Werewolf Supermodel (book by Ronda Thompson).
Now before Tuesday afternoon, I didn't know about this book or Ronda Thompson, but I'll tell you what, that last part of that title, the whole: Werewolf Supermodel got my attention.
I picked up the book. I checked the synopsis. I said, "Okay, I'm gonna have a look at this." I'm gonna be reading this book simply because the title was the first thing that got my attention.
Sometimes an author's title isn't the one she or he started out with, but sometimes it is. Regardless, titles are important. They might be the very reason our stories get picked up and read. You just never know.
What are some clever titles you've come across?
Have A Write Wednesday!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Miniseries DVD Reporting
Happy Tuesday Folks,
Normally I don't do a DVD report, but I'm currently really into one. Which one, you ask? BBC's North And South based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell. (starring Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage).
At first I was uncertain as to what to think of the movie. I found it rather depressing. Then, as the storyline further unfolded and I watched John Thornton fall in love with Margaret Hale I got into it and thought, "Oh my gosh!"
To put it simply: I fell in love with it.
If you like period films don't be surprised if you end up liking this one. There's just something about it.
I haven't read the book, yet, but it's my intention to do so.
By the way, a big thank you and hug goes to my sister who gave me the DVD as a very early birthday present. Thanks, sis, I really like it! :-)
Have A Terrific Tuesday!
Normally I don't do a DVD report, but I'm currently really into one. Which one, you ask? BBC's North And South based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell. (starring Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage).
At first I was uncertain as to what to think of the movie. I found it rather depressing. Then, as the storyline further unfolded and I watched John Thornton fall in love with Margaret Hale I got into it and thought, "Oh my gosh!"
To put it simply: I fell in love with it.
If you like period films don't be surprised if you end up liking this one. There's just something about it.
I haven't read the book, yet, but it's my intention to do so.
By the way, a big thank you and hug goes to my sister who gave me the DVD as a very early birthday present. Thanks, sis, I really like it! :-)
Have A Terrific Tuesday!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Don't Blink--You Might Miss Something
Happy Monday Everybody,
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and a fantastic weekend!
Mine was pretty good. Friday I went to Good Friday service (very nice). Saturday morning I had an NWHRWA meeting and Sunday was cooking, Mass and hanging out with my husband and kid. So all in all it was a good weekend.
A couple of things...
The NWHRWA hosts a Conference every year (generally in October, which is when it is this year). Details are on the website. Last year's conference with Todd Stone was awesome, so if you all around around the Texas area, or can travel down to Houston/Spring/Tomball area, mark your calendars for Oct. 16th (I think it's more than one day).
Also, the Lone Star Contest is in full swing. Check details here.
There's always cool things happening at the NWHRWA. Gonna have a lawyer come talk to us (in May)...this past meeting we had a creativity coach. I mean there's always something happening.
Also, like I've said before, writer's groups are great for us authors. We get to interact, network, get feedback, brain storm and at least at the NWHRWA have an awesome time. Don't live near the area...there's always a chance there's an RWA chapter near you.
Awhile back I found this really cool blog for Mystery writers. I just think the title is so funny. It's called Hey, There's A Dead Guy In The Living Room. I don't write mysteries, but they've got some ideas on there that could probably help authors of all different genres.
If you haven't seen this picture on icanhascheezburger.com (LOLCats) you're missing out. It's so funny. If I hadn't been sitting down I might've fallen down I laughed so hard. Anyway, check it out, it's fun.
Anyway, Happy Easter everyone!
Have A Merry Monday!
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and a fantastic weekend!
Mine was pretty good. Friday I went to Good Friday service (very nice). Saturday morning I had an NWHRWA meeting and Sunday was cooking, Mass and hanging out with my husband and kid. So all in all it was a good weekend.
A couple of things...
The NWHRWA hosts a Conference every year (generally in October, which is when it is this year). Details are on the website. Last year's conference with Todd Stone was awesome, so if you all around around the Texas area, or can travel down to Houston/Spring/Tomball area, mark your calendars for Oct. 16th (I think it's more than one day).
Also, the Lone Star Contest is in full swing. Check details here.
There's always cool things happening at the NWHRWA. Gonna have a lawyer come talk to us (in May)...this past meeting we had a creativity coach. I mean there's always something happening.
Also, like I've said before, writer's groups are great for us authors. We get to interact, network, get feedback, brain storm and at least at the NWHRWA have an awesome time. Don't live near the area...there's always a chance there's an RWA chapter near you.
Awhile back I found this really cool blog for Mystery writers. I just think the title is so funny. It's called Hey, There's A Dead Guy In The Living Room. I don't write mysteries, but they've got some ideas on there that could probably help authors of all different genres.
If you haven't seen this picture on icanhascheezburger.com (LOLCats) you're missing out. It's so funny. If I hadn't been sitting down I might've fallen down I laughed so hard. Anyway, check it out, it's fun.
Anyway, Happy Easter everyone!
Have A Merry Monday!
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