I’m writing a mystery series about the Westin family set in 1875 and one novel called for me to do a lot of back story in my head about their family’s past. I ended up naming the grandparents to keep my notes straight and then I became attached to them. The work I did wouldn’t show up in the book and the characters kept speaking to me so I backtracked how young Ella and Joe would be, picked a wedding date in 1827 and wroteMarried To Murder.
Tell us a little about your writing style, pantser or plotter?
I’m more of a seat-of-the-pants writer. I’ve found once I’ve outlined an entire book, I can’t sit down and write it. I feel like I just did. Fleshing it out becomes a boring chore. There’s no room to maneuver. It doesn’t let me write the story that wants to be told.
What comes naturally to me is to get an idea: characterization, a cool clue, a neat twist - then write some notes I don’t want to forget.
Of course, this leads to its own set of problems. I’m working on a story right now and my murderer just said he didn’t do it.
I believe him.
Now my end is different then I’d envisioned and I have some rewriting to do since I thought this guy did it. (You know, because I’m the author!) That would never happen if I wrote and followed an extensive outline and this story is already stronger because my murderer turned out to be innocent.
So…yeah, maybe I’m more of a ‘pantser’ than I thought…
How long did it take you to write the short story?
It took me a weekend to write it but a lot longer to edit it. (Then it took quite a while to find the right professional editor.)
What kind of research did you do before writing Ella Westin's story?
Fortunately, I’m accustomed to researching the past as I’ve written six novels in the Westin Series set in 1875. For Married To Murder, I had to research wedding dresses, knives, U.S. Government agencies and, of course, language. It’s amazing how many words we use today that were used two hundred years ago but I have to cut them because they sound too modern.
Can you tell us what you are working on now?
Sure. As I said, I’m working on the Westin Series, humorous mystery adventures about an unconventional family on a ranch in 1875 Illinois. There are six adult children, the youngest is Holly. The series opens with an escaped murderer heading to their village, a Cavalry Unit close on his trail. The soldiers trash the town and someone kills one of the residents. Holly has no interest in solving the murder but gets roped into it by accident.
I’m also working on another short story series set in contemporary times about a chef who works for an amateur detective.
Can you tell us whether you have more adventures planned for Ella Westin?
Yes. We left Ella and Joe Westin on their honeymoon. You don’t think they’ll have a wonderful, relaxing, murder-free time, do you?
What has this writing/publishing experience been like for you?
The writing is a great experience. I’ve always been a writer and wrote my first novel when I was ten. Years later, my Mom gave me a stack of papers to keep me quiet – on how to write a mystery novel. From that, I wrote my third book for fun thinking my Mom or Dad might read it. That was my audience. One day my Dad said I should write for a living. I laughed him off.
Years later, here I am.
As far as publishing goes, we’re in the midst of a world-wide industry shake up. Traditional publishing has been hit hard in this economy and the transition to digital books. It’s a clear situation of change or die. The digital age and consumer preference is great for writers. Where else could I get my short story in front of such a large audience with little fuss?
What, if anything, would you change if you had the chance to start the process over?
I never thought of what I could change because it’s an ongoing process. It never ends, there’s a beauty in that. Everything I learn makes me a stronger author and hopefully, a better person.
Any words of advice for others who are trying to get a story published? Things to do, things to not do?
Professionalism. Don’t skimp on quality. Just because you can publish yourself in hours, does not mean your books are ready to be read. Write the best book you can then give it to others for advice and reactions. I’m a big proponent of listening to feedback from family and friends who are willing to critique. They aren’t professional editors – they are your typical readers.
Make any changes you think will make the book better, stronger. Find a good writers group and do the same thing. Then get yourself a professional editor. This is tricky. You need to find an excellent writers group and a first-rate editor who is a good fit for you and your book.
On one hand, you need to listen to the advice and critiques of others. You are close to your book, your story, your presentation and your characters but since you made them up, you don’t have the distance to see glaring mistakes or are tied to something that just doesn’t work. (A great idea is to stick your manuscript in a drawer for a couple months at least, write the next one, then stick that in a drawer while you reread the first. You’ll see it with fresh eyes. In this case, distance equals clarity.)
On the other hand, don’t change your book just to change it. Readers, editors, other writers – we’re all just people and we’ll suggest changes simply because we would prefer it. Some of us present this change as a must and might pressure you into it. As much as you need others opinions, you don’t need to follow all of them.
This is art so you’ll be in gray areas most of the time. It might be tough but put your book first. Not your ego or anyone else’s.
It’s your book with your name on it.
My most important piece of advice is not to let anything stop you from writing. Not fear, not critics, not bad advice, not good advice and not a lack of confidence.
Another tip – line up people before you’re ready. If you’re going for traditional publishing, do not send a query to an agent until your book is as perfect as you can get it but start lining up agents who represent your type of book. (Don’t waste time sending your mystery to agents that only represent inspirational non-fiction.) Once your book is ready, you’ll have a list of agents, notes and e-mails all set.
If you’re going to publish yourself, line up a professional editor, a book cover artist, a formatter and anyone else you’ll need to get that book published.
Now for a little FUN stuff:
What book is within reach of you.... at any given moment?
Right now, Sherlock Holmes. I adore the new series the BBC put out and it’s got me reading the old books again.
What is on the side of your bed?
From the Holocaust to Hogan’s Heroes by Robert Clary. It’s an autobiography of the actor who barely survived World War II. I read it years ago but never put it away. It just sits on my nightstand like an inspiration – a never-take-life-for-granted reminder.
What is your favorite reading genre?
Cozy Mysteries. (Tamar Myers, Joan Hess, Evelyn David, Julie Hyzy…)
Are there any genres you don't like? Why?
I don’t like gore or books that have animals or kids being harmed, killed or tortured. Why go there? I read to escape reality and have a few laughs. Not to be grossed out or sickened by evil that is all too real.
Prefer the Beach or Mountains?
A cruise. The cruise has it all – beaches and mountains! I love reading on the beach on a cruise vacation then going back to the ship and reading by the pool. On my last cruise, I read Agatha Christie. The warm, salty air, the live calypso music, the shouting and splashing somehow brought me deeper into And Then There Were None where the characters are trapped on an island by a horrid storm. And a murderer…
So I guess the answer answer is beach but I’m still going with cruise.
Library or Bookstore?
The Library on a cruise. I love their libraries! They have books (of course), chess, backgammon, cards, big ol’ comfy armchairs, deep-colored, tasseled rugs, inlaid bookcases – it’s like you’re in Sherlock Holmes’ study. Reading there is like Heaven.
Thanks for being here today and good luck with Married To Murder Jenny...
I know I enjoyed learning more about what started you on your journey and am happy to find out there will someday be full length books for me to read!
Thank you for having me!
Jenny can be "Stalked" at all these places:
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