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Behind the Writing of Welcome to Spicetown

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 prefer a senior sleuth and a mystery without murder, so I wrote what I like to read.

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

No, but they are a collection of many people I’ve met over the years

Tell us about character traits that were fun or hard for you to include in the book.

There is a budding romance in this book and that is not something I usually include, so it was harder for me to blend into the story.

Were there any alternate endings you considered?

no

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

The closing scenes involving the truth telling and the punishment.

Which of the side characters would you love to explore more, or turn into a main character in another series?

I have written spin-off series on several of the characters and have more to write.

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

I worked in a small town sheriff’s office, so much of the law enforcement story line is from my experience.

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

A cozy feeling and a personal interest in the characters of the town so they will want to continue reading about their lives.

Was there something major that happened in your personal life while writing this?

no

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Synopsis:

When a crime stopper senior citizen starts to act oddly, a new business sells fake products and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display disappears, Mayor Cora Mae Bingham and the Spicetown Police Chief Conrad Harris have to get involved.

Cora keeps an eye on her quaint small town nestled in the southern hills of Ohio. Although Spicetown is sprinkled with culinary street names, stores full of spices, and quaint life-long citizens, out-of-towners can bring in a dicey element.

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