Q1. Tell me about yourself?
A. I'm a cozy mystery writer with four series and three active series. These are fun books to write because they're designed to be almost interactive for the readers. I set up the puzzle and the sleuth (cozy sleuths are always gifted amateurs) and the readers solve the murders together. I live in North Carolina, USA, and enjoy reading and writing.
Q2.What are your favorite books to read?
A. My most favorite books to read are mysteries, although I try not to read other cozies since I'm worried I'll accidentally be too influenced by them. I usually focus on thrillers and police procedural books as a reader. I also like a mix of other genres...YA, non-fiction, and some occasional lit-fic. Agatha Christie is probably my favorite author, although M.C. Beaton was a big influence on me and my writing.
Q3. When did you decide you were going to write a book?
A. I've known I wanted to be a writer since I was in second grade, although I didn't start seriously trying to write until about 1993. It took me a while to come up with a finished project in the right genre for me.
Q4. How did you come up with the name of your book?
A. Cozy mysteries are known for their punning titles and many of mine are puns. One of my upcoming books is a library series book called "Where There's a Will." It has a Shakespeare image on the cover and the title reference is to the murder victim's will (and the mystery that follows).
Q5. What are you working on for 2021?
A. For the rest of the year, I should have 3 more books out. I have Death of a Suitor, Where There's a Will, and Needled to Death
Q6. How long have you been writing?
A. Professionally, since about 2002. But I've been working on my writing for about 42 years.
Q7.What advice would you give other authors?
A. I would recommend making your goals something you can easily attain. It's better to keep goals reasonable and have a series of daily or weekly "wins" instead of the frustration of trying to reach a goal that's too difficult. Also, never try to catch up if you fall behind with your goals.
Q8. Where can people find you online?
I'm at elizabethspanncraig.com
and on Twitter: @elizabethscraig
Q9. What is your favorite coffee drink?
A. I love a vanilla chai latte! :)
Q10. What is your favorite coffee shop?
Dilworth Coffee Shop. I can't wait to start writing there again.
Q11. Do you plan on making a new book in the future?
A. My goal is usually 3-4 books a year.
Q12. How many books have you written?
A. I'm right at 40 books, total...42 if you count the two projects that will be releasing next.
Thanks for the opportunity, Angelika!
Elizabeth
Great interview!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read all 42 books but I've loved the ones I have read!