Welcome to The Diamond Mine, Mary. While some advise authors to brand themselves and stick with one genre, you've been willing to make changes. I admire that quality. After all, without your flexibility, your latest release wouldn't be out there for us to read.
First of all, what a great cover! And this is part of a mystery series . . . YAY for you!
How
has your writing changed over your career? For example, how did creating Magnolia Moonlight compare with some of
your first books?
Although I was first published in romantic
suspense, I’m best known for my Amish romances, set mainly close to where I
live in Ohio. I loved studying and interviewing these humble Christians, but
after twelve books it was time to move on. I then wrote three historical
romances set during the Civil War. These required a tremendous amount of
research, both through non-fiction books and at Civil War battlefields. Now I’m
happily ensconced writing mysteries about a PI agency in New Orleans. I loved
making a second genre change—it keeps my writing fresh and me happy.
What
lessons would you classify as most important in your journey?
I believe an author must be flexible and willing
to make changes to remain viable in this crazy publishing business. When I
began writing, e-books had just come on the scene and had few takers. In those
days, readers were forced to read on their computers. Now with e-readers,
tablets, and cell phone, readers can choose how and when they enjoy their
favorite stories. Although I personally prefer print books, an author must
consider various tastes and make books available in every format for internet
shopping, chain bookstores, and independent booksellers. I truly hope we never lose brick-and-and
mortar bookstores. Going inside one for me is like being a kid in a candy
store!
What
about Magnolia Moonlight stands out
as you consider all the novels you've written? Magnolia Moonlight is third in the Secrets of the South Mysteries. (Although you do
not have to read them in order) The first two books were Midnight on the Mississippi
and What
Happened on Beale Street. I absolutely love spinning these whodunit
tales in the South, where we plan to move after my husband retires. The
storylines are faster-paced than my historical romances or my Amish family
dramas, and I usually have a main mystery with a subplot mystery happening
alongside it.
Here is something about
the story: What sinister
secrets lurk in the shadows of yesterday?
Natchez, Mississippi—Private
Investigator Nate Price and his new wife, Isabelle, need a vacation. Their
coworkers generously team up to surprise them with a belated honeymoon…but the
happy trip turns sour when Izzy spies her ex-husband, who appears to have taken
up his gambling addiction once again. While the boss is away, Price
Investigations remains in the hands of Beth Kirby, a former police officer, and
Michael Preston, a former forensic accountant. Hardly a dream team, as Beth
resents working with a man who has no experience in his new job.
But Beth and Michael must move past their
differences if they hope to uncover the truth behind a beloved Southern
preacher’s demise. The preacher’s widow suspects foul play, despite the
evidence indicating suicide. With
tension escalating between these investigators and local law enforcement—and
new threats arising on all sides—how will Beth, Michael, and Nate hold on to
faith and bring the truth to light?
Has
what you hope for your readers changed over the years? I don’t think so. What I have always hoped for
my readers is that they are entertained, refreshed, and uplifted by my books.
Although Christian fiction usually offers a hopeful message to Believers, a
fiction writer’s primary object is to entertain with good clean books that
glorify God. Fiction should bring a smile to the face of readers. If I’ve done
that, then I have succeeded.
Purchase link for Magnolia Moonlight -
Please leave Mary a comment for a chance to
win a signed copy of Magnolia Moonlight. US residents
only.
Thanks so much for joining us here, Mary. Your writing history inspires me, and I would guess you've brought smiles to the faces of many readers, and a bigger one to the fortunate winner of Magnolia Moonlight.
