An Interview with Maggie King

MM2: Maggie, tell us about MURDER AT THE BOOK GROUP.

Murder at the Book Group is the story of two women: Carlene Arness is a mystery writer who dies after drinking poisoned tea during a meeting of her book group in Richmond, VA. Hazel Rose is a romance writer who decides to find out who killed Carlene. Hazel is amazed when she finds that the refined and reserved Carlene had quite a checkered past, full of secrets, scandals, and betrayals. She’s equally amazed at what she learns about the other Baby Boomer aged book group members.­

Where did you get the idea?

I love book groups and have been in many—they have a special dynamic and the members can be fascinating to observe.

I joined my first mystery book group in Santa Clarita, CA in 1993. I’d been reading Agatha Christie for years but there was a whole world of other mystery authors out there and I was ready to dive in. The women in the group were lovely—almost too lovely. I hadn’t yet started my writing career but I knew I was on my way when the what-if scenarios came to me unbidden—

What if these women weren’t really so nice?

What if this was all for show and they harbored secrets, agendas, hatreds?

I held unto these ideas for many years. When I started Murder at the Book Group in earnest I gave these women backstories and they became the story prototypes.

I also like to write and read about people at a crossroads in their lives. In Murder at the Book Group both the sleuth and the victim are standing at a crossroads—Hazel Rose is at loose ends in her life, stuck in a rut.  She isn’t unhappy but she isn’t fulfilled either. As for Carlene Arness, the victim, she’s recently published her first mystery but her marriage to Hazel’s first husband is falling apart. Carlene probably wasn’t cut out for monogamy and her eye has started to wander.

Unfortunately, Carlene doesn’t get to cross the road—but solving her murder gives Hazel the opportunity to grow and get out of her rut. 

How long it took you to write the book?

About ten years. At least. I’d been writing variations of the story for many years before.

MM2: Do you belong to a book group?

Not at this time. I’ve been in several over the years, often two at a time. Ironically, the only way I could finish Murder at the Book Group was to give up book groups! 
 

MM2: For you what comes first, the setting or the characters, plot such as the murder?

For Murder at the Book Group and for my second Hazel Rose mystery (as yet untitled) the plot came first, and the setting and characters complement the plot. For “A Not So Genteel Murder,” published in the Virginia is for Mysteries anthology (Koehler Books, 2014), the setting came first because a Virginia setting was a requirement for submission. I developed the plot around the setting and the characters followed. The same holds true for the story I submitted to the Virginia is for Mysteries II anthology, due out April, 2016.

MM2: What advice do you have for mystery writers?

Write every day, even for a short time, and make it a priority. Find a schedule that works for you. It’s important to get into the habit of writing. Walk a lot (that’s when I get my best ideas). Read mysteries, especially in your sub-genre (cozy, thriller, police procedure, etc.). Read books on craft, but don’t let reading interfere with your writing.

MM2: How do you combat the stress of writing a book? Which of course is a huge undertaking?

I try to stay healthy by eating right, walking, stretching—and remembering to breathe! If I feel overwhelmed I tell myself “It’s one chapter at a time.” Sometimes it’s “a page at a time,” “a paragraph at a time,” “a sentence…” you get the idea.

MM2: Tell us a little about your family life, friends, writing support group and your favorite meal?

I have a loving husband, Glen, and two cats named Morris and Olive. I treasure the time I spend with them. Glen and I dine by candlelight, drink coffee in bed, and watch mysteries on DVDs that we rent from the library.

I’ve lived in a lot of places and had a lot of jobs so I’ve acquired many friends over the years. I enjoy connecting with all of them.

I belong to the Sisters in Crime Central Virginia chapter. We support each other at each stage of our writing careers and we have fun going “on the road” to promote our anthology.

My favorite meal? Anything Italian!

MM2: Leave us with words of wisdom for your protagonist? 

Hazel, develop your writing talents and maintain your compassion for others. Learn from your past mistakes and then move forward and embrace love.

MM2: Please direct us to any websites or blogs?

http://www.maggieking.com my author web site

https://www.facebook.com/maggie.e.king my Facebook page

https://twitter.com/MaggieKingAuthr my Twitter account

http://annerallen.blogspot.com a great blog for writers

https://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com Buried Under Books: Tales of a Former Indie Bookseller

http://www.virginiaisformysteries.com Virginia is for Mysteries anthology, collection of seventeen stories penned by members of the Sisters in Crime Central Virginia and Mysteries by the Sea chapters.

Bio

Maggie King is the author of Murder at the Book Group, published in 2014 by Simon and Schuster. She contributed the short story, “A Not So Genteel Murder,” in the Virginia is for Mysteries anthology. Maggie is a member of Sisters in Crime and the American Association of University Women. She has worked as a software developer, retail sales manager, and customer service supervisor.
Maggie graduated from Elizabeth Seton College and earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She has called New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California home. These days she lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, Glen, and cats, Morris and Olive.

