For the last many years, I’ve been a member of one of the best critique groups out there. It started as a mystery writing group—with two other wonderful authors: Terri Thayer and Beth Proudfoot. When I decided I was writing a kids’ mystery, nobody kicked me out. Even though I’m now working on a YA historical, too, they’re both being supportive and expanding the definition of the group, once again.

A couple of years ago, Terri wowed us all. She finished her first mystery, got an agent (Jessica Faust of BookEnds, LLC), and ended up signing contracts for not one series, but two. Recently, when I thought about spreading some of my blog luck around, I decided my first contest would be for a free, signed copy of Terri’s first book, Wild Goose Chase. To enter the contest, comment on this post or at Terri’s post on the Killer Hobbies blog, Saturday April 26^th. Oh, what the heck, comment at both, and we’ll enter you twice! Enter by Sunday night of the 27th. We'll pull the winner at our next Monday's critique group.

In case you needed further temptation, I interviewed Terri about her writing path, her book, and her life as a PUBLISHED AUTHOR!

INTERVIEW

BL: Just to dive right in, why a quilting mystery?

TT: A quilting mystery combines two of my passions in life. Sewing and reading. More specifically, quilting and reading mystery. The quilting world has grown up in the last twenty years since I started and like all worlds, it has its rules and regulations, its jokers and paupers, pawns and kings. Divas abound. Drama abounds. It is run mostly by women, and so has inherent conflict.

I believe women are dangerously unheard in our noisy male world full of wars, guns, and cars. Quilts are the way we speak to the ones we love. Crafts is more than what we do, it’s who we are. Many of us honor the idea that something we made is more valuable than a store-bought item.

BL: You're also working on a second series, with a rubber-stamping detective. Do you find any similarities between writing about quilts and writing about rubber stamps?

TT: As for the stamping series, it’s more of the same. Becky, you’re the one that told me I was writing women-circle stories, and I think that’s true. I was the kid with four brothers who didn’t like to play with dolls. My mom was a tomboy. I married and had a boy child. Surrounded by men, I thought women were a little crazy. I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t truly understand my girlfriends until I took up quilting. And then I found out what it was like to have a community of women in your corner. Fabulous!

BL: Craft mysteries seem to be getting more and more popular the last few years. And readers buy mysteries about crafts they don’t do, as well as the ones they do. What I mean is, knitters buy quilting mysteries, and quilters buy embroidery mysteries, and so on and so on. What do you think the draw is to these kind of books?

TT: Readers like to read about new worlds. I’m always excited to learn about a new place or time period. The same goes for crafts. Beyond that, the passion is the same whether it be knitting, quilting, or rubber-stamping. The thrill of finding a new yarn, fabric or ink is the same. The hoarding of our resources, the losing yourself for hours at end, the joy of handing over a scarf, a quilt, a card to the recipient is the same.

BL: How did you get started writing mysteries?

TT: Mysteries are what I love to read, so it was a no-brainer that I would write a mystery. Plus, there’s a structure that helps me. I’m not sure now that I could construct a book without a murder in it. Murder makes everything else pale in comparison. The idea that you could make things right in the world is too hard to resist.

BL: What is your favorite part of the writing process? Your least favorite?

TT: My least favorite part is the middle of the first draft. I feel dumb, out of ideas, dragged down by the events that happen around, before and after the murder. I think that’s why Buster was born—to help me wile away the hours before Dewey solves the crime. This is when I run to my critique group, crying about what a bad writer I am. They (you) soothe my ruffled feathers and give me plenty of ideas to steal and call my own.

I'm surprised how much I like revision. Someone famous said: "I don't like writing, I like having written." That's me. I'm always trying to write just so I can rewrite it.

BL: Your first book has been on the shelves for almost four months now. How does it feel to have a real, published copy of your book that you can pick up and hold?

TT: It’s very cool to have a book published. A tangible manifestation of a lifelong ambition is nothing to sneeze at. Sometimes, I admit, in the hubbub of promotion and writing deadlines, I forget to stop and smell the new book scent. Thanks for the reminder.

BL: What’s been the biggest surprise about being published?

TT: The first time I got a book in my hand came as a complete surprise. The publisher had notified me that they were sending me galley copies of WGC. I was expecting bound 8x11 pages. When I opened the box, there were books in there! With my beautiful glossy cover, complete with a bloody rotary cutter with my name on it. That was a thrill.

What’s really great about being published, is having people come up to me and tell me how much they like my characters. Or hate my characters, in the case of Kym. The best thing (so far) happened at a reading in a quilt shop. I finished my reading and a woman said, "That’s the part that made me cry." I made someone cry! That’s an amazing feeling.

BL: You and I have talked about whether your book is "okay" for kids. You’ve got a wonderful love interest, and this isn’t our grandmother’s "cozy," but I think some older teens, especially crafty ones, would enjoy it. What do you think?

TT: I’m hesitant to recommend my book to teens. My scenes are not overly graphic, but they are steamy. I’d rather the parent read the book and decide for their child.

BL: Who are some of your favorite mystery authors?

TT: I enjoy Laura Lippman, SJ Rozan. You turned me onto Dana Stabenow for which I’m eternally grateful. I started reading Sue Grafton at A is for Alibi and have enjoyed her for years.

BL: What are you working on right now, and what other books can your readers look forward to in the coming months?

TT: Right now, I’m working on Ocean Waves, the third in the Quilting Mystery series. It is set at Asilomar, one of my most favorite places in the world, and features a rogue wave, a mountain lion and Buster playing forest ranger. That’s all I can say.

Old Maid’s Puzzle, the second in the Quilting Mystery series, is coming out in September. In this story, we see if Dewey warms up to quilting and whether or not she and Kym can co-exist in a small space.

Stamped Out, which is the first in the Stamping Sisters mystery series, is being released in September as well. This story takes place in a small town in NE Pennsylvania, and involves a group of rubber stampers and a skull that turns up a job site, bringing up old secrets and lies.
 
You can all see how busy Terri is these days. Luckily for us, it means plenty of books to come!