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Behind the Writing of Drowning in Academia

Tell us about the background for the theme, what inspired it or why you wanted to write in this setting, or with play with these tropes?

I based this book on my children’s summer swim team.

Are any of your characters based on real people you know?

Write what you know, they always told me. So the main character is based on me. I’m addicted to Coca-cola, homeschooled my children, and love swimming.

Were there any alternate endings you considered?

I write and publish slow because I have to have the perfect ending. In this book, I wrote Rainbow into a corner, and worked hard to find the right way to get her out. That takes time until the right idea turns on the bulb. Then I wonder why it took me so long to figure that out. LOL

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book?

Everything- my first rough draft is always rough. I start with 50K words and this one almost doubled at 94K.

What special knowledge or research was required to write this book?

Pool chemicals, homeopathic plants, and many other things. One reason I love writing is to learn all the things I need to know for the different characters’ interests.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Family. Love them if you have them.

A recipe to go with the book:

Jello cookies. Though this is mentioned more in the first book, it is the one thing Rainbow can bake- and everyone in town wonders what the secret ingredient is. She doesn’t call them Jello cookies, though, because that would be telling too much. It’s just her mother’s cookies. True Fact: This recipe is real. I found a jello cookies recipe in my mother’s cook books after she died. I don’t remember her ever making them, but I make it with my children all the time.

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Synopsis:

In the world of scientific discovery, data can be deadly.

Homeschooling mom, Rainbow Bailey, has her hands full with her twin boys. When her best friend asks for help with an underwater science experiment, Rainbow won’t pass up the opportunity to get the kids out of the house.

But what she thinks is a simple scuba test run by a visiting student from the local college soon turns into a deadly take on the scientific method.

When circumstances point the blame toward Rainbow’s godson, she and the boys must test their own theory to prove otherwise.

Can they catch the true killer before they become the next test subjects?

If you like cozy mysteries with a small-town flair, realistic characters and a taste of murder, you’ll love Patty Joy’s Homeschool Cozy Mystery series. Grab your copy of book 2 in the series now!

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