#WriterWednesday Interview with Ivanka Fear

I’d like to welcome Ivanka Fear to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

A few of your favorite things: I love animals (especially cats), nature, summer, the beach (all bodies of water), and flower gardens. I enjoy reading books, watching movies, and looking at family photos. I cherish gifts and keepsakes given to me by family.

Things you need to throw out: Too much space is taken up in my house with old clothes and linens, old receipts, old electronics, knickknacks that serve no purpose, stuff I’ve bought over the years and been keeping for ages and can’t bear to part with but will never use.

Things you need for your writing sessions: I don’t need much. Ideas flow when I’m going for a walk, doing chores, lying in bed. For the actual writing, I need my laptop, a comfy chair, music for inspiration, some snacks, and peace and quiet.

Things that hamper your writing: My laptop is a necessity but a problem because I spend too much time on social media and scrolling, getting distracted. Also, the television needs to be turned off. Cats on my lap are welcome, but it’s hard to write with a cat on your laptop.

Things you love about writing: I love creating a setting, characters and problems, situations for my characters to work their way through and resolve. I enjoy all stages of the writing process, having ideas roll through my head, molding those ideas into sentences and paragraphs, and finishing a piece of writing. Great satisfaction comes from reading back what I’ve written, sharing it with others, and seeing my work in print.

Things you hate about writing: The dreaded writer’s block (which I didn’t believe in at one point) is a real downer, and getting stuck about what comes next in a storyline, is not fun. The editing (especially cutting out parts) is hard for me.

Hardest thing about being a writer: As an introvert, marketing myself is difficult. In-person events, on-line events – they all make me nervous. I’m not good at PR. Also, technology is not my forte. And accepting criticism, as well-intentioned as I know it is, is tough.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Writing. I just love to write.

Favorite foods: If it’s unhealthy, I’ll eat it. That means lasagna, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, cake, doughnuts, anything sweet. Salted snacks work, too.

Things that make you want to gag: I don’t like to see onions, peppers, and other spices in my food, but if they are well-hidden, I will tolerate them. Anything too spicy or greasy is a no for me. I’m also not a fan of seafood.

Favorite music or song: As I’ve grown older, I love to listen to the oldies and classics. Mostly I enjoy rock/pop/country music. My all-time favorite musical artists are Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.

Music that drives you crazy: I don’t listen to rap, and repetitive lyrics drive me up the wall.

Something you wish you could do: I wanted to take piano lessons when I was young. I would love to be able to play an instrument and to sing well.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: I can’t think of anything. All learning is good. I should have learned more things. I guess that’s the teacher in me.

Things you always put in your books: My protagonist is usually a strong independent woman with issues. Cats and the lake (if I can fit them into the storyline) have a place in my books. A bit of romance and humor takes the edge off the darkness which is an inherent part of crime fiction.

Things you never put in your books: I don’t like to read or write excessive gore and violence.

Things to say to an author: I heard good things about this book. I couldn’t stop reading your book. I wish it had been longer. I can’t wait for your next book to come out.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I couldn’t relate to your main character. They seemed unrealistic. How much did you have to pay to get this published, anyway?

Favorite places you’ve been: I love Europe and the places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit -- Slovenia (which is where I was born) and Croatia, Venice, Vienna, Cote d’Azure, the Adriatic. In North America, I loved the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, and the Rocky Mountains in Canada. Mountains and lakes and oceans are my favorite places.

Places you never want to go to again: Any place that doesn’t have an easy escape or is up high is somewhere I don’t want to be. So narrow caves and gondolas, elevators and airplanes (although that is unrealistic) are out of the question.

Favorite books (or genre): I mostly read and write in the same genre. That means suspense, thriller, mystery, but also gothic, and romance. Some of my favorite authors (although there are so many) are Janet Evanovich, Linwood Barclay, and Shari Lapena. And I enjoy classics like Wuthering Heights and Little Women.

Books you wouldn’t buy: I don’t read fantasy and sci-fi, and not much non-fiction either..

