Interview with Laura Childs,
author of the just-released-in-paperback Egg Drop Dead
What genre do you write?
I’m in what’s called the “cozy” genre – and I write this way for a reason. I think many women are tired of thriller-killer-slasher-type books. These books focus on violence against women – and women simply don’t want that on their nighttime reading tables. They’re looking for a respite, a story where the female characters are smart, savvy, and caring. Cozies by nature are mysteries that feature a sort of “bloodless murder” and where the bad guy (or girl) is brought to justice in the end.
How did you come to write cozies?
Even though I was CEO of an advertising agency, I began writing fiction on evenings and weekends. Over the course of three years I turned out three screenplays and two thrillers. The screenplays all got looked at by Hollywood production companies that eventually passed, the novels never got published. Then I took one more shot. I wrote a first chapter and a forty-page outline called Death by Darjeeling, what would be my first Tea Shop Mystery. That book not only got published, it hit big time – enough so that I could sell my ad agency and become a full time mystery writer. Now I’m thrilled to say that I’ve written more than forty novels with three more in the works!
What is your favorite character to write about?
I just adore Suzanne, the main character in my Cackleberry Club Mysteries. She’s a smart, savvy entrepreneur who lost her husband and then found love later in life. She’s also a clever lady who can step in and unravel a good murder mystery.
Do you have a favorite villain in any of your books?
I love all my villains. I always try to make them extremely duplicitous – definitely on the spectrum of being a sociopath. That way, they can play a role as a major character but are eventually unmasked and brought to justice in the end.
What inspires your books?
Absolute fear. Fear of not coming up with a good story. Fear of missing a publishing deadline.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m always writing. Besides the Cackleberry Club Mysteries, I write the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and the Afton Tangler Thriller series.
Well, actually, when I have a bit of free time I like to travel and read.
Do you have any new books coming out or books you want to share?
I sure do. Egg Drop Dead was just released in paperback, then I have Plum Tea Crazy (Tea Shop Mystery) coming out in March 2018, Glitter Bomb (Scrapbook Mystery) the following October, and Eggs on Ice (Cackleberry) in December.
Do you have a favorite drink?
Since I’m often writing about tea, I’m usually drinking it, too!
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could take three things with you, what would they be?
A toothbrush, fishing line, and a water purifying kit. Wait, that’s way too practical. How about lip gloss, a Chanel jacket, and diamond earrings?
BIO:
Laura Childs is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, New Orleans Scrapbooking Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced a reality TV show. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese and Japanese art history, enjoys travel, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Find out more at www.laurachilds.com
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