#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Martha Reed

I’d like to welcome my friend and fellow Writers Who Kill author, Martha Reed, to the blog today for #ThisorThatThursday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Starting a new story. Even after completing five mystery novels in two different series, I still open the new blank page and wonder: What am I going to pull together to cover 85,000 words?

Easiest thing about being a writer: The rush I feel when editing the second draft, when the plot points and story arcs are solidly knitting together, and I know I’ve got a grip on something special.

Things you need for your writing sessions: I work best in a quiet space like my office or a library conference room. Virginia Woolf said we need a room of our own (with a door). She was right.

Things that hamper your writing: YouTube videos are lethal rabbit holes. I can disappear down them for hours. I have only myself to blame.

A few of your favorite things: Blisteringly hot dark roast coffee first thing in the morning while watching the mist rise off the Allegheny River and travelling to new and exotic places.

Things you need to throw out: Honestly, my workout gym clothes need to go.

Favorite foods: Almost anything, well prepared, with one exception (*see below).

Things that make you gag: *Lobster. One bad lobster experience scarred me for life. Which is ironic, seeing that I’m the author of the John and Sarah Jarad Nantucket Mysteries and every time I visit New England friends try to feed me a mud bug as a special treat.

Something you’re really good at: Travel plans. I love creating itineraries, finding hotel deals and exciting sightseeing destinations.

Something you’re really bad at: Grammar rules. Call the grammar police. I’ve never grasped the intricacies of grammar rules. Guilty as charged, your Honor.

Favorite music or song: I love disco music because it’s so upbeat. I listen to an hour of disco music during my hour walk each morning. It sets an optimistic tone for the rest of my day.

Music that drives you crazy: Jazz fusion is too squeaky and mathematical. I know the musicians are communicating with each other through the notes, but it sounds like something is wrong with the microwave oven.

Things you always put in your books: One consistent theme is finding a new sense of home and family.

Things you never put in your books: Torture porn. I think some writers use torture porn because they’re bored with writing the story and it spurs their flagging interest. It’s a cheap and brittle storytelling tool that cheats an intelligent reader.

Things to say to an author: I loved reading your new book. I told my book club we should read it next, and I’ve already posted an Amazon/Goodreads review.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I gave your new book a one star rating on Amazon because I don’t like your Facebook posts.

People you’d like to invite to dinner: How about this fabulous foursome: Stanley Tucci, Felicity Blunt, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski. How much fun would this dinner be!

People you’d cancel dinner on: He Who Shall Not Be Named, who is fouler than lobster.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I was in a really dark place. Your book helped me climb out of it.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I want to write a book someday, but I don’t have the spare time like you do.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I’ve painted wall murals.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: I’ve tried painting a heron standing in shallow water. The reflection was supposed to be mirrored like silver, but it turned out bright orange. I still haven’t gotten that painting exactly right.

About Martha:

Martha Reed is a multi-award-winning crime fiction author. Her short story, “The Honor Thief,” was included in This Time For Sure, the Anthony Award-winning Bouchercon 2021 anthology. Her first Crescent City NOLA Mystery, Love Power won a 2021 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and features Gigi Pascoe, a transgender sleuth. Martha is also the author of the Independent Publisher IPPY Book Award-winning John and Sarah Jarad Nantucket Mystery series. Visit her website www.reedmenow.com for more.

Let’s Be Social:

website: www.reedmenow.com

Facebook: Martha Reed

Twitter/X: @ReedMartha