Favorite things to do: The best thing is to spend time with my family. I love to go to the beach, and to travel. I enjoy reading, writing, and watching mysteries.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: No bugs, please, or spiders, or worms or snakes or other slithery skittery creatures.

Best thing you’ve ever done: I met and married my husband, became a mom, then grandma. My family is the best thing in my life.

Biggest mistake: I worked too hard at work, and took life too seriously, when I should have concentrated more on the fun things.

About Ivanka:

Ivanka Fear is Canadian writer, born in Slovenia. She earned her B.A. and B.Ed. in English and French at Western University. Prior to pursuing writing full time, she enjoyed a long career in education. Her debut novel, The Dead Lie, is the first in her Blue Water Mysteries series. Ivanka is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. She resides in Ontario, Canada, with her family and the stray cats that wandered in. When not reading and writing, Ivanka enjoys watching mystery series and romance movies, gardening, going for walks, and watching the waves roll in at the lake.

Let’s Be Social:

Visit her at www.ivankafear.com

#WriterWednesday Interview with Keith Saltojanes

I’d like to welcome author Keith Saltojanes to the blog for #WriterWednesday — summer edition!

Something crazy you did on vacation:

Accidently walked onto the grounds of President Emmanuel Macron’s estate while they were doing construction on his fence, leaving it wide open for someone to accidently walk in. He has great security as I now know what it’s like to be yelled at in French while having a machine gun pointed at me.

Something you’d never do again on vacation:

Walk near fencing that has signs reading “en cours de construction.”

Favorite summer beverage:

Unlimited refills on iced tea. I’m a three-tea minimum wherever I go.

A drink that gives you a pickle face:

Cucumbers that have been marinated in vinegar.

Your favorite thing to get from the ice cream truck:

The attention of the driver so they can serve me. Hey, I know I’m an adult but take my order too!

Some dessert that you wish you’d never bought:

Lamb ice cream with whipped cream tartar

Best summer vacation memory:

Swimming in a pool as a kid with my dogs running around it contemplating whether or not they should jump in or not.

A summer vacation disaster that you’d rather forget:

That one unforgettable summer that I forgot about.

Most favorite place to write/edit in the summer:

A quiet, empty coffee shop, instrumental music playing, and good iced tea options.

The worst place to try to write in the summer because of all the distractions.

On a raft in the middle of a public pool during open swim. Oh, and there’s a lot of bees around for some reason in this scenario.

The thing you like most about being a writer:

The freedom to write whenever I want and to see ideas that were in my head come alive, either from actors or from other people reading them.

The thing you like least about being a writer:

That freedom also comes with immense guilt at any moments that I’m not currently writing.

The thing that you will most remember about your writing life:

All the ideas that I still haven’t written.

Something in your writing life that you wish you could do over:

Have a clone of me who could write out and complete all those ideas while I’m busy with other things.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

Jumping onto a moving train in Bangkok.

Something you chickened out from doing:

Waiting a little bit longer for the train to be going even faster.

The nicest thing a reader said to you:

“That really inspired me.”

The craziest thing a reader said to you:

“There once was a little walk to get the best answers for the next few months back” ….I think they wrote it to me using predictive text.

The best summer job you ever had:

Working at Dunkin' Donuts because of all the free unlimited donuts

The worst summer job you ever had:

Working at Dunkin' Donuts because of all the free unlimited donuts

About Keith:

Keith Saltojanes is the Founder of Improv-LA, the internationally known creative training center based in Los Angeles. He has taught improv techniques in over 10 countries and for executives at some of the biggest companies around (including Disney, Netflix, Amazon, IBM). He also has a Guinness World Record for the Longest Improv Show and was a writer National Lampoon and for comedians from SNL, MADtv, In Living Color, and Mr. Show. His first book The Improv Mindset releases June 2023.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://www.keithsaltojanes.com

The School: http://www.improv-la.com

Instagram: @keithsaltojanes

#WriterWednesday Interview with Zachary Rosenberg

I’d like to welcome author Zachary Rosenberg to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

A few of your favorite things: All the books around

Things you need to throw out: Old CDs from when we still had CD players

Things you need for your writing sessions: Scented Candles

Things that hamper your writing: Loud music

Hardest thing about being a writer: Having to take the thoughts in your head and placing them into workable prose

Easiest thing about being a writer: Thinking of various ideas to begin with

Favorite foods: Pizza, Matzo ball soup, shakshouka, falafel

Things that make you want to gag: cocktail shrimp

Favorite beverage: Raspberry seltzer

Something that gives you a sour face: raw milk

The last thing you ordered online: Books. Lots of books.

