My work-in-progress has been tagged by author Judy Alter --visit
her at Judy’s Stew and read about her work in progress tentatively titled "Innocents in Danger" (although we all
know how titles change). It sounds like fun, and I certainly enjoyed her first
book Skeleton In A Dead Space, a Kelly O’Connell Mystery.
Now it's my turn to answer the same ten questions. Here’s your first look
at my fifth Thea Campbell Mystery!
What is the title of
your book?
The working title is “Other People’s Money” but it will
change, of course.
Where did the idea
for the book come from?
Several places. Since I work part time in a veterinarian’s
office, and know the drama that can go on in barns, as well as the dangers
inherent in many of the medications I felt it was a perfect set up for a crime.
Then I read an article about a totally different type of crime that intrigued
me. I can’t tell you about the it because it would give away my story. Also,
all the publicity lately about Super Pacs made me think something along those
lines would make an interesting twist to the plot. Yes, I can make it all fit
together!
When genre does your
book fall under?
Mystery. But there’s also a good bit of romance in it. The
main characters, Thea Campbell and Paul Hudson, are rather intensely involved.
They verbally spar in a manner that reminds some readers of Spencer Tracy and
Katherine Hepburn.
Which actors would
you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Hugh Jackman as Paul and Audrey Hepburn as Thea. Obviously a
little time travel will be required.
What is the
one-sentence synopsis of the book:
Thea and Paul are blackmailed into investigating the murder
of her horse’s vet for the purpose of clearing the person they know is guilty.
Will your book be
self-published or represented by an agent?
Self published. After 4 books I’ve become very comfortable
with this avenue for getting my mysteries to readers and have worked out my
resources and team members.
How long did it take
you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Still working on it. I outline first, and that can take a
while. The first draft can take me up to two months to complete.
What other books
would you compare this to within your genre?
Some of my favorite authors who write mysteries with family, close friends,
humor and romance are; Evelyn David, Kate George, Nancy Martin, Ann Charles,
Janet Evanovich to name a few.
Who or What inspired
you to write this book?
There’s lots of credits to go out. The characters themselves
often suggest the next book, and the readers of the earlier books are always
nudging me along to the next adventure.
What else about your
book might pique the reader's interest?
Thea’s horse Blackie plays a bigger role in this latest
adventure. Some believe he’s psychic. He certainly has an expansive
personality. Also, many favorite characters will return in this book – some
just to stir up trouble! And wait! Could I be hearing wedding bells? And if I
am, who are they for?
