Book 6 of the Elodie Fontaine Mystery series finds the high school sleuth trying to solve her first murder. Trouble is, the murder happened 20 years ago and a strong hurricane has just devastated the ancient crime scene at Maudry Manor–an artists retreat owned by a beloved author of children’s stories. To top it off, her new friend Bell is being blackmailed by someone who has embarrassing selfies. Both the murderer and the blackmailer will try their hardest to make sure Elodie fails.
Where were you when you heard you had won the Lesfic Bard Award?
At home. Co-author Iza Moreau let me know.
What was your reaction?
Overwhelmed.
Where were you born?
Connecticut
Where did you grow up?
Southern California beaches
Why do you write?
Because I enjoy reading.
What do you think makes good writing?
Keeping the reader’s interest.
How do you choose the names for your characters?
Sometimes they tell me their name right away; other times it’s just make it up and try not to have too many people with similar names (that’s usually solved during editing).
When you are writing each novel. Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
While aspects of people I know or myself may creep in in small ways, most events in my novels are made up out of whole cloth and relate only to the characters involved.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not really.
What is the hardest part of writing a book?
Usually finishing it. Either because I’ve gotten lazy or the story went off on an unforeseen tangent that needs to be dealt with.
What is the easiest part of writing a book?
The opening. Then seeing where the characters take me.
Do you think a book can have too much detail it? Do you think it can detract from the story?
Yes. I think sometimes authors underestimate readers and spoon-feed them too much.
What are you working on now?
Two fantasies. One is a novel-length sequel to my short story “Eyes Of Gaal”; the other is about three elders who were lauded as heroes in their youth.
How do you keep your different characters separate in your mind?
Characters tend to be pretty distinct with voices of their own. They’re pretty good at telling me who they are.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
Mainly computer.
Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?
I’ve written one other novel with co-author Iza Moreau, Billy’s Legacy.
Where do your ideas come from?
Somewhere in the Ether.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I’m totally a seat-of-the-pants writer following along wherever the characters lead me.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Artist.
What genres do you normally write in?
Detective, fantasy, and soft science fiction.
What genres do you typically read?
Detective, fantasy, and soft science fiction.
Is there a genre you haven’t written in that one day you’d like to tackle?
Children’s books.
Are there any authors who have influenced your work?
Probably everyone I’ve ever read to some extent, but I credit J.A. Jance, John D. MacDonald, and Lawrence Block as major influences.
What was the first book you ever published?
“Life’s A Bitch. So Am I.” (2008) about lesbian P.I. Rachel Cord. Didn’t know she was lesbian until she told me.
What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done when it came to a storyline in your book?
Keeping the details of Rachel’s rape in “Life’s A Bitch” in the story. But she insisted. It was her memoir primarily, warts and all.
What are your favorite character traits that you cannot resist?
Attitude. Strength of character. Morality.
What part of the female physique captures your attention?
Smiles and how they light up a face. Who could possibly not be moved that first time Celie smiles in the juke joint in the film “The Color Purple”?
As an author and essentially the “creator” of your character, do you find yourself attached to her/him in a personal way?
Most definitely. I’m always surprised, and gratified, when a character becomes “real” and starts telling me what is happening instead of my making it up.
For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
There’s something special about the feel—and smell—of paperbacks and hardbacks. But there is a wealth of books only available in eBook formats. So now I do both with a nearly equal preference.
What is your favorite quote?
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde
What is your favorite movie and why?
CASABLANCA and knowing just how many of the cast were actual refugees from Nazism. The scene of “La Marseillaise” is awesome.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Follow your passion, not the herd.
Lesfic Bard Awards News 