The last thing you regret buying: Books without space to put them

Things to say to an author: “Loved your book!”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “Hey, can you write the next book faster?”

Favorite places you’ve been: Boston, NYC

Places you never want to go to again: Miami

The nicest thing a reader said to you: “You’ve inspired me to do more Jewish stuff in my next book.”

The craziest thing a reader said to you: “Can you have less Jewish stuff in this?”

About Zachary:

Zach Rosenberg is a Jewish horror and SFF writer living in Florida who crafts horrifying tales by night and practices law by the day. The latter is even more  frightening. His works have been published in various magazines and anthologies, including Seize the Press, Dark Matter Magazine, and his upcoming books will be released with Brigids Gate Press, Darklit Press and OFf Limits Press.

Let’s Be Social:

Twitter: @ZachRoseWriter

Instagram: ZachRose32

#WriterWednesday Interview with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

I’d like to welcome Randi-Lee Bowslaugh to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Favorite summer treat:

Peanut butter chocolate Ice Cream!

A summer treat that makes you gag:

Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Favorite summer beverage:

Pink Lemonade

A drink that gives you a pickle face:

Beer

Your favorite thing to get from the ice cream truck:

Swirl ice cream.

Some dessert that you wish you’d never bought:

Spongebob popsicle

Best summer vacation memory:

Camping with my husband before we were married.

A summer vacation disaster that you’d rather forget:

Realizing that the couch at the cabin actually pulled out - after the last sleep!

Most favorite place to write/edit in the summer:

On my back deck.

The worst place to try to write in the summer because of all the distractions:

At the cottage with my Godmother.

Favorite thing to do on a summer evening:

Listen to the crickets by a campfire.

Least favorite thing about summer:

Are mosquitos!

The thing you like most about being a writer:

Being creative and following

The thing you like least about being a writer:

Having to market the books.

Things you will run to the store for in the middle of the night:

Ice cream.

Things you never put on your shopping list:

Pickles.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

Scuba diving, big drop like bungee jumping

Something you chickened out from doing:

Jumping down from the high ropes course - I needed to get pushed to get down.

The nicest thing a reader said to you:

My book made them cry.

The craziest thing a reader said to you:

When reading about your child I thought you were writing about mine.

About Randi-Lee:

Randi is a mental health advocate, author, and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later, she is now a mom, grandma, and thriving, creative individual.

Let’s Be Social:

www.rbwriting.ca

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#WriterWednesday Interview with Peter Thomas Pontsa

I’d like to welcome Peter Thomas Pontsa to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

A few of your favorite things: My favorite things are more like activities than actual things. Writing is high on the list, however, I love the theatre; in particular, attending the Stratford Festival in Ontario is one of my favourite things. Coupled with my passion for British Sports cars, a perfect summer day for me is a wonderful drive in my convertible to Stratford followed by a picnic lunch with my wife Angela and then a musical. Canoeing on the lake and gardening are two more of my favourite things.

Things you need to throw out: Blue jeans and tee-shirts.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Distraction free surroundings. I used to write in my old business office which is a very interesting place. The walls are adorned with car trophies, car models and memorabilia and the view out the large sliding door and windows is beautiful. I found I was looking at these things which were distracting me from my writing. Now, I have taken over our library, which is a much smaller room in our home, but it’s cozy, and there are no distractions so I can concentrate on my work. Also, having a dedicated space gets me into the mindset of writing the moment I sit at my antique rolltop desk.