An Interview with Erika Chase

Interview with ERIKA CHASE by Pamela James

MM2: I'm always interested how an author starts her writing career. How did you decide to write books?

      I’ve been writing all my life, it seems. I tried my hand at writing a novel when in eighth grade, thanks to the encouragement of a very savvy English teacher. I went on to work on the school newspaper, making editor in my senior year and while working part-time on our local paper. In university, I took Journalism and went on to more writing until my son was born and I became a stay-at-home mom. When he started nursery school, I started a creative writing class at our community college, and enjoyed it so much, I kept on doing it.

MM2: What is your average writing day like?

      The mornings are my business hours, devoted to emails and social media. You’d be surprised, or maybe you wouldn’t, how much time that takes. It’s very important to authors to connect with readers so it’s time well spent. After lunch, I usually sit down for several hours of writing. I try to get a minimum of 1000 words a day but depending on the muses, this could vary.

MM2: Since you write a book club mystery series. Are you a member of one?

      I’m a member of a general book club and am trying to ease them into the delights of murder! In my former life as a mystery bookstore owner, I would often speak to mystery book clubs about themed mysteries or new releases. I think book clubs are invaluable in providing a shared enjoyment of books and also as social communities.

MM2: I enjoy Lizzie Turner and her group. Tell us how you create the characters and give them the names and setting you do in the series?

     

      With the Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries, it’s a house series which means my editor at Berkley Prime Crime had the idea and my agent connected me with her. The character’s names and general locale were her idea. The challenge for me was making those characters my own as I love to start with names which speak to me about the character’s traits. I’m not quite sure at what point they truly became my characters but we have all bonded and they’re old friends.

MM2: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

      Never give up! On the other hand, know when to give up. Sounds strange but I mean keep pursuing your goal, your dream. Keep sending out those queries and incorporate any advice you get in return into perfecting your manuscript.

      However, there comes a point in your writing when you have to stop and send it out. It’s very easy for author’s to get caught up in the editing process and keep refining the words on the pages. It’s not going to sell if it isn’t out there. So learn to let go and get on with the next one. Oh, and always have a next one on the go. You may need it sooner than you think.

MM2: When starting your writing career. Who gave you the best writing advice?

      Probably that creative writing instructor from years ago, even though her forte was romance writing. She stressed the value of attending writing groups and it was through our local crime writing association that I met up with five other keen writers and we formed a critiquing group. That was many years ago and we’re still best of friends and each other’s most earnest critics. We call ourselves The Ladies Killing Circle.

MM2: Leave us with some words of wisdom from Lizzie Turner.

      Lizzie would probably tell everyone that friendships are the most important aspect of a person’s life. Be true to your friends and by all means possible, keep them out of jail!

MM2: Direct us to your blog, website and of course last but never least...do you have a favorite book, movie, meal or place to vacation?

      My website is www.erikachase.com where you’ll find a sneak preview of book #5, Law and Author which releases Sept. 1st.  Favorite book – too many to choose just one although I do love the ones that provide some armchair travel.  Movie – Chocolat. Meal – must include West coast salmon. Vacation spot – Victoria, B.C. because my son and DIL live there!

Erika, thank you so much for agreeing to our interview.

      Thank you for the opportunity! It’s been fun.

Good Morning

Good Morning,

I had a wonderful weekend. It could have been a little more smoothly but it turned out to be a great weekend.

I didn't finish reading a book. I didn't get the chance to cross stitch. I did nap a lot. The kids and grand kids didn't show up or call to cancel so we had plenty of chili dogs and chocolate cupcakes. That's okay as I took the neighbors chocolate cupcakes. LOL

We also bought me a new to me car. Frank knows a lady and long story short, Tuesday night I pick up a 2002 Gallant it's Mitzibishi

(sure the spellings are wrong) and the color is Mother Of Pearl. LOL....

I still have vertigo so I won't drive it but around town until my vertigo clears up. My birthday is July 2nd so it's my birthday present from Frank. This car was a really good deal and it is in mint condition. If not I would have told him to save his money.

Anyway then my other son called. He invited me to the baby shower for their son Bennett who will make his arrival the end of august. Anyway the shower theme will be story books and there will be things like green eggs and ham quiche other foods from fairy tales. The nursery will be done in music theme. I don't know if I will attend or not July 18th but I was very shocked by the phone call.

I have started the Charles Todd Book, almost done with Clam Wake by Mary Daheim, half done with Aunt Dimity and the Wish Well.

Sent out some author interviews and inquiries.

Today I start writing the book.....

Update us what's happening in your life. Oh I did watch The Strange Love Of Martha Ivers.

Keep it cozy,

Pam

Pam's Library Trip

Well I am a couple of days behind on things. So when the library loan lady called and said I had a book in, I didn't rush out the door.

