Guest Post - C.G. Abbot

I have the author of the suspense thriller The Society with us today.  If you have ever wondered what goes into writing a book and the uncertainty authors wade through, this post sheds a light on the situation.  

How “The Society” Almost Got Thrown Out by C.G. Abbot

The Elizabeth Grant thriller, The Society, was nearly one of those manuscripts that sat in drawer gathering dust.  It started nearly fifteen years ago and the plot and concept evolved over the years.  Initially, I wanted to use repressed memories slowly surfacing to reveal the secret society and conspiracy.  Over the years that changed to a very reluctant young woman who sees ghosts.  Her ability isn’t welcome and she fears it is a myriad of other problems from mental illness to a brain tumor.  Once that element settled in I was writing in earnest.

As part of my author journey I joined a critique group and scenes/concepts were challenged.  I learned what worked and what needed work.  I grew as a writer and the plot was strengthened as a result.  I gained support for my story, which became key later.  But, I took a side trip and wrote not just one, but three cozy mysteries under a pen name since they were very different styles.  Even though The Society was back-burnered, I was still working on it and the first draft was three-fourths done when history stepped in.

For the first time in modern history, the KKK openly endorsed a presidential candidate and it didn’t adversely hurt the candidate’s campaign.  Doubts assailed me that my book I’d spent years growing and working on was now passé.  Who would believe you needed a secret society to enact a white nationalist agenda when it seemed you could openly run?  I feared my carefully cultivated book that I deeply wanted to see completed and published was now too dated.

That’s when my fellow writers and critique partners continued

to encourage me to finish the last chapters and plow through the edits.  They persisted through my waffling and doubts until I relented.  Rather than my plot being dated, I realized it was actually very timely and “ripped from the headlines” without my intending to make it that way.  

The Society almost didn’t get finished, let alone published.  Looking back, I am so grateful for all the persistent encouragement to finish the book I had spent years laboring over.

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The Society by C.G. Abbot

When Elizabeth Grant sees her childhood friend, she is
thrown into a world of secret societies laced with conspiracies.
     Elizabeth has been plagued with visions since the disappearance of Loralie. When she returns to the small town of her childhood, she’s unaware that she’s walking into the middle of what killed her friend.
     Unknown to the rest of the world, The Society for a Restored America has been preparing to seize control of the government through manipulation of a national crisis. The Society's membership has already infiltrated the government and military at the highest levels. The only thing between them and success is Elizabeth Grant.
     Elizabeth must accept her special gift and stay alive long enough to uncover the Society's dark plot to seize control from a nation that blindly supports them.

Reviews of The Society
"The Society was a well written book that made what could have been a crazy conspiracy theory into a thrilling plot that did not fail to grab my attention for a single moment. This book was an amazing thriller with a great cast of characters that all had their own unique backgrounds that clearly showed off the author's talent of bringing together plots and characters into one amazing story!" Sefina Hawk's Books 

"Such a strong read! I love diving into the world of secret societies and conspiracies but often find myself lost with the intricate details. C.G. Abbot kept me intrigued without getting me lost in the details. It was so real-feeling that I had goosebumps! Every page turn led to another piece of the puzzle that left me wanting more. I'm so glad I was able to start this series - definitely a keeper!" Lynchburg Mama 

"The Society was filled with plots to take over the government and the one person that could stand in their way being there at just the right time to just maybe make a difference. Elizabeth Grant was a strong female character who had no idea what she was walking into, yet with so much on the line she had to persevere. It was her perseverance that really made her such an amazing character that kept my interest for the whole book." Books for Books

 #TheSociety #SuspenseThriller

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Author Interview - Catherine Dilts

Last week I reviewed the debut novel in the new Rock Shop mysteries (click here).  Publishers Weekly calls her novel Stone Cold Dead – A Rock Shop Mystery, an “enjoyable debut,” and that “readers will look forward to seeing more of this endearing and strong protagonist.” 

This week we feature an interview with the author, Catherine Dilts.  To Ms. Dilts, rock shops are like geodes – both contain amazing treasures hidden inside their plain-as-dirt exteriors.  Catherine works as an environmental scientist, and plays at heirloom vegetable gardening, camping, and fishing. She has published short fiction in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, but this is her first mystery series.  Please welcome Ms. Catherine Dilts to M&MM.
  

Why do you write? Do you love it or love having done it? What motivates you?