Things that hamper your writing: I try to give myself time to write every day, unfortunately, sometimes life gets in the way. Like all of us, there are regular household chores to do, shopping, and other obligations that are a necessary part of life. During the summer months, when the convertible calls to me, or when outdoor chores like mowing the lawn require my attention, time management becomes paramount so that I can fit in the activities I love to do and the ones I need to do.

Things you love about writing: I love the creative process. The opportunity to create a story out of nothing, is magical and one of the most pleasant surprises when characters become as real as you or I. It's exciting when a character stands up and says notice me and plays a larger role in the book then anticipated.

Things you hate about writing: I am old school and tend to handwrite my work. Writer’s cramp is quite the reality. Later, I transcribe my work using voice to text software. I find it particularly frustrating when the dictation program will transcribe a word, I did not say at all. Some of the results can be quite humorous, and perhaps slightly off colour.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Being distracted and losing my focus. If I could soundproof my writing room, I would as I find external sounds problematic.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Withdrawing into a different world, where I can focus on my writing is a fantastic feeling for me. When in the zone, the writing becomes effortless.

Things you never want to run out of: Ideas. Fortunately, I have a rich dreamworld, thus a shortage of ideas has never been an issue for me.

Things you wish you’d never bought: I tend to make careful decisions based on tons of research, prior to making my purchases and can’t really think of anything that I wish I hadn’t purchased.

Words that describe you: Hard working focused and dedicated.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Hard working focused and dedicated – only because the focus can be to the detriment of other projects that need to be done.

Favorite foods: My family is of Greek Macedonian heritage. My mother was born in a village in northern Greece. One of the delicacies from her village is dish called zelnik. It is similar to the Greek version, which is called spanakopita, however instead of the delicate layers of phyllo pastry being filled with spinach, they are filled instead with feta, ricotta and sauteed leeks. One taste of that, and I am transported back to my mother’s kitchen.

Things that make you want to gag: Chicken innards. On one of our country drives in the convertible several years ago, my wife and I were driving down a backroad where we encountered a spillage of discarded chicken parts. There was no way to turn around, so we had to go forward. Driving through that horrific and rotting mess was an odor I'm never going to forget. I doubt the car detailing business will soon forget either! It was a first for all of us.

Favorite music or song: Poinciana by Ahmad Jamal.

Music that drives you crazy: Punk Rock.

Favorite beverage: Heineken 0.

Something that gives you a sour face: Anything sour, like lemons, and vinegar.

Favorite smell: Blooming peonies.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Rotting chicken innards.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Peter Appleyard, who sadly passed away in 2013, was an extremely talented jazz vibraphonist, percussionist and composer. He was famous in the 1970s for his performances with Benny Goodman. In 1992 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to jazz and was well known in the global jazz community.

In 2012, on one of our tours in my 1970 xke Jaguar, which I have since sold, we stopped at a restaurant called Heaven on 7 Bistro & Pub in Rockwood, Ontario. As we were enjoying our lunch, Angela and I noticed an older gentleman stopping at each table making enquiries about something or other. When he reached our table, he said, “Is that your e-type out there?” When I replied it was, he said, “Hi, I’m Peter Appleyard. Mind if I join you?” We spent a wonderful afternoon chatting with this engaging and charismatic individual.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Peter Appleyard looked older and more distinguished than any of the pictures or videos I had seen, which is why I didn’t recognize him right away when he introduced himself.

About Peter:

During the years he operated his dental supply business, Peter Pontsa shared his knowledge writing dental articles which appeared in many dental journals. He was president of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, where he helped develop the quality assurance program and was an associate publisher for a denturist magazine.

He is an avid British sports car enthusiast and while president of the Headwaters British Car Club, wrote numerous stories about cars in the club’s newsletter, “British Driven.” Peter spent two seasons racing with Jagged Edgers Motorsports and is a student of Taekwondo and holds a second degree blackbelt.

He belongs to the Wordsmiths and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada. Peter Pontsa lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, Angela, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee, where he combines his passions—British cars and writing.

