Interview With Author Joan Havelange
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canadian author, a world traveller and an enthusiastic golfer. I’ve acted in little theatre, and I have directed. I have found that writing is a lot like directing, except all my characters show up on time. And all know their lines. Although sometimes they do go off in a direction I hadn’t anticipated. Travelling to over 50 countries also helps with my writing. I have written two cozy mysteries that take place in countries I have visited. The biggest challenge to writing travel cozies is not to make them a travel log. And I have succeeded. My readers tell me that they see the country through my protagonist’s eyes. But it doesn’t take away from the mystery.
I have written four cozy mysteries. One thriller and a historical mystery. My Cozy mysteries are Wayward Shot, Death and Denial, The Trouble with Funerals, The Suspects, Murder Exit Stage Right. The thriller Moving is Murder was published in September of last year. My Historical mystery is The Séance Murders. The launch date is April.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Moving is Murder was published in September of last year. Writing cozy mysteries is great fun. And my readers enjoy them. My thriller, Moving is Murder, starts out like a cozy, then takes a 90-degree turn. My inspiration was what would happen if my protagonist’s instincts were off the mark and she trusted the wrong person.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write every day for at least two hours. In the winter, I write in the morning after going to the gym. In the summer I write in the afternoon. I golf in the morning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Yvonne Rediger, Linwood Barclay, MC Beaton, Richard Osman, Mick Herron.
What are you working on now?
The Blonde Widow
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book clubs on Facebook and Twitter, now renamed X. And book newsletters like Awesome Gang. And guest blogs.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Keep writing. There are many books published every year. But none from your point of view.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The first draft is a story you’re telling yourself. Then edit, edit and then edit again.
What are you reading now?
Bad Actors by Mich Herron.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going back to the cozy mystery genre with The Blonde Widow. But I have fallen in love with writing thrillers. So stay tuned.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything by Richard Osman, Mich Herron or Yvonne Rediger.
Author Websites and Profiles
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