I have been writing stories since I was old enough to hold a pencil. The process of getting that first rough draft down is difficult, yet exciting. During the writing process, I sometimes experience what other writers call being in the zone. I’m completely immersed in my story, and the words seem to flow effortlessly. The feeling is similar to runner’s high. Of course, like running, writing is most often hard work. One my favorite moments is typing “the end,” not because I’m finished, but for the sense of accomplishment. I definitely like the writing. The end product is a bonus.

Part of my motivation is the desire to write the stories I want to read. Another is that I have always loved to read, and writing justifies spending more time in the world of books. There is also the dream that I can eventually quit my day job to write full time.

What is your routine when you're facing your next novel? Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim, or a plot idea?

A story or novel begins to form when a snippet of a scene pops into my head. Stone Cold Dead was inspired by a visit to a rock shop, but the scene that got the story rolling came to mind while I was hiking. I felt very alone that day. Having once seen a dog on that trail that strongly resembled a bear, the dangers of hiking went through my mind. I played with several “what if” scenarios, arriving at an encounter with a body. I tried to capture that feeling of vulnerability in my novel.

Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc.) before sitting down and writing?

I need a road map before I get started. I create a combination outline and timeline. Once I get into the story, I toss my map aside and head cross country. I need to know where I’m going before I can start writing, but at some point the characters take over. What makes sense in the skeletal form of the outline doesn’t work when fleshed out with characters who have their own histories and motivations.

What do you and Morgan Iverson have in common? How are you different?

There are several things I share with my novel’s protagonist. Both Morgan and I experienced dramatic midlife changes, and ended up in places we did not expect. Like Morgan, my children are grown. The transition from mother to a woman free of parenting responsibilities left us both with a case of empty nest syndrome. Also like Morgan, I was wrangled into participating in 5K races in my forties.

Where we differ is that Morgan finds her new life in a rock shop. I threw myself into my writing. I had been writing, on and off, but now I had the time to get serious about getting published. Morgan Iverson is unique character, and the rest of the crew is great as well.

What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write? How do you handle minor characters?

I have tried creating character biographies in the past, and that just didn’t work for me. I learn who my characters are by putting them in situations and watching what happens. I do keep a spreadsheet with names, ages, occupations, defining physical features, that sort of thing, in an attempt at consistency. I usually develop that as I go.

I have to be careful not to let minor characters run away with the story. They can be fun. Like Del, the old cowboy who hangs around the rock shop. He began as a minor character. By the end of the story, he had grown into a secondary character. Writing short stories has helped me unleash some quirky characters in their own brief tales. If someone demands too much attention, I might move him or her to a short story, like Trudy in my short story Tweens. She was too strong to remain in the background of someone else’s story. 

Do you have anything special you do before writing,

particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

I work full time. One thing I learned about three years ago is that I cannot afford to place limitations on myself. If I have fifteen minutes to write, I have to use that time whether I am feeling creative or not. If I have to write in the car or in the lunchroom at work, so be it. My happiest writing time was in a tent in the mountains. (see tent photo) In nice weather, I like to sit on the deck with my laptop. Other writers may wait patiently for their muse to inspire them. I have to lasso and hogtie mine.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

I try to get up early enough on work days to write for a few minutes before heading off to my day job. When I get home, I might work from thirty minutes to two hours or more. Sundays are my best chance for a writing marathon, when I can go for a five or six hour stretch. I keep a writing log, so if I am not spending enough time writing, I will see it. Kind of like the jar idea in your January 3 blog, Ariel. We need to keep track of our goals in concrete ways. Of course, there are interruptions in my schedule. Holidays, family events, home improvement projects. But I try to get back on track as quickly as possible.

What in your background prepared you to write mysteries?

Other than a curious mind, not much. To make up for that lack of training, I attended our county DA’s Citizen’s Academy, and I read writer’s forensics and police procedure books. There are resources galore on the internet, including blogs and loops, from which to learn. And of course writing groups like Mystery Writers of America and Sisters In Crime (SinC).

In literature (not your own) who is your favorite mystery/suspense character?

Dorothy Gilman’s Mrs. Pollifax series was the first to capture my heart. I like characters who are much more than they appear to be on the surface.

Which author has influenced or inspired you the most?

That is impossible to say. I have an English degree with an emphasis on literature. Every author I have read influenced me in some way. I particularly like American authors. I read Moby Dick twice, once for a class, and again for fun. I love the modern Western mystery authors like Margaret Coel, James Doss, and Craig Johnson. There are so many people writing good mysteries set in the American West, I won’t try to start naming them all.

Tell us about your next book in the series - or next project? What is your biggest challenge with it?