Let’s Be Social:

https://peterthomaspontsa.com/

https://www.facebook.com/peterthomaspontsa/

https://www.facebook.com/InspectorWilliamFoxAdventureSeries

https://www.instagram.com/peterthomaspontsa/

https://twitter.com/PeterTPontsa

https://www.pinterest.ca/PeterThomasPontsa/

#WriterWednesday Interview with Michael Clark

I’d like to welcome Michael Clark to the blog today for #WriterWednesday!

Something crazy you did on vacation: In the early 1980s I jumped off a cruise ship (while in port)!

Something you’d never do again on vacation:

Jump off a cruise ship! The Captain (and my parents) were not happy.

Best summer memory: Going to Disney when my kids were little.

Something you’d rather forget: High school football practices in August.

Best thing you ever grilled in spring: Grilled salmon is THE BEST.

Your worst kitchen or grilling disaster: Using wood chips over charcoal to grill vegetables makes them bitter!

Best summer vacation memory: Santorini, Greece

A summer vacation disaster that you’d rather forget: Acapulco, Mexico (I got sick).

Most favorite place to write/edit in the summer: at my mother-in-law’s house in Brazil.

The worst place to try to write in the summer because of all the distractions: At home in the US! Too many daily duties to get in a good word count.

Favorite thing to do on a summer evening: Sit outside with a beverage and relax with my honey.

Least favorite thing about summer: The bugs!

The thing you like most about being a writer: Creating something out of nothing.

The thing you like least about being a writer: The business end of it.

Things you will run to the store for in the middle of the night: Popcorn.

Things you never put on your shopping list: Cookies. Because I would eat them all.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Joined a college wrestling team with no prior experience.

Something you chickened out from doing: Skydiving.

The best summer job you ever had: Working at a fried seafood restaurant as a cook.

The worst summer job you ever had: Washing cars for a dealership.

About Michael:

Michael Clark was raised in New Hampshire and lived in the house The Patience of a Dead Man is based on. The bats circled the barn rafters all day long, and there was a grove hidden in the forest. He now lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Josi, and his dog Bubba.

The Patience of a Dead Man, Dead Woman Scorned & Anger is an Acid are his first three novels.

 Let’s Be Social:

https://sleek.bio/michaelclarkbooks

#WriterWednesday Interview with Betsy Ashton

I’d like to welcome the fabulous Betsy Ashton to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Things you need for your writing sessions: A messy desk with multiple dictionaries, CMoS, a cup of coffee, and good lighting.

Things that hamper your writing: Total silence.

Things you love about writing: Editing. My first drafts are always dreadful, so I don’t really start to craft a story until I’m deep in edit mode.

Things you hate about writing: Not having enough time to work on all the ideas I have for novels and novellas.

Words that describe you: Stubborn, fair minded, stubborn, compassionate, serene. Did I say stubborn?

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Stubborn, pigheaded, strong-willed. Did I say stubborn?

Favorite music or song: Anything by the Moody Blues, especially Nights in White Satin

Music that drives you crazy: Any ‘Sixties protest music on Musak.

Things you’d walk a mile for: To spend one more day with my mother.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: Opinionated people who tell me I’m stupid because I don’t agree with them.

Things you always put in your books: One strong woman, Easter Eggs, dead bodies.

Things you never put in your books: Real people by name or otherwise. Every character is a composite of many people I know, make up, or pass on the street.

Things to say to an author: I love your books, particularly the way you handled the tension at the midpoint.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I don’t read the kind of books you write. By the way, what DO you write?

Favorite places you’ve been: A bathroom line in a disco in Tokyo. My husband walked by me and asked, “When you get done in there, do you wanna dance?” Greatest. Pick up. Line. Ever.

Places you never want to go to again: Ft. Myers Beach, because hurricane Ian destroyed our haven last year. Flattened and washed it away.

Favorite books (or genre): Suspense or thrillers, historical or contemporary

Books you wouldn’t buy: Anything poorly written or not edited.

