Cathy Elliott Interview

Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?

A: I’ve been writing with serious intent since the fall of 2000. Before that, I consider myself to have been in training, though honing the craft is a lifetime pursuit. Working in a community college library for many years, a favorite perk was to put my name in a new book while it was still being processed. I always laid claim to the most current writing books. And to the latest issue of The Writer, unsuspectingly educating myself along the way. So my library job provided a lot of what I needed to write.

Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why?

A: So far, my published books are cozy mysteries. I’m a great connoisseur of mysteries of all sorts: police procedurals, true crime, detective novels, and those featuring the amateur sleuth. I think writing in the latter genre works for my writing style. But I’m open to trying new things and have a romance in the works.

Q: How does your faith play into your writing?

A:  It is central. God is the Giver of ideas and opens doors for me that I could not open myself. I belong to a wonderful Christian writer’s group called Quills of Faith. We encourage and pray for one another often. And I try and weave a quiet theme throughout all my books – that God is Light. I long for Him to be present on every page, even if His name is never mentioned.

Q: How do you choose your settings for your books?

A: For two of my books, A Vase of Mistaken Identity and A Stitch in Crime, the setting is a mythical, surviving Gold Rush town in Northern California. Because I wanted the books to have a nostalgic feel, I fashioned Larkindale from a blend of many small towns where I have antiqued. The second book, Medals in the Attic, was the second in a continuity series where the books all share the same characters and setting, but written by different authors. That setting was assigned by the publishing house – a challenge, indeed.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A: A little of both. Thea is a mix of a few people I know. But she is also a fictive character, her own person. Uncle Nick is based on someone that I admire as a husband, with a sprinkle of various imaginary men. None are totally fashioned after a real person, or a fictional character.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, A Vase of Mistaken Identity?

A: Happy to do so. Let me copy the back cover copy for an overview:

Thea James, proprietress of James & Company Antique Emporium, never thought murder would come to her small, surviving Gold Rush town of Larkindale. But when the Larkindale Lamplight reports the discovery of a body during the renovation of Larkin Lake Resort, Thea is caught up in the mystery.

Her world is further frenzied when she acquires a vintage vase from the town’s only homeless person. Thea finds a puzzling list tucked inside with four names written in a faded scrawl: two childhood friends from a summer camp, her sister Rosie, and . . . her own name!

When the first woman on the list ends up in a coma and another mysteriously disappears, Thea knows she must save herself and her sister from harm. Her attempt to eliminate the vicious threat on their lives propels Thea to places she never wanted to visit.

Will she discover the connection before tragedy strikes?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

A: I read a newspaper clip about some folks who bought a long abandoned house to remodel. Far up inside the fireplace, they found a skeleton. Obviously he’d been there a long time. Who was he? And why was he stuck in the fireplace? It started me thinking….

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: That faith, family, and friends are the most valuable things of all. I also hope they will remember an enjoyable time in the little town of Larkindale, a place that collectively takes care of their homeless person, Picker Pete, and features delightful folks you can’t wait to visit again.

Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book.

A: Thea James, my protagonist, is my favorite. She’s clumsy but kind, scared of her own shadow but also brave. I love her honesty and sense of humor. Another special character is Gram, Thea’s bumbling, British War Bride grandmother who wears crazy hats in solidarity with the Queen. I never know what Gram will say. She tickles me.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: Though I’m not ready to talk much about them…yet…I do have a couple mystery series in the works. And that romance I mentioned. We’ll see what God has planned.

Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why?

A: After growing up on regular doses of Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, and Agatha Christie, I’m an Anglophile to the core. So…dream trip? Across England, through all the cities and villages, along the Cornish coast, enjoying the history and beauty…antiquing all the way!

Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done?

A: While working in the library, I once answered the phone at work with my bad Swedish accent, attempting a joke on a colleague. “Yah, shure…und kin I help yer?” But it wasn’t my friend on the line; it was a patron calling for assistance. What could I do? I couldn’t tell her I was goofing off.

I made a madcap decision and stayed in character, continuing my “Hans and Franz” show. “Yah, yah. I tink yer neetin’ duh reference desk. Yust holt on dere und I’ll transfer yer call.” Acting as normal as possible, I transferred the call amid incredulous stares from nearby staff. Then upon hang up, I fell apart laughing with embarrassment and relief. The incident would become break-room fodder by the end of the day.

Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done?

A: There are a couple of personal trials that have been difficult to endure or overcome. But rather than talk about those – we ALL have those – I must say the hardest thing I’ve done is to write a book. I was told early on that its much more work than I could imagine. Very true! It’s the hardest thing, but also the best thing.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: Website & Occasional Blog: www.cathyelliottbooks.com

Facebook: Author Cathy Elliott cathyelliottbooks.com

Twitter: @CathyElliott10

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cathyelliott10/

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A:  Just to say how much I appreciate you having me on The Suspense Zone. Thanks so much. It’s been a pleasure.