I am working on the next book in my rock shop mystery series. Staying true to the tone of book one is my biggest challenge so far. I’m also coming up with enough ideas for three or four books, so I have to stay focused on the main plot, and save some stuff for future books.

My next short story “Tweens” appears in the May issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, which will be available starting February 25.

Do you have a newsletter or blog for readers to stay informed of your news? 

My blog is on my website at http://www.catherinedilts.com/

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Thank you Ms. Catherine Dilts for the interview.  I too am a Mrs. Pollifax fan and agree on there being so many worthy  American West mystery authors!

Review - To Hell in a Handbasket

This week I review a fellow Colorado resident's work.  I don't know how I managed to miss the first novel in this series, but here is the second book in this Colorado based series by Beth Groundwater.  Join us in Colorado for some murder and mayhem.

Author: Beth Groundwater

Copyright:  November 2012 (Midnight Ink) 312 pgs

Series:  2nd in Claire Hanover Mystery

Sensuality:  mild foreplay mentions

Mystery Sub-genre:  Amateur Sleuth

Main Character:  Claire Hanover, part-time gift basket creator

Setting:  Modern Day, Breckenridge Colorado

Obtained Through:  from publisher for an honest review

Claire Hanover, her husband, and her daughter Judy are in Breckenridge skiing.  Judy has been away in France for college and this is an opportunity for the family to spend time together.  Except Judy's new boyfriend, Nick Contino, and his family are also staying in Breckenridge.  The book opens with Nick's sister, Stephanie, joining the Hanovers on the slope.  The skiing turns tragic when Stephanie dies from hitting a tree, but Claire notices a few things that causes her to believe somebody purposely ran Stepanie into that tree.  

Because Stephanie had skied ahead of the rest, they did not see what happened.  But there was a hot dog snowboarder who is either the prime suspect or a witness.  Claire begins to ask around while Judy is comforting Nick and his mother.  Nick's father, Anthony, seems increasingly despondent over Stephanie's death.  Judy and Claire have struggles as mother and daughter, which only gets worse when Claire feels that Judy is in danger and is in protective mode.  But none of the Hanovers could have imagined the truth behind Stephanie's death and just how dangerous it will get for all of them.

I loved having a realistic middle-aged woman who is assertive and wrestling with an empty-nest for the main character.  She was well balanced between the aches and pains that come with an active person getting older and a gutsy woman who will go to any length for her family.  Claire's husband, Roger, is a good guy with a level head who balances Claire.  They make a cute couple stealing some romantic time.  Judy was my least liked character.  Occasionally she would act more like a huffy teen than a blossoming woman who attends college in Europe.  The breakout character was Leon, the crime boss Claire met previously (book one) and turns to for information on what she suspects is going on.  Leon is dangerous, but seems to respect Claire on some level.  I also liked Detective Owen Silverstone who is leading the investigation into Stephanie's death.  Claire and the detective manage to understand each other with only a few tense moments, which is a refreshing alternative to the common cop boyfriend or the adversary cop.

The Colorado high country and ski slopes and portrayed intimately and faithfully.  Beauty, cold, snow, and wilderness all give a good backdrop for the action.  Their is plenty of action with close calls, hair's breadth escapes, and chases that moved this to "amateur sleuth" status in my mind.

The plot has international implications, which gives it more of a dose of heightened drama than a typical murder mystery without a cop as the central character.  The investigation process moved along smoothly and kept my interest fully engaged.  The reader is doled out pieces and information along with Claire, and that doesn't allow for getting ahead of Claire much in figuring out the overall puzzle.  The investigation and revelations were nicely done, fostering the maximum reader investment by the climax.

The climax had its edge-of-your-seat moments that were well thought out and executed.  The wrap-up had its touching aspects and felt complete.   

This was a great adventure murder mystery that will be hard to top.  I am already looking forward to the next book in the series to see where Ms. Groundwater will take Claire and what she will throw at her. 

Ratings:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

This video is from January 2011, but gives a good overview of the setting for the mystery.

Author Interview - Margaret Coel

Mysteries and My Musings is immensely grateful that Margaret Coel agreed to honor us with an interview.  You can read the review of her latest novel, The Spider's Web, here.  She is a fellow native Coloradan who hails from a pioneer Colorado family. The West — the mountains, plains, and vast spaces — are in her bones, she says. 

Along with the Wind River mystery series, Margaret Coel is the author of five non-fiction books including the award-winning Chief Left Hand, published by the University of Oklahoma Press. This biography of an Arapaho chief and history of the Arapahos in Colorado has never gone out of print. The Colorado Historical Society recently included Chief Left Hand among the best 100 books on Colorado history.