People you’d like to invite to dinner (living): Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey, because I don’t think I’d stop laughing until the meal was cold…

People you’d cancel dinner on: Two of my “friends” who try to force their religious and political opinions on me. See “Words that describe you” above.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I’ve read all of your books. Have you ever thought about doing a sequel to Eyes Without A Face.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I’ve always wanted to be in a book. How can I be in one of yours? (Me: Kill someone, maybe???”)

About Betsy:

Born in Washington, DC, Betsy Ashton claims she was raised in Southern California where she ran wild with coyotes in the hills above Malibu, even though her mother challenged her memory. She writes in multiple genres: mysteries, including the Mad Max Mystery series, Unintended Consequences, Uncharted Territory, and Unsafe Haven (all republished in 2021): serial killer psychological suspense, Eyes Without a Face, published in 2017: and literary or women’s fiction, Out of the Desert, August 2019, the closest thing to a memoir she’ll write. Her latest, a suspense novel, Betrayal, published in 2021 has won two prizes, Firebird Book Award Winner, 2023, for suspense, and Silver Distinguished Favorite Certificate in the suspense category from Independent Press Award 2023. Her short stories and poetry have appeared in several anthologies including Murder By the Glass, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Candles of Hope, and Reflections on Smith Mountain Lake. She is the past president of the commonwealth-wide Virginia Writers Club and remains active in the literary communities in Roanoke and at Smith Mountain Lake. Her closest friends know her as Buckshot Betsy. Reach her at www.betsy-ashton.com if you want the full story.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://www.betsy-ashton.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/betsy.ashton, 

Twitter: @BetsyAshton

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/betsy_ashton2005

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/betsy-ashton

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/betsy_ashton

#WriterWednesday Interview with Marlie Parker Wasserman

I’d like to welcome Marlie Parker Wasserman to the blog for #WriterWednesday! Things you need for your writing sessions: I need two things—coffee, of course, strong and black, and also scrap paper and a pencil. I need paper and pencil to write down random thoughts and also synonyms for terms I overuse or for terms that don’t seem right for the time period of my novels. For instance, if I realize I describe all my characters as rushing from one place to another, I’ll jot down other words to use—hurrying, dashing, scurrying. These lists serve as reminders to stretch my conventional vocabulary. Each word has a slightly different feel. This morning I might hurry to make my bed, dash to collect the mail, and scurry to organize my groceries on the supermarket’s moving belt.

Things that hamper your writing: When I sit down in the morning, if I have a messy desk, I might as well not even open my laptop. I spend the first five minutes throwing away shopping lists and filing receipts, until I see only my desk, my scratch pad, and my coffee cup. Then I have no more excuses!

Things you love about writing: Writing for me is all about freedom, both creatively and logistically. No one is telling me what to write, or standing over my shoulder and guessing every decision I make. I can experiment, decide I don’t like my first effort, and try again. I can change genres. I can change point of view. I can change settings. Wow. Logistically, I can write wherever I want—the desk or the beach—and I need nothing but a computer or even just paper and pen. Writing is a portable, inexpensive activity.

Things you hate about writing: Writing is a lonely activity. The flip side to the freedom I raved about above is that at the end of a writing session, most of us have no one handy, by our side, to comment on our efforts. If we are headed down the wrong path, we are likely to keep going instead of making a u-turn.

Things you never want to run out of: I live in fear of running out of coffee. I need that elixir to write and to keep headaches at bay. I always have backup bags in the cupboard. Coffee aficionados know that’s not a great idea, because when bags sit around too long, the coffee grows stale. But I can’t stop myself. Fear of caffeine withdrawal prevails over good sense.

Things you wish you’d never bought: I own five different winter coats, none of which I wear. Having lived in both Chicago and New Jersey, I collected these coats, one for dress, one for shoveling snow, one for shopping, and so on. When I moved to North Carolina, I should have left the coats behind or given them to people who could use them. Instead, they take up precious closet space. The outwear of choice here in North Carolina is a sweatshirt.

