How long have you been writing?
Since I’m holding at twenty-nine, I can’t give you an exact number of years. Let’s just say, it’s been awhile. I started writing as a hobby, something to occupy my mind while raising three rambunctious kids. I managed to publish a few items, which gave me the courage to tackle a novel. A Talent for Murder is my third novel. The other two are gathering dust in my file cabinet.
What inspires you to write?
I think stories are in my DNA. Growing up, I often wrote little skits for my girlfriends to perform. We needed an audience, so we bribed the neighborhood boys to attend with promises of food.
How long did it take you to write A TALENT FOR MURDER?
I only work two or three hours a day, and I did extensive rewrites, so it took me about four years to complete.
What was your favorite scene to write?
The scene where Kate sneaks up on Happy and Lula Mae while they’re breaking into a house. They’re so frightened, they begin squealing like a couple of pigs, then try to attack her.
The subtitle, A Flower Patch Mystery, suggests this is a series. Is that the plan? If so, when do you expect the next one to come out? How do you anticipate your characters growing and changing as the series progresses?
I’m already working on a second book. Whether it’s picked up by my publisher - I guess that depends on how well A Talent for Murder does.
I’m sure Kate will eventually marry and set up housekeeping with her new husband. As they grow older, they’ll face new challenges. One thing you can be sure of: Happy, Lula Mae, and Kate will find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation.
How similar are you to Kate Spencer?
Physically, we’re nothing alike. She’s tall - five eight. I’m short - five two. She has curly brown hair; mine is brown and ruler-straight. But like her, I understand what it’s like to deal with a strong-willed mother. But I’m pretty sure my love of chocolate far exceeds hers.
What are your favorite things to do besides writing?
I love to watch movies and work in my garden. But my favorite pastime is reading. Mostly, mysteries and thrillers.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I love so many authors it’s hard to narrow it down to one. I suppose my favorite would be Carolyn Hart. I’m a big fan of all three of her series: Annie Darling, Henri O, and Bailey Ruth. Her main characters are strong women, who don’t wait around for someone else to solve their problems. She does a great job of bringing her settings to life. And there are enough plot twists to keep me guessing.
Anything else, my readers might want to know about you or your new series?
I got the idea for A Talent for Murder from my daughter, who stormed into the living room one afternoon and declared she was never going anywhere with her grandmother again. That she and her sister were just too embarrassing! (I believe that was the time one of them sprayed her dress with an anti-static spray in the middle of the store.) Which got me to thinking . . . what if a thirty-some-year-old woman got caught up in a murder investigation, only her mother and aunt kept bumbling around in her way, and her ex-cop-boyfriend got assigned to the investigation . . . .
Thank you so much for sharing with my readers. I, for one, hope it doesn't take another 4 years before the second book in the series comes out!
Synopsis of A TALENT FOR MURDER
A Talent for Murder is a cozy, southern mystery filled with humor and colorful characters, with a touch of romance thrown in for added fun.
When Kate Spencer learns her aunt’s fiancé is two-timing her with an old rival, she has no choice but to pass along the information to her mother. They are as shocked as the rest of the town when the rival turns up dead and the two-timing fiancé disappears.
Making matters worse, the lead investigator happens to be Kate’s old boyfriend. If her aunt has any hope of being cleared, the trio must conduct their own investigation. Even if they have to alienate a few friends and tell a few lies to discover the truth.
About the Author
Teresa A. LaRue grew up in a small town along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She fell in love with the mystery genre in fourth grade. She’s worked as a secretary, assistant manager of an audio book store, and manager of a fashion jewelry store. She is an avid reader, gardener, and movie buff. She lives across the lake from New Orleans with her family, which includes a dog named Bones and a cat named Chloe.
Author Links
Webpage – http://tlarueauthor.wordpress.com
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29539778-teresa-larue
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29539778-teresa-larue
Synopsis of A TALENT FOR MURDER
A Talent for Murder is a cozy, southern mystery filled with humor and colorful characters, with a touch of romance thrown in for added fun.
When Kate Spencer learns her aunt’s fiancé is two-timing her with an old rival, she has no choice but to pass along the information to her mother. They are as shocked as the rest of the town when the rival turns up dead and the two-timing fiancé disappears.
Making matters worse, the lead investigator happens to be Kate’s old boyfriend. If her aunt has any hope of being cleared, the trio must conduct their own investigation. Even if they have to alienate a few friends and tell a few lies to discover the truth.
The interview was great! I enjoy learning more about authors, and I liked how the idea for A Talent for Murder started (that was funny).
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, new author to me.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by - Glad you enjoyed the interview.
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