Jury Duty is Murder Virtual Book Tour

 Get Cozy with Kate Damon

At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication? 

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer.  I wrote my first book in 6th grade and felt so accomplished as the book was 19 pages long!  In my teens, I entered the Seventeen Magazine writing contest every year but never placed.  If that wasn’t discouraging enough, I flunked a high school English class, and my teacher told me not to even think about being a writer. Fortunately, the writing urge never left me, but it wasn’t easy.  I wrote four books before catching an editor’s eye.

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? 

I’m usually on deadline, so no matter how good the new idea is, I have no choice but to finish the work in progress.

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?  

In Jury Duty is Murder, CeeCee is an exotic dancer, a profession that often requires a strong and assertive demeanor. This bold exterior serves as a protective layer, enabling her to navigate the challenges of her environment. Her ability to command attention and exude self-assurance reflects not only her skills as a performer but also her desire to be seen and appreciated in a world that can often be judgmental.  However, beneath this confident facade lies a profound vulnerability. This internal struggle adds depth to her character, making her relatable and human.

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?

I write by the seat of my pants. All I need is an opening sentence. A writer friend was so shocked by the way I wrote, she made me sit down and write an outline. The problem was, once I knew where the story was going, I had no desire to write the book.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing a mystery? 

Jury Duty is Murder was a challenge to write because I’ve written 46 western romances.  This is a contemporary mystery, so I had to watch the lingo.  No “shucks, shooting irons or tenderfoots” allowed.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience as a teacher in your writing?

I believe my experience as a teacher proved to be a big help in preparing me as a writer. Both professions require strong communication skills. Effective communication is essential for conveying ideas clearly and engaging an audience.

 In addition, both professions require patience.  Teachers often deal with diverse student needs and varying paces of learning, while writers may face writer’s block or the need for multiple revisions before achieving a polished final product. Then there’s the creativity aspect.  Teachers must constantly look for creative ways to present lessons that meet student needs.  Just as writers must find way to resonate with their audience.

Describe the book in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

 Four former jurors, once at odds, join forces to track down a killer.  (That’s ten words, right?)

Share some advice for aspiring authors. 

My advice would be to join a writing group, preferably in your genre. I don’t know if I would have become a published author without the support and knowledge I gained from my writing club.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I realized years ago that writer’s block often signals an issue with my story, as indicated by my subconscious. By revisiting the last chapter I wrote, I can typically identify and resolve the underlying problem.