Words that describe you: Organized. Too often people use that word in a binary way—if you are organized you are not creative. I am pushing against that stereotype. For me, if I am organized I have time to do more than unorganized folks, or so I like to think.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Sob. I hunch over these days, after hours at the computer. I need to stand up straight, imagining books balanced on top of my head. Want to recommend any exercises?

Something you’re really good at: The wonderful folks who read my books know I enjoy research. I love digging into historic newspapers, genealogical records, novels of the period. I need to force myself to stop and to remember that I’m likely to incorporate a tiny portion of what I find.

Something you’re really bad at: I’ve turned into a terrible typist, which is a big problem for a novelist. I make one error after another and don’t always catch them. The “read aloud” function in Word saves me. I can hear if I’ve typed a word twice or omitted a word, even when I can’t see it through proofreading.

Something you wish you could do: I wish I could play the guitar. After three years of guitar lessons, and heaps of money for those lessons, I can’t even play Old McDonald. I finally gave up in disgrace. I blamed small hands, but we all know that’s a lie.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: I wish I’d never learned to bake chocolate cake and chocolate cookies. I eat whatever I make, with scary results. You see, I’m an excellent baker!

Things you’d walk a mile for: I will walk a mile or many miles for ice cream, preferably chocolate or coffee or mocha. My husband and I sample ice cream and gelato in every country we visit. We evaluate the offerings and broadcast our advice to every tourist we encounter.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: I am afraid of all animals except humans. I will never have a cat, a dog, a parakeet, or a frog in my home. It’s tough for me to visit pet owners. Also, if I find myself in a circle of mystery writers who incorporate pets into their stories, I keep quiet.

Things you always put in your books: I want my characters to be good and bad at the same time. Aren’t we all? No pure villains, please. And certainly, no pure heroes.

Things you never put in your books: You will find not a single pet in any of my books. Since I am afraid of all dogs and cats, my brain never incorporates them into my stories.

Favorite places you’ve been: Ahhh, where do I begin? I am a born tourist and I love almost every place I’ve seen on a trip. Italy sits at the top of my list, but Bryce Canyon and the Lake District of England sit just behind. I could keep this list going but I’ll control myself.

Places you never want to go to again: Although I love travel, I don’t love the airports where I’ve waited endlessly for delayed flights. I try to avoid the airports in Miami, Houston, and Auckland (New Zealand). No fond memories of any of those places.

Favorite books (or genre): No surprise—historical crime fiction remains my great love. Whether reading in this genre or writing in it, I learn details of the past, while trying to make those details come alive through the stories of real and imagined characters. I add some crime for the conflict that drives our daily lives and resolutions, and aim toward the perfect mixture.

Books you wouldn’t buy: I’ll be brave and face the fact that I may make enemies here. I don’t like fantasy or sci fi. For me, life is strange enough without inventing what we have never seen. It’s true that when I’ve been forced to read sci fi for a book club or an assignment, I sort of get it, but I’ll never go to that category on my own initiative.

Most embarrassing moment: Have we all replied to someone through email, thinking that we’ve pressed the simple reply button instead of reply all? I once sent a confidential critique of a job candidate to the person responsible for hiring, not realizing that my evaluation went to ten people.

Proudest moment: When I left my job as a publisher, several young people in the publishing house wrote unsolicited notes, thanking me for my support and encouragement. I can’t imagine nicer going-away gifts.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I love readers who tell me they knew nothing about my topic before picking up my book, and I gave them a greater appreciation of xyz. I widened their horizon. That’s one of my goals, as well as entertaining.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: A reader once counted all the characters in the first draft of one of my novels and reported I had 107 individuals. I had avoided counting myself! Yes, I do sometimes overdo the number of characters, but after hearing that number I now take care to trim the list at least a bit, to reintroduce characters as necessary, and to hint when a character is of only passing interest.

About Marlie

Marlie Parker Wasserman writes historical crime fiction, after a career on the other side of the desk in publishing. In addition to Path of Peril, she is the author of The Murderess Must Die (2021) and the forthcoming Inferno on Fifth (2024). Marlie lives with her husband in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Triangle Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

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