Q and A With Author Maria Pease

As a writer of mysteries, I get asked many questions about my writing process so I decided to list some of the questions and answers I am asked most frequently. Writing mysteries can be complicated. Just keeping track of characters, how they relate to each other and their roles can be a challenge, but when there are missing and murdered characters involved, it brings it all to another level.

It’s hard to write a book and even a bigger challenge to write mysteries, but it’s also an amazing feeling when you write a good one! I’m willing to share all my techniques on writing mysteries and you’ll find that some may help you but some may not. We all find our own way eventually. If you’d like to ask a question I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s my author Q & A’s.

It’s Q and A time!

Q: How do you develop your characters?

A: When I am deciding on a character, I think about their role in the story and then sometimes take bits and pieces of people I know, have met, or have watched, and then add layers to them. Other times I invent the characters I need to create the story. I’m a people watcher and so that helps too.

 

Q: When is the next Sam Parker Mystery coming out?

A: I will post it here when it’s ready. I’m writing the 3rd Sam Parker novel now. Update: Malicious Desires it out and book 4 is in progress!

 

Q: How long does it take to write a book?

A: It usually takes me about a year. I tend to do a lot of research for each of my storylines and that, along with the writing and editing can take some time. I’m looking forward to a time when I can write my detective mysteries full-time, but for now, I’m just so excited to be writing!

 

Q: Would you ever consider making Malicious Intent, Malicious Secrets, and Malicious Desires into movies? 

A: I would definitely consider it. Honestly, it would depend on a lot of the details. I admit I’d love for more people to get to meet Sam, Frank, and the gang. They are serious about their work but also a lot of fun to hang out with! I think so anyway!

 

Q: Did you have any role models who encouraged you to write?

A: Not really. I was painfully shy so although I wrote all the time, I didn’t share. When Malicious Intent was a little more than halfway through, I mustered up the courage to let my mom read it. She loved it and said she didn’t know I could do that. She encouraged me to keep writing and was pretty excited about it. That was very motivating for me.

 

Q: I love Frank and Sam’s relationship. Are they going to take it to the next level?

A: I wouldn’t want to ruin it for you! You will just have to read the books and find out. They do have a lot of fun and honestly, they are both evolving as characters. Their love lives are a mess and neither one of them is very good at relationships. And that is fun to write!

 

Q: Will you be doing any book signings when the next Malicious mystery comes out?

A: I’m not sure. We are exploring our options right now. I am available for speaking engagements and to do workshops. To get additional information just send me an email or give me a call.

 

Q: Why do you use Temecula, California for your setting?

A: I had lived in Temecula since 1994 and one of the things I loved about using Temecula as my primary setting for my Samantha Parker Mysteries is I enjoyed scouting real locations and using them in my books. That way you, as a reader, can feel like you can walk in Sam’s shoes. If you have a business in Temecula, you may find it in one or more of my books!

 

Q: You don’t give a lot of information about Sam’s background. Will you tell us more about her?

A: Yes. There will be more information about Sam Parker given as the series develops. Learning more along the way is part of developing a well-rounded character. Grow with her as each book continues.

 

Q: How many more Sam Parker mysteries are you planning to write?

A: At least five, but I love writing this series so there may be more. Now that I’m on book #4, I can tell you, I’m not planning to stop the series anytime soon. I love Sam and the rest of the characters and I need them!

Ask away!

I thought it would be fun to have you submit your questions to me so if there is something you want to know, please ask.

I will answer all questions, so please just ask!

See you soon!

Maria