What was your dream job when you were younger?
As a child, I read everything archaeology—from the cities of Troy to the Chinese armies. It was all about uncovering the mysteries of the past.
I became more pragmatic with age. As a manual telephone operator for Bell in the 60s, I passed up a job in their laser lab in Toronto—doubting my skills and sticking with the familiar.
I couldn’t possibly have known my dream job would be in aviation, mining exploration, and wild rice in the Canadian north with my husband; and then my scrapbooking store and writing novels.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
If I could be a color, it would be yellow. There are two reasons. When I married my husband at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg 50 years ago, I wore a yellow Fortrel leisure suit. There was a blizzard that day, so we couldn’t be married in our Cessna 180. Now, when the days are dreary, I wear my Yellow Happiness Glasses, especially for driving. Try it. The yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag inspired the quilt I made for a Ukrainian family in Victoria.
What do you love the most about writing suspense novels?
I love when a character gets out of control and takes me in a different direction—off plan. A kidnapping came out of the blue in the novel I’m presently writing.
What is your reading comfort zone? How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
My reading comfort zone is eclectic. I love a good book no matter the genre. I recently read Room by Emma Donoghue and The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict.
What inspired you to start writing your debut novel, “A Person of Interest"?
I’ve read so many warnings about the risks of having your identity stolen I wondered what would happen if the thief didn’t just get a mortgage but committed murder in your name.
What is the biggest challenge of writing a crime fiction novel?
The greatest challenge of writing a crime fiction novel is to fulfil my promise to the reader. A red herring must be justified; a misleading clue uncovered.
How did you come up with the title of your book, A Person of Interest?
The title of A Person of Interest crackled over the police scanners almost immediately and persisted on the news until I wrote The End. It couldn’t be anything else.
Out of all the forms of art you have tried your hands on, which one did you enjoy the most - videographer, photographer, artist, author?
I find writing exhilarating, photography revealing, painting inspiring and videography challenging. I most enjoy whatever I put my hand to next.
What was your discovery process and how did you implement your idea of writing, “Murder by Bits and Bytes”?
There never was going to be a second novel. I had written my novel, and that was the end of it, but a reader said she could hardly wait for the sequel. Surprised, I thought about it for several days before seeing a body swept downstream in the mighty Fraser River and Samantha’s husband was missing.
How did you meet your editor? What one word best sums up your work experience with your editor?
I met Amanda Bidnall through the Creative Academy for Writers. In a word, our meeting was serendipitous.
What are some things you wish someone had told you when you were still new to the writing world?
I wish someone had told me to join groups who champion my genre, offer sound advice, provide author services, and introduce me to other writers—writers from around the world who would become my friends. I knew none of these when I wrote A Person of Interest.
If you could choose two characters from any of your books to invite for a dinner party, who would they be and why?
I would choose Grace Chambers and Lenore Bennett from Murder by Pins and Needles. We are quilters and would fill hours with wonderful conversation about our mutual interest like old friends. We’d not dwell on the tragedies endured by these two women at my hand. Although I love her, I wouldn’t choose my protagonist, Samantha Bowers Chambers; I know her all too well.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Writing shouldn’t be emotionally draining or stressful. If you cry in all the right places when writing or editing your novels, it will be a very satisfying emotion. I would tell an aspiring writer to enjoy research and planning, be willing to compromise, but above all, be passionate about writing.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers? Do you have any new series planned?
I’m excited to be sending Killing Imaginary Friends to my editor shortly. It is the first in the Oliver Frampton Mystery Series. Olly is an eight-year-old boy who acquires real people as imaginary friends at traumatic moments in his life. The problem is they’re dead, and he doesn’t outgrow them. It isn’t until he is researching unsolved crimes for a university journalism assignment that he discovers the truth.
How has your experience been, working with AllAuthor?
I am grateful for the opportunities the AllAuthor platform provides to promote my books and meet other authors. Thank you, Mady and AllAuthor.