She writes in a small study in her home on a hillside in Boulder. The window frames a view of the Rocky Mountains and the almost-always blue sky. A herd of deer are usually grazing just outside, and one summer a couple of years ago, a mountain lion made its home closeby.

"Every day,"she says, "I drink in the West."  

- Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

I always start with the plot idea, usually just a tiny spark of something I think would be interesting to write about.  For The Spider's Web, the tiny idea was that of an outsider arriving on the Wind River Reservation and bringing murder, chaos and distrust in her wake.  I let the idea float round for awhile, asking myself a lot of "what if?" questions.  What if the outsider is a psychopath?  What if the Arapahos blame her for the murder of an Arapaho man?  What if she appears to be innocent?   What if Father John senses something dangerous in her?  And what if Vicky takes her as a client?  How will that affect Vicky's relationship with her people?  With Father John?  Eventually, the tiny spark grows into the plot of the novel. 

- Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc) before sitting down and writing?

I don't do a true outline.  Rather, it is more like a road map.  I map out where I'm going to start, how I'm going to go, and where I intend to end up.  What I never know until I get into the writing itself is what adventures my characters may have along the way, what marvelous things might develop that I hadn't foreseen.  But with my road map, the characters can't ever go too far afield.  At the same time, I think you always have to leave room for the surprises, because they can be wonderful.

- What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write?

I begin by jotting down obvious facts about the character.  Physical description, hair and eye color, little ticks, background and education--all that kind of thing.  I ask myself, what is it this character WANTS?  Then I start writing, and I find that I learn all kinds of things about my characters as I write about them.  With The Spider's Web, Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden make their fifteenth appearance, and you know what?  I am still learning new things about them.  

- How do you find time for writing, what works for you - and do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

 I think of my writing as a job, and like any job, I do it everyday, except for Sundays (usually).  About the only ritual I have is that I walk three miles every morning before I start work.  I find walking not only loosens my muscles, it seems to loosen my brain and gets the ideas flowing.  While I love music, I prefer to work in silence.  Just me and my characters having a conversation.

- What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

 I write in my office at home, and I try to get to the "office" by 9 am. and write 4 or 5 hours.  Then I spend a couple hours on the business part of the writing business, dealing with agents, editors, publicists, emails, speaking requests and so on.  Also I do a lot of research for each novel, so I spend time reading and gathering information on the internet.  Makes for very full days that usually don't end until 6 p.m. or so.  I can write a novel in 6 months or less.  But each year, I not only write a novel, I write short stories, essays, book reviews, book introductions--all kinds of pieces.

- What in your background prepared you to write mystery novels?

Absolutely nothing.  Except for the fact that I always loved to read mystery novels from the time I discovered Nancy Drew--and that was a long time ago.  I have always followed the advice I was given years ago by a writing teacher:  Write what you love to read.  I love to read history, and I wrote four history books.  I love to read biography and wrote a biography.  I love to read mysteries---so there you are.

- How did you get your first break toward getting published?  Was it at a writer's conference or mailing a query letter etc?

My experience was different for the non-fiction/history books, which I wrote, submitted to the publishers myself, and had them accepted. 

To sell a mystery novel, I knew I would need an agent.  First, I wrote the novel, The Eagle Catcher.  Not until I had the completed novel did I put on my business cap and go out to sell it. Remember, you can't sell something that doesn't exist!   I attended conferences where I met agents and editors.  I did a lot of networking among my writer friends. And, yes, I sent out queries.   Through all of that I located my first agent who not only sold The Eagle Catcher to Berkley Publishing, but got me a contract for the next two novels.   

- What are you currently reading?

 Innocent, by Scott Turow.  It is excellent.

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

  I can't write without my cup of tea. I've been known to drive to the grocery just for tea because I was out.   No tea, no writing.

- Do you participate in a critique group (or have you in the past?) What are the pros and cons of critique groups?

  I was part of a critique group when I started writing my first novel, The Eagle Catcher.  I found the experience very helpful.  We met every two weeks and brought a part of our chapters to read.  I learned a lot about what was working and what wasn't in my novel from the other members' comments.  The time came when I felt confident to strike out on my own, but  I recommend critique groups as a way to get started. At the very least, you always  have to write something for the next meeting, so it spurs you on.  No excuses.

Thank You Ms. Coel for that great interview!!

Please leave comments and show Ms. Coel our appreciation for her time.

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