Author Interview
- At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?
All books by Enyd Blyton and the Bill Bergson, Master Detective series by Astrid Lindgreen inspired me to invent stories and write them down at a very young age. Later I wrote manuscripts that were lingering in a drawer. Some years ago, I decided to edit one of the manuscripts, and once it was done, I found it should be sent to various publishers. That’s what I did, and a publishing company liked it. DEATH BY TRUFFLES was published in 2017.
- What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
Since I always carry a notebook with me, I quickly jot down any new ideas until I find the time to reflect on them. I always finish my current projects.
- Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding or your attention and detail as a writer?
Thank God I never had to pick a favourite child since I only have one daughter. I believe that all the main protagonists need special attention.
- Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?
Writing is like painting. Nothing happens on command. I do not outline, plot, or plan. Sometimes whole chapters flow in no time, as if they write themselves and sometimes, I get up after half a page and let it be.
- What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
I’ve read so many good books throughout my life that it’s hard to choose a favourite. I like to alternate between “heavy” and “light” when it comes to books. I think Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen are great. I also like Umberto Eco and Agatha Christie for crime novels and Nicholas Sparks for romance.
- Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [mystery].
The best thing about creative work is that, apart from publishing deadlines, you do not have any fixed times. Somehow, as an author, you are always working. You see and hear the most exciting stories if you go through the world with open eyes and ears. Stories that you can eventually work into a book.
- What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [mystery]?
The most difficult part about writing is the constant “fear” of not meeting your own standards and possibly disappointing the reader.
- Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?
Sure. I am a linguist, so anything with language is my profession.
- Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
I grew up in Salzburg, Austria. Natives of Salzburg have a reputation for being reserved, cold, aloof, and sometimes arrogant. Malicious tongues even claim that this could be due to the weather since it rains quite often. Well, sometimes even I think there might be something to it. My protagonists are the exact opposite of the described “Salzburg native”. They are warm-hearted, help each other, and above all, they have a sense of humour. Although they have rough edges, of course, they are consistently sympathetic and empathetic people with whom you would like to be friends.
- Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
Suspense-packed cozy mystery with minor romantic entanglements.
- Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
Reading relaxes and reduces stress. My books are suspense-packed and take the reader to the great city of Salzburg. Like this, they can escape everyday life for a couple of hours.
- Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
My favourite time to write is at night when everything is quiet and everyone is fast asleep. I’m both a morning person and a night person, but I’m most creative at night. I am not sure if that’s odd.
- What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?
An author can never please everyone, and that is not our goal. Constructive criticism is always welcome because we can work on getting better. So far, I have had no harsh comments on my work.
The best compliment was from an elderly lady living in a retirement home. She wrote me a beautiful letter and wanted me to send her an autograph.
- Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?
The best advice I can give is NEVER GIVE UP! Don’t be discouraged if a publishing house turns you down. Just keep trying to find another one.
- What is your favorite line from your book?
I don’t have a favourite line, but I love when the Inspector starts to dream.
- To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
I didn’t know who the murderer would be in my third novel until the book was almost written. That was a new experience for me, but it kept writing fascinating for me too.
- What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
I prefer real-life. Fictional flings lead to unhealthy expectations for real-life love and romance.
- Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
No, writing is hard work and no doubt about it. And, sometimes, you do get stuck. When this happens, I usually take some time for myself, a 30-minute pause with some hot chocolate or tea and then try again. If you want to finish a book, you have to write every day, even if it is only half a page.
- What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Reading, tap-dancing, dancing, painting, cooking, baking, etc.
Books by Marie Anders – Quentin Neuner Series
About the Author
