What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dead As A Dodo (A Birdie Byrnes Mystery)?
I’ve always loved amateur sleuth & cozy mysteries with a female protagonist. Years ago, I stumbled upon Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series – there were only two books at that time—and I’ve been a loyal reader ever since. Over the years, I’ve added quite a few other cozy authors to my reading pile and decided to try my hand at writing one. I live in South Florida, so Dead As A Dodo is set in Miami and the surrounding areas. As for Birdie’s occupation as a massage therapist, I’d never seen it done before. It gives her the opportunity to meet and help a lot of people and it requires real strength and endurance.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Dead As A Dodo (A Birdie Byrnes Mystery), what would they be?
I love this question! The characters in this book go to The Pickled Pelican for Monday Night Karaoke. These are their picks:
Birdie – “I Will Survive”
Callie and Luca – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (hint: but not with each other)
Detective Stephens – “My Way”
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genres to read are cozy mystery and romantic comedy. Having a little humor injected into my life is a good thing. I’d written a couple romcoms and recently decided to try writing a mystery. Dead As A Dodo is the first book in the Birdie Byrnes cozy mystery series. It was a blast to write!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’m reading Jana DeLeon’s Unlucky after devouring every book (so far) in the Miss Fortune series. And, I’m impatiently waiting for Julie Mulhern’s Tight Rope, the 19th book in The Country Club Murders series that is due out in March.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Hmm…I do love the scenes when Birdie is investigating with her best friend Callie. One of my favorites is when they decide to do a stake out on their prime suspect one night. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll just say they’re persistent amateurs!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I do, but it’s a secret. If I told you, I might jinx myself. *wink*
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I’m optimistic and try to see the glass as ¾ full, because it’s better than ½, right? Even so, everyone has their share of hard days, months, or years. There’s always something to be thankful for and when you find it, that will make those hard times better.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The name of the series, so they can find the second book—LOL. But seriously, to save herself, Birdie must go completely outside of her comfort zone. In doing that, she emerges a much stronger person with a few new skills. I believe everyone can become stronger by going outside their comfort zone. Maybe that’s why I decided to write a cozy mystery.
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