Love Cozy Mysteries? Check out these books by MaryAnn Kempher:
I had the pleasure of interviewing the very talented MaryAnn Kempher here is my interview with her!
What inspired you to write your first book? It’s a little strange. I was watching the news about something shady a major retailer had been caught doing. Without a lot of thought, I turned to my husband and said, “I think I’ll write a book.” Just like that. It wasn’t something that I’d been thinking about doing. The decision was very sudden. My first book, Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder, took the longest to write and was inspired by what I’d seen on the news. However, by the time the book was complete, it was very different from the original concept.
Do you have a specific writing style or one you prefer? I’m a combination pantser, someone who just sits and lets the words flow, and plotter, someone who does an extensive outline before starting the book. I don’t actually do an extensive outline, mostly I write down possible scenes and go from there.
How do you come up with the titles for your books? I put a lot of thought into my titles. I like them to tie in to the books concept. For instance, in my second book, Forever Doomed—the name of the cruise ship where the murders take place is Forever. I hope that once you read the books, why the title was chosen seems obvious.
Are the experiences in your writing based on someone you know, or real life events? The murders, no, but there are two characters (Nene and Gaga Albright) who are loosely based on my mother and aunt.
What books have most influenced your life? Those written by Agatha Christie and Jane Austen. I love the witty dialogue Jane Austen was always able to create—I try to do that as well, and Agatha Christie inspired my love of mystery.
Do you see writing as a career or a hobby? I consider myself a writer, so it’s definitely more than a hobby.
If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you would change in your latest book? Yes, but I’m not saying what.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I’ve always enjoyed writing, or at least I didn’t hate the writing assignments in High School or College. I didn’t begin creative writing until very recently. It has grown on me.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I need to work on my self-discipline. I write from home, so it’s very tempting to walk away from the computer—to the television and/or refrigerator.
Who designs your book covers? Shari Ryan
Who is your favorite character from your writing? Why? Jack Harney. He’s sexy, smart, charming, and a huge flirt—when the opportunity presents itself, but he’s always a gentleman.
Do you have any advice for other writers? If you want to write a book, do your research. It won’t kill you. Go to the library, or the bookstore and get books about the style you want to write: Mystery, Romance etc…. Then buy books about the writing process. For instance, I still refer to a book called, Beginnings, Middles and Endings.
May I ask a few personal questions just for fun?
What is the last book you read? Janet Evanovich’s latest Stephanie Plum novel.
Where is your favorite place to vacation? New York City.
When you aren’t reading or writing, what do you enjoy doing? I enjoy spending time with my family. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, but we usually go out to lunch and then walk around the mall, or go to Universal Studios.
Are you working on a new novel? Yes. I’m working on my next Jack Harney/Curt Noble mystery. I don’t have a release date yet.
How can we follow you online? I’m most active on Facebook, but I also have a website and am on Pinterest and Twitter.
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/maryannkempher/boards/