However I did go to the library tonight. The book was by Maggie King, MURDER at the BOOK GROUP. I m excited to read this book.

While there I happen to see another Aunt Dimity Book, so I had to have it AUNT DIMITY & the SUMMER KING, well as was on my way back to the counter I happen to see A FINE SUMMER'S DAY by Charles Todd, this is an Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery but as I looked to the back cover I noticed there is a Bess Crawford Series. I don't think my library has that series. I want to interview the mother and son writing team. Would love to find a copy of the Bess Crawford series and I will probably have to locate another Rutledge book in the series.

I love it when visiting the library is like eating Lays Potato Chips and you can't just checkout one book. LOL

Hugs,

Pam

Review: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis

The holidays are crazy enough for Sophie, but now things have gotten even worse.  After a strange man tries to pawn a kitten off on her in the grocery store parking lot, she comes out to find the unattended kitten and his body!  Then When getting ready to compete in a local cooking contest for her holiday stuffing, the main judge ends up dead soon after asking her out.

Her house is overrun with relatives and friends, and her ex is poisoned at Thanksgiving dinner.  How bad can it all get?

A large cast of suspects, motives and supporting characters add to her woes.  A wonderfully fun ride!

Terri

Pam's May movies

​The Movies I watched:

SAVING MR. BANKS

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

MURDER SHE BAKED

SHERLOCK HOLMES

CLUE

WHY DIDN'T THEY ASK EVANS

MURDER IN THREE ACTS

THE LADY VANISHES

**************

Watched a lot of tv series:

Midsomer Murders, Murdoch Season 8, Lost In Paradise, Special Victims, Pie In The Sky, The Man Who Lost His Head, Doc Martin, Mary & John, Jack Taylor, Jack Irish, Nero Wolfe (disc 1-3), Three Pines, Vexed, Murder In Suburbia and Lovejoy.

There are more but those are some of the main ones.

Pam

Guest Blogger - Alice Duncan

Time Flies Too Blasted Fast!

I can’t believe it’s already June. I swear, my dogs and I were lounging in bed and watching the 2015 Tournament of Roses Parade the day before yesterday. Oh, well.

The only mayhem going on in my life at present is replacement of the other half of my fence. Nobody ran into this part of the old fence in order to force me to replace it, but Jessie, the guy up the street who put up the west side of my fence after a drunk in a blue Hyundai crashed into it, is replacing the east side now, so they’ll match.

In truth, that’s not the only reason. The real reason for the new fence is that Cookie, Jazzy’s companion animal (how many dogs do you know who have their own companion animals? Well, Jazzy does) can get out of the yard on the side with the old fence. With the new fence, she won’t be able to escape, so she can exist without her Kong! I think that will make her happy. Me, too. Here’s Cookie in her Kong, lounging with Jazzy at the neighbors’ house. They go there occasionally for play dates. On this particular day, the weather was warm, so they just sat around drinking Mai Tais:

Cookie Kong & Lounging Jazzy

The only other thing that happened in May, and this was a good thing, was that Stephen Campbell interviewed me for Crime Fiction FM. During the interview, we chatted about THANKSGIVING ANGELS and a few other things. It was fun, and the interview wasn’t too frightening. Here’s the link if you want to listen: http://crimefiction.fm/alice-duncan/

My daughter and her hubby will be visiting soon, and I’m looking forward to that. Robin and Gilbert have two pound-puppies and Gilbert’s blind, longhaired, double-dappled wiener dog, Melody. Melody is a beautiful dog, but Gilbert saved her and her sister, Harmony (now, alas, deceased), from certain death as puppies by adopting them. Double-dappling (mating a dappled dachshund with another dappled dachshund) is a recipe for genetic catastrophe. Harmony was born w/o eyes and deaf. Melody is blind, but she can hear. Actually, my own darling Jazzy, who was found running along the highway to Ruidoso, is a blue-and-tan dachshund, and her coloring also carries with it genetic problems. For instance, she’s losing fur due to alopecia that came to her through injudicious breeding. She’s sure a beauty, though! She and Cookie, and Robin’s George and Gracie, will have a jolly time visiting with each other during Robin and Gilbert’s visit. Actually, Gracie will probably lie in wait in her mommy’s arms and only race out to bite Jazzy or Cookie on the butt as they tear past her. She’s not the most friendly pup in the universe. George, however, loves to play. Should be interesting.

If you’re interested in entering this month’s contest, during which I’ll be giving away copies of old advanced reading copies of my various novels, send me your name and home address to alice@aliceduncan.net, and I’ll toss your name into Bam-Bam (my winner-picking wiener dog’s) special contest doggie dish.

If you’d like to visit my web site, the URL is http://aliceduncan.net/ and if you’re interested in being Facebook friends, please visit https://www.facebook.com/alice.duncan.925

